Parabolic
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- Dec 3, 2013
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Cairo, September 2025 – The Global Solidarity Network has marked the International Day of South-South Solidarity with a thought-provoking cultural salon under its “Global Solidarity Talks” program. The event, themed “Cooperatives in the Global South,” was organized in line with the United Nations’ declaration of 2025 as the Year of Cooperatives under the slogan: “Cooperatives: The United Voice of the Global South for a Sustainable Future.”
Human-centered economics
The keynote speaker, Dr. Mohamed Abdel-Hakim Ibrahim, Chairman of the Social and Cooperative Economy Network for the Middle East and North Africa, opened the discussion with a fundamental question: “Why do we need cooperatives, and what form should they take?”
He argued that development must go beyond economic returns to embrace cultural, intellectual, and scientific dimensions. Drawing on the ideas of late economist Samir Amin, he described cooperatives as a pathway toward the “humanization of economics,” where growth is driven not by profit, but by solidarity, mutual responsibility, and democratic governance.
Dr. Abdel-Hakim highlighted how cooperatives emerged as a human response to the inequalities of the Industrial Revolution, offering principles such as voluntary membership, democratic control, education, and community concern. He also shared examples from Egypt’s agricultural sector, where cooperatives have improved farmers’ livelihoods and productivity.
Cooperatives driving development
Dr. Mohamed Sayaf, Senior Researcher at Egypt’s Agricultural Economics Research Institute and coordinator of the Global South Solidarity School, emphasized the role of cooperatives in addressing national and global challenges. In Egypt alone, agricultural cooperatives serve nearly 12.5 million people, alongside other cooperative models in crafts and consumer services.
Dr. Sayaf drew lessons from international experiences, citing Tanzania’s cooperative-led development in the 1960s as an inspiration for many Global South nations. He noted that strong legislation and effective organization remain crucial to sustaining cooperative impact across more than 20 sectors.
Shifting the focus to communications, Dr. Sally Saad, international consultant and lecturer in public relations, called for the creation of media cooperatives to amplify Global South voices on the international stage.
“These cooperatives can bridge the media gap and challenge the dominance of external agendas,” she said. By pooling resources and fostering collaboration, she explained, Global South media could produce authentic narratives reflecting local realities. She cited the Africa Climate Journalists Network (ACJN) as a successful example of cooperative-driven storytelling on climate issues.
Building etnworks of solidarity
Hassan Ghazaly, founder of the Global Solidarity Network, reflected on the broader mission of the initiative. Since 2012, the network has launched projects such as the African Union Simulation Model, the “Afro-Media” initiative, the Bozoor public culture project, and the Solidarity of Nile Basin Peoples Project. Together, these efforts aim to foster dialogue, cultural exchange, and joint action across the Global South.
Wide Engagement and Recognition
The salon attracted lively participation, with attendees sharing cooperative experiences from across the Global South, including China. The event concluded with Hassan Ghazaly presenting a recognition award to Dr. Abdel-Hakim, followed by commemorative photos.
The “Cooperatives in the Global South” salon underscored a common message: cooperatives are not just economic tools, but human-centered institutions capable of shaping sustainable, inclusive futures for Global South communities.
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