The Raiffeisen Ambassador Pilot Training, organized by the IRU – International Raiffeisen Union, continued its successful journey with the completion of its third live exchange session on June 15. This session, centered around the theme “The Cooperative Difference,” gathered 25 participants from diverse IRU member organizations to explore the unique characteristics and transformative power of cooperatives.
During the session, the participants delved into the essence of the cooperative model and its distinguishing features. Dr. Amanda Benson from the CooperativeCollegeUK also joined as a distinguished expert, contributing her extensive knowledge and expertise in cooperative studies.
The session commenced with an engaging and interactive discussion round emphasizing how cooperative enterprises differentiate themselves from traditional business models by prioritizing member-driven decision-making, collective ownership, and a focus on societal impact. Through case studies and interactive discussions, participants examined real-life examples of cooperatives that have made a significant difference in their communities and sectors.
Dr. Amanda Benson’s participation brought valuable insights and perspectives from the CooperativeCollegeUK, enriching the discussions and providing participants with a deeper understanding of the cooperative principles and values that shape the cooperative difference.
Throughout the live exchange session, participants actively engaged in knowledge-sharing activities, sharing success stories, and exploring strategies to enhance the cooperative difference within their organizations. The diverse backgrounds and experiences represented within the group fostered stimulating discussions, enabling participants to learn from one another and gain valuable insights into cooperative practices worldwide.
“The third live exchange session emphasized the cooperative difference and highlighted the transformative potential of cooperatives,” expressed Korbinian März, IRU Coordinator. “The expertise of Dr. Amanda Benson further enhanced our understanding of the cooperative model and its impact on local communities and economies.”
The Raiffeisen Ambassador Pilot Training continues to empower participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to drive positive change through cooperative practices. The IRU remains committed to fostering cooperative leadership and promoting the cooperative difference on a global scale. The Raiffeisen Ambassador Pilot Training serves as a catalyst for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and capacity-building within the IRU member organisations and the cooperative movement in general.
