International Symposium on Cooperatives and International Law

Peace, Social Justice and Sustainable Development
24 October 2025 | 09:30–17:30 CET
Peace Palace, The Hague, Netherlands
Hybrid event

About the Symposium

Cooperative Housing International (CHI), in collaboration with the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), is pleased to announce the International Symposium on Cooperatives and International Law.

Held at the iconic Peace Palace in The Hague on 24 October 2025, the event will gather policymakers, legal scholars, cooperative leaders, and practitioners from around the world to explore how cooperatives intersect with international law and contribute to peace, social justice, and sustainable development.

A key highlight of the day will be the launch of the CHI–ICA International Legal Research Analysis Initiative (ILRAI) on Housing Cooperatives — the first comprehensive global review of cooperative housing laws and policies. The report examines governance, member rights, financing, taxation, dispute resolution, and regulatory frameworks, offering practical insights for policymakers and cooperative federations worldwide.

CHI’s Contribution

As the global body for cooperative housing, CHI is proud to lead discussions on how legal frameworks can enable the growth and recognition of housing cooperatives as vital instruments for realizing the human right to adequate housing.

During the Symposium, CHI will present findings from the ILRAI Legal Report on Housing Cooperatives and contribute to the thematic session “Laws for Housing Cooperatives”, where experts and partners will reflect on current challenges and innovations in cooperative housing law.

Key Themes

• Cooperative capital and taxation: ensuring equitable treatment while preserving democratic control
• Audits and transparency: strengthening accountability and trust
• Sustainable development: integrating cooperative principles into environmental and social law
• Education and governance: advancing the recognition of cooperative education
• Sector focus: housing, financial, and consumer cooperatives

Why Attend

• Engage with experts from the International Court of Justice, UN agencies, and the cooperative movement
• Gain insight into how international and national law shape cooperative development
• Contribute to framing policy priorities for the global cooperative movement
• Celebrate the role of cooperatives in promoting peace, social justice, and sustainability

Provisional Programme

9:30 – 10:10 Opening: Marking United Nations Day – Recognizing Cooperative Enterprises in Sustainable Development
(10-minute break)

10:20 – 10:40 The Intercourse Between the Cooperative Movement and International Law
(15-minute break)

10:55 – 11:25 Presentation: Significance of Legal Research and Analysis by the ICA
(Short coffee break)

12:30 – 13:20 Thematic Panels, including:

• Adequate Legislation for Financial Cooperatives

• Cooperative Capital, Taxation, and Audits

• Laws for Housing Cooperatives (organized by CHI)
  (Lunch break)

15:30 – 16:15 Closing Session and Conclusions

(Full programme and speakers to be confirmed)

Venue

Peace Palace, Carnegieplein 2, The Hague, Netherlands
The home of the International Court of Justice — a fitting venue for a global dialogue on law, justice, and cooperation.

Registration

Participation is free but subject to registration.

Register to attend online.

‍Register to attend in person.