This document also addresses institutional neutrality and reputation. The ICA engages globally, including in countries with diverse political systems and complex international dynamics. In this context, the organisation of events and the visibility of government involvement can generate reputational risk. The guiding principle is clear: the ICA is close to the cooperative movement everywhere, but not tied to governments anywhere. Our legitimacy derives from the Cooperative Principles, not political alignment. Communications must safeguard that independence consistently.
We have benchmarked six organisations among them are NGO’s, multilateral institutions and business platforms (Section 5, from page 16) which clarifies ICA’s distinct role. Several patterns emerge, among them the fact that communications is treated as a strategic investment, not a support function. Finally, recommendations show how communications, treated strategically, becomes a multiplier of ICA’s mission, reinforcing unity, credibility and influence.
