For the cooperatives world, as the most important strategy of the term in the next few decades, we propose “International Cooperatives Bank”.
Let’s take a look at today’s world. Socially and economically, borders between nations have been disappearing. Like the spread of the new typed coronavirus that hit the world in 2020, problems to be addressed on a global scale will increase covering whole planet, including rural areas. The goal of the Paris Agreement of substantially zero greenhouse gas emissions needs to be achieved between 2030 and 2040. For that purpose, the spread of organic farming, the reduction of chemical pesticides and fertilizers, and the expansion of renewable energy procurement will be promptly required in rural and urban areas. On the other hand, in the world, competition for funds by issuing ESG bonds are beginning to occur, and competition and division are accelerating again as in the period of Industrial Revolution.
In order to address these challenges that arise at the global level, we must avoid participating in any competition and division. Instead, all cooperatives in each country shall build stronger mutual help and solidarity between countries.
For example, all cooperatives systems that deal with challenges such as organic farming, reduction of chemical fertilizers and expansion of renewable energy will need a large amount of funding that they have never experienced. In this case, it may be effective to build an international framework that involved financial strength of cooperatives all over the world countries, and to provide long term and low interest rate financial support by each other, similar to the issuance of successful reconstruction bonds by the EU. On the other hand, in developed countries, human resources in rural areas are being depleted. In this case, there may be situations where the help of human resources and vitality from developing countries or urban areas of developed countries is effective for developed countries. In addition, providing opportunities for international business negotiationsAbout us that activate transactions of agricultural products, foods, etc. between cooperatives members and users in each country could enhance the self-standing of local economy regardless whether developed or developing country.