The IRU – International Raiffeisen Union kicked off its Raiffeisen Ambassador Pilot Training with a vibrant and engaging first live exchange session on April 24. The event brought together 25 participants from various IRU member organizations to delve into the fundamental practices and founding concepts of cooperatives.
Under the theme “First Practices and Founding Concepts of Cooperatives,” the live exchange session marked the beginning of an innovative training program aimed at cultivating a new generation of cooperative practitioners. The diverse group of participants represented a wide range of countries and organizations within the IRU network, creating a vibrant environment for knowledge sharing and collaboration. The live exchange session was expertly guided by Dr. Nazik Beishenaly, an expert from the Catholic University of Leuven, who brought a wealth of knowledge and experience in cooperative studies to the training. She further provided participants with valuable insights and practical strategies from her experience. IRU Coordinator Korbinian März guided through the session.
Drawing inspiration from the visionary ideas of Friedrich Wilhelm Raiffeisen, the training program aims to equip participants with a deep understanding of cooperative models, their purpose, and the transformative power they hold in creating sustainable economic and social change.
Throughout the session, participants actively participated in discussions, sharing best practices and exchanging experiences from their respective organizations. The interactive nature of the live exchange session allowed for meaningful networking opportunities and the establishment of valuable connections among participants.
“The opportunity to learn from fellow cooperators across the globe has been inspiring,” was expressed by a participant. “The rich diversity of perspectives and experiences in this training program highlights the immense potential for collaboration within the cooperative movement.”
The first live exchange session sets a promising precedent for the remainder of the Raiffeisen Ambassador Pilot Training, which will continue over the coming months. Participants will have the opportunity to delve deeper into various aspects of cooperative management, governance, and community development.
