On March 26, 2025, the International Raiffeisen Union took part as a guest in the Microfinance Lunch Break organized by Cera and the Belgian Raiffeisen Foundation (BRS) in Brussels, Belgium. This latest edition of the series focused on the power of cooperative models to address global development challenges through inclusive and sustainable finance.
The Microfinance Lunch Break series has become an important platform in Europe for bringing together cooperators, development practitioners, academics, and financial experts. By providing a space for informal yet insightful exchange, it allows participants to stay informed about current trends, share best practices, and strengthen partnerships across sectors that share a commitment to social impact and financial inclusion.
Keynote speaker Prof. Patrick Develtere – senior advisor at the European Political Strategy Centre and professor at KU Leuven – highlighted how cooperatives remain crucial actors in shaping fairer and more resilient societies. He noted:
“Cooperatives are more than just businesses – they are communities in action, providing people with the tools to take control of their future.”
The discussion also benefited from the thoughtful contributions of Joseph Njuguna Njuguna from the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), who shared perspectives on the global cooperative landscape and emphasized the need to strengthen local capacity and inclusive financial systems, particularly in the Global South. His remarks highlighted how partnerships between global and local cooperative actors can drive more impactful and sustainable development outcomes.
We valued the opportunity to gain fresh insights and connect with the broader cooperative finance community. The event once again underscored the ongoing relevance of cooperative principles in global development efforts.
