A Contract for a New Global Economy

A Contract for a New Global Economy sets out a shared vision from the world’s largest cooperatives and mutuals for how democratic, member-owned enterprises can contribute to a fairer, more sustainable global economy.

Published in 2025, the report brings together leadership commitments from the Cooperatives and Mutuals 50 (CM50) and positions the cooperative model as an essential partner for governments and multilateral institutions addressing inequality, climate change, and declining trust in institutions.

Report at a glance

• Publisher: International Cooperative Alliance and CM50 

• Year: 2025 

• Focus: Global economic renewal through cooperative enterprise 

• Geographic scope: International 

• Format: PDF report 

• Audience: Governments, multilateral institutions, cooperative leaders 

Why this report matters

This report is closely aligned with the United Nations International Year of Cooperatives 2025 and the lead-up to the Second World Summit for Social Development. It articulates how cooperatives and mutuals can act as long-term partners in delivering inclusive growth, resilience, and sustainable development at scale.

For New Zealand readers, the report provides forward-looking international context for emerging discussions about economic resilience, democratic enterprise, capital frameworks, and how different business models can support long-term national wellbeing.

Key themes explored

• A shared global vision for cooperative-led economic renewal

• Commitments by large cooperatives aligned to international cooperative principles

• Access to finance and cooperative-friendly capital pathways

• Education, leadership, and next-generation governance

• Cooperation among cooperatives and shared digital infrastructure

• Partnerships between cooperatives, governments, and multilateral institutions

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