This is my first contribution to ACCORD News as ICA Communications Manager rather than in my former role as ACCORD?s General Manager. I commenced my new job on Monday 3 November 2003 at the ICA?s Head Office in Geneva, Switzerland.

So, at the time of writing I have been in my new position for all of 2 weeks! Is this sufficient time to make any worthwhile observations?

Yes, I think initial impressions are important.

Firstly, I have joined an organisation that is over a hundred-years old. One feels this sense of history. The ICA?s library and other records chronicle the role of co-operatives and co-operators worldwide. Many have played a pivotal role in establishing the ICA as a leading international NGO?s. This is an important legacy and one, which should be better known and celebrated. But, it is the current activities of the ICA and that of its members, which is most surprising.

The extent and breath of these activities is impressive, and to many largely unknown. So, in spite of having been involved in the Australian co-operative movement for over 25 years I am suddenly aware of how little direct experience I have of this vast international movement. There is virtually no country in the world where co-operatives do not exist. No matter the culture, political setting or economic circumstances, co-operatives seem to be able to survive. The ICA draws it members from a rich mix of over 100 countries. Understanding and communicating the results of their endeavors is part of my new job.

One of my first surprises was finding out the crucial role the ICA is playing in global development. Through its regional offices in Africa, the America?s, Asia and Europe the ICA is a major deliverer of development programs. These programs total many millions of dollars annually. In some cases these projects receive funding not only from international agencies, like ILO, and ADB but also from national co-operative movements. The latter case being an example of how the richer more developed co-operative movements are helping colleagues in less developed parts of the world.

I have always been aware that the ICA has an important role to play representing the interests of co-operatives globally. What comes, as a surprise is how connected the ICA is to key decision makers in these organisations. I have observed in what is probably a typical week the Director General and other ICA staff members meeting with senior representatives from the UN, World Bank, European Commission and national governments. This access and influence helps ensure the co-operative voice is heard and acted on in a wide variety of situations. The current issue of possible changes to international accounting standards is only one of many such matters that benefit from access to such networks. With access comes influence and the ability to put the co-operative case at an international level. As the Director General Iain Macdonald recently said, if the ICA didn?t exist someone would need to invent it. Seeing it working close up only confirms this view.

Geneva is not only home to the ICA but is also the European base for the United Nations ? the ILO is currently in session. A vast array of other NGO?s are also headquartered here. Approximately one in four workers is from outside Switzerland!

It is now autumn in Geneva. The city has something of the feel of Canberra mixed with inner city Melbourne and Sydney - a winning combination. It is not exactly a hardship post that is, if you bring your money with you!!!!

Garry Cronan
Communications Manager
International Co-operative Alliance
15, Route des Morillons
1218 Grand-Saconnex, Geneva
Switzerland

Tel: +41 (22) 929 88 27
Fax: +41 (22) 798 41 22
Email: cronan@ica.coop
Web site: http://www.ica.coop
http://www.coop.org

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