International Day of Cooperatives - Turkey

Contributed by Mr. Unal Ornek, the foreign relations and project coordinator for the Forest Cooperatives Central Union (ORKOOP)

2015 International Cooperatives Day celebrations were held in Turkey as well as in other countries around the world on July 4. Activities such as meetings and exhibitions were held to raise awareness about cooperative society. These activities were organised by the ORKOOP central union and affiliated regional unions and primary cooperatives across the country to put forward the socio-economic importance of cooperatives. The work of the cooperatives was showcased and the cooperative problems and solutions were announced. Television programs were made about cooperatives and important issues were written about in newspapers and magazines. Banners were also prepared and displayed throughout the cities.

ORKOOP President Cafer Yuksel joined a national television program to explaine the importance of the day. He spoke about agricultural cooperatives work in the world and in Turkey. He explained why the cooperative model is important in rural areas. He said that cooperatives are important for the solution to the global problems of the 21st century, Cooperatives will play an important role in solving the problems through their solidarity and cooperation as well as through their respect for humanity and the environment. He asserted that politicians in the country should be more active in solving the problems of cooperatives so that the organizations may continue to seek solutions for today’s problems.

Later, President Yüksel visited other cooperatives and government members affiliated with cooperatives for International Cooperative Day in Turkey.