WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao celebrated its first National and International Cooperativism Conference as part of the International Year of Cooperatives, declared by the United Nations. The event took place on January 23 and 24, 2025, at Dreams Hotel & Casino Curaçao.
The conference gathered 60 local participants and 50 international representatives from six countries: Honduras, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Panama, Bonaire, and Spain. Among the distinguished attendees were presidents of international organizations such as COLAC, CCC-CA, and CONACOOP.
A Call for Cooperation and Social Development
The event was officially opened by Lutson Lucas, President of FKUP, who warmly welcomed the participants. Minister of Economic Development, Charles Cooper, emphasized the importance of cooperativism and its social impact, urging attendees to remain focused on its true mission—the development of people and the strengthening of social bonds within communities.
Zulaika Mook, Director of the Department of Economic Development and Innovation at MEO, delivered an inspiring speech, reminding attendees that in the limited time we have on Earth, wealth, status, power, or fame are not what truly matter, but rather how much we have loved and how much we have contributed to improving the lives of others.
Posthumous Recognition for Father Amado Römer
One of the most emotional moments of the conference was the posthumous recognition of Father Amado Römer, a pioneering figure in the development of cooperativism in Curaçao and Latin America.
Father Römer not only founded FEKOSKAN, a model followed by many countries in the region, but he also co-founded COLAC (Latin American Confederation of Savings and Credit Cooperatives). His signature was the first on the founding document of COLAC, a source of pride for all Curaçaoans. His tireless work in education and building the cooperative movement remains a lasting legacy.
Raymond Pacheco Römer, representing the Römer family, accepted the honorary plaque and delivered a moving speech, highlighting Father Römer’s profound impact on his family, his community, and the cooperative movement as a whole.
Key Topics and Expert Contributions
Throughout the conference, high-level experts and panelists presented on critical topics, including:
Social Economy and Sustainable Development – Dalia Borge, Latin America Coordinator of the Social Economy School of Andalusia, Spain.
Innovation in Cooperativism – Alberto Mora, Executive Director of COLAC.
Public Policies for Strengthening Cooperativism – Luis Guillermo Coto, Executive Director of CCC-CA.
Strategies for Cooperative Growth – Earlich Lourens, President of FEKOSKAN.
Additionally, experts such as Cástulo Vidal (COLAC), Xiomara Núñez de Céspedes (ACI América), and Eufracia Gómez Morillo (CCC-CA) delivered valuable presentations.
Chesron Isidora, a financial and business development advisor, discussed how cooperativism can create competitive advantages for small businesses, offering practical tools for its effective application.
Key Takeaways from the Conference
The Power of Collaboration – The conference underscored that collective efforts can overcome even the most complex challenges. The cooperative model's strength lies in its ability to unite people, providing security and resilience in uncertain times.
Sustainability as a Fundamental Pillar – Cooperatives are not just economic entities but also guardians of social and environmental well-being. A firm commitment to sustainable development is a responsibility that cooperatives must uphold with leadership and conviction.
Innovation as the Path to the Future – In a rapidly changing world, cooperatives must explore new ideas, adopt emerging technologies, and integrate creative approaches. Innovation is essential to ensure that cooperativism remains relevant and impactful.
Closing Remarks and Future Outlook
The conference concluded with a keynote speech by Jerson Hárrigan, President of the Curaçao Social Economy Foundation. The event left a lasting impression, reinforcing the importance of collaboration, sustainability, and innovation in strengthening the future of cooperativism—both in Curaçao and internationally.