The Cooperative Identity Advisory Group (CIAG) of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) met in Paris on 22–23 January 2026 for two intensive days of discussion focused on the evolution of the Statement on the Cooperative Identity, including the cooperative Definition, Values and Principles. The meeting was arranged at the invitation of Jean-Louis Bancel, who has played key roles in various ICA bodies and is a member of CIAG. The meeting followed a detailed working agenda designed to review feedback received on Discussion Draft 2 and to guide the group’s next steps in this important global consultation process. Jeroen Douglas participated in the deliberations on both days.
The first day of the meeting was hosted at the offices of Coop FR in Paris. Coop FR is the national organisation representing French cooperatives across sectors, promoting the cooperative model and coordinating advocacy, development and visibility for the movement in France. Participants were welcomed and worked through a structured series of sessions examining the historical evolution of the Cooperative Principles, the universal Definition of a cooperative, and the Values that underpin the Principles. Legal perspectives on how the Statement on the Cooperative Identity interacts with national laws were also explored in depth. Jerome Saddler, President COOP FR, Thomas Meyer, CEO at SOCAPS, and Bastien Sibille, Secretary General, COOP FR were present and actively contributed to the discussions alongside other members of the group.
A significant portion of the first day was devoted to a detailed review of the parts of the Identity Statement, and in understanding the legal implications of changing the statement, allowing participants to evaluate proposed changes and reflect on their practical, philosophical and legal implications for cooperatives worldwide.
The second day took place at the historic Musée Social in Paris, the very venue where the ICA held its 2nd World Cooperative Congress in 1896. The setting provided a symbolic backdrop as discussions continued on the principles of education, training and information; cooperation among cooperatives, and concern for community. Participants were also presented with historical ICA documents preserved at the Musée, linking the current review to the rich heritage of the cooperative movement.
The group concluded the meeting by outlining how it will report back to members and progress toward future discussion drafts and accompanying guidance notes. Members will now take stock of the discussions and prepare their next course of action in the coming weeks.
The meeting was chaired by CIAG Chair, Alexandra Wilson.
