The United Nations International Year of Youth (IYY) launched on 12 April 2010, is an opportunity for the co-operative movement to demonstrate how its unique business model can empower young people.

The International Year will focus on the theme “dialogue and mutual understanding”. Young co-operators have been using dialogue and exchange for a long time to promote the advantages of the co-operative model based on the principles of mutual understanding.

To attract young members and employees to their businesses, co-operatives are offering exciting opportunities for young people to become involved.

Canadian co-operatives and credit unions are offering brand experience as a part of internship programmes and Spain offers job opportunities in co-operatives for unemployed youth. In South Africa, training and funding is provided to encourage young people to set up and manage youth co-operatives.

Caribbean credit unions and co-operatives are also encouraged to intensify their outreach to the youth, especially through initiatives like junior savers, thrift clubs, school savings societies and credit unionettes.

For more information on the International Year of Youth 2011, visit the website www.ica.coop/coop/youth.