This international conference provided an opportunity for co-operative leaders, policymakers, and international experts to come together and exchange knowledge on policies to support the role of co-operatives in addressing current and future challenges.
By invitation only.
This event was organised by the OECD Trento Centre for Local Development in collaboration with the Trentino Federation of Co-operation (Italy) - celebrating its 130th Anniversary in 2025 - with the support of Skopia (Italy), Euricse - European Research Institute on Co-operative and Social Enterprises and the University of Trento (Italy).
Working language: English and Italian.
09.00-18.00 CET | Exploring the Trentino co-operative system
The day began in Mezzocorona with an introduction to the long-standing history and traditions of the co-operative movement in Trentino. The programme continued with a visit to the Melinda Co-operative to attend the inauguration of the Funivia delle Mele (Apple Cableway), an event bringing together co-operative members and Italian authorities. After lunch at Melinda, the tour proceeded to Trento’s historic city centre to discover the province’s capital and trace the origins and development of the Trentino co-operative model. The day concluded at the Trentino Federation of Co-operation with a discussion on the economic, social and environmental impact of co-operatives on local community development.
Venue: Trento, Piana Rotaliana & Val di Non – Meeting point: Trentino Federation of Co-operation, Via Giovanni Segantini 10, Trento, Italy
09.00-18.00 CET | Co-operatives in transition: learning from the past, shaping the future
The event highlighted lessons learned from the Trentino co-operative system, while placing them in dialogue with international experiences from OECD countries and beyond. By exploring concrete international examples, participants had the opportunity to identify emerging opportunities, understand trends, policy options, and discuss policies to foster co-operative growth, resilience, and innovation, especially in a rapidly changing global environment. The interactive format, combined with study visits to local co-operative enterprises, ensured a practical and inspiring exchange that bridges global insights with local realities.
The conference also provided an opportunity to strengthen collaboration across countries and sectors, contributing to a shared vision of co-operatives as key actors in promoting inclusive and sustainable futures. By combining international perspectives with the long-standing traditions of Trentino, the event generated ideas and new partnerships that can guide co-operative strategies in the years ahead.
Venue: Autonomous Province of Trento, Depero Room, Dante Square 15, Trento, Italy.
17.00-20.00 CET | Official Celebration
On November 20, exactly 130 years after its foundation, the Trentino Federation of Co-operation celebrated its history and looked to the future with a special event combining theatre, research, and dialogue.
Venue: Trentino Federation of Co-operation, Room inCooperazione, Via Giovanni Segantini 10, Trento , Italy.
Participation was by invitation only.
For more information, please contact: