WILLEMSTAD – In honor of the International Day of Cooperatives 2025, the Ministry of Economic Development (MEO) hosted a vibrant and inspiring event on Friday, July 4, 2025, in collaboration with FKUP, FEKOSKAN, and FESK. Held at the PWFC, the celebration was aligned with the global theme:
“Cooperatives Build a Better World,” marking the United Nations' declaration of 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives.
The event brought together various local organizations and featured a special keynote address by Mr. Florencio Nuñez from Paraguay, a leading expert with over 30 years of experience in cooperative development and leadership.
In his presentation titled “Sustainability and Cooperativism in Paraguay,” Nuñez offered valuable insights into how cooperatives foster employment, reduce dependency on imports, and strengthen national economies. He particularly emphasized the importance of cooperative education and collaboration between production and financial cooperatives.
Local Leadership and International Voices
The celebration opened with remarks from several local cooperative leaders, including:
Jerson Harrigan, Chairman of FESK
Earlrich Lourens, Chairman of FEKOSKAN
Lutson Lucas, Chairman of FKUP
Luelo Girigorie, Secretary-General of MEO, who spoke on behalf of Minister Roderick Middelhof
A special video message from Ariel Guarco, President of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), was also featured during the event, reinforcing the global importance of cooperative development.
A Platform for Dialogue and Collaboration
Beyond the presentations, the event provided a platform for open dialogue on the role cooperatives can play in building a sustainable future for Curaçao. Attendees engaged in lively discussions, exchanged ideas, and took the opportunity to network and connect directly with Mr. Nuñez.
The celebration underscored the vital contributions of cooperatives to social and economic resilience, and highlighted the growing momentum for community-driven development in Curaçao and beyond.
