Facing the Tipping Points Through Cooperative Innovation
The GICS 2025 program is built on a clear belief that cooperative and mutual enterprises are uniquely positioned to respond to crises and obstacles. Our world is at a turning point. From climate crises and deepening inequality to declining trust in institutions, we are facing monumental challenges — but also great potential for collective action and innovation.
We interviewed Joanne Lechasseur, GICS co-founder and Secretary General of the International Cooperative Innovation Network to share the story behind this year’s theme, what attendees can expect to achieve, and how they will co-create meaningful solutions together. Here’s what we learned:
QUESTION: When you and your partners were planning this conference in Portugal, what were you aiming to achieve?
Joanne Lechasseur (JL):
Our goal was clear: to create an international space where cooperatives and mutuals could not only reflect together, but above all, act together. Portugal, with its strong cooperative roots in the dynamic European setting, offered the perfect location for this ambition. We want every attendee to have concrete ideas to implement, create committed partnerships, or feel sparks of inspiration. This isn’t just a conference — it’s an innovation factory.
QUESTION: Why is this important in today’s global climate?
JL:
Because we no longer have the luxury of waiting. Ecological, social, and institutional crises are intensifying, and dominant models are falling short. The cooperative movement, with its long-term vision, transparency, and solidarity, offers a credible and human-centered alternative. But it must claim its full place on the global innovation stage. GICS 2025 is a call to collective responsibility and bold action.
QUESTION: Co-creating solutions is playing a big part in this event. How will this happen?
JL:
Co-creation is the heart of the program, built around three key pillars:
- Empowering people to act – We will equip participants and create the setting for them to take concrete action in their communities and sectors.
- Building trust together – During the event, we will foster authentic dialogue and transparency to establish and strengthen mutual understanding across cultures and regions.
- Co-creating inclusive and lasting change – Once we have empowered and built trust amongst the participants, they will co-create solutions focused on equity, sustainability, and real impact.
The Innovation Factories, workshops, and plenary sessions are all designed to put participants at the center of the process. So it won’t just be a time to share ideas. Together they will develop ideas, challenge each other and bring life to their collaborative solutions.
QUESTION: What will attendees experience during the two days of the conference?
JL:
They will experience something both intellectually stimulating and deeply human. The program blends inspiring plenaries, hands-on workshops, informal networking, and meaningful dialogue. Participants will become part of an international community committed to action, driven by a shared desire to make real change.
QUESTION: What do you hope to achieve from this conference?
JL:
I want GICS 2025 to be a turning point — one that gives cooperatives and mutuals the confidence to dare to do more, together. I hope it sparks genuine alliances, inspires the next generation, and shows that cooperative innovation is a powerful lever for global transformation.
QUESTION: What do you hope participants and attendees will take home?
JL:
I want them to know that they are not alone. That they are part of a global movement ready to face challenges with courage, creativity, and solidarity. Above all, I want them to leave with ideas, tools, or partners to take action right away.
I do this to for the future generations, in a world going through great disruptions.
When I think of my grandchildren growing up and their future children, I hope the cooperative movement will still be there to be a strong guide toward a future based on equity, democracy, empathy, perseverance, solidarity, transparency, mutual aid, and responsibility — where humanity is at the heart of every decision.
