As regards founding processes of The International Cooperatives Bank, we are studying founding processes of International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) as a model. ICRC has played a neutral role in the development of rules of war and promoting humanitarian norms. We think that The International Cooperatives Bank shall be required somewhat similar role as ICRC in the economic world where competitions are falling into too excess situation alike war.
As regards the birth of ICRC, on 17 February 1863, the five men held the first meeting of the Sub-committee and decided the Sub-committee should declare itself constituted a “Permanent International Committee”, which would thus continue to exist as an “International Committee for Relief of Wounded in the event of War” after its mandate from the Geneva Society for Public Welfare had expired. On 16 October 1990, the UN General Assembly decided to grant the ICRC observer status for its assembly sessions and sub-committee meetings. This was the first observer status given to a private organization.
As an option for The International Cooperatives Bank, in founding processes, it could be possible that some people taking initiatives should hold the first meeting of the Sub-committee and decide the Sub-committee should declare itself constituted “The International Cooperatives Bank”. At that case, we should consider whether the bank should exist as an entity based on some mandate from somewhat international treaty, whether the bank should be given observer status at the UN General Assembly, and so on.
The relationship with International Co-operative Banking Association (ICBA), which is established within The International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), may become an issue. We believe that The International Cooperatives Bank will basically become a member of the International Association of Cooperative Bankers.