English/US
Professor Deivid Forgiarini, from the Federal University of Acre (Ufac), was one of the authors of a study awarded during the 5th Global Research Conference of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), held from July 8th to 11th in Montreal, Canada. The paper, titled Building a method for the promotion of the 17 SDG in Brazilian cooperatives, received the Anna Maria O’Neil Award, ceived the United Nations Inter-Agency Task Force on Social and Solidarity Economy (UNTFSSE).
The award recognizes outstanding research that addresses the connection between the social and solidarity economy and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN 2030 Agenda.
The study was developed collaboratively by researchers Deivid Forgiarini (Ufac), Cinara Alves (Escoop), Alexandre Garcia (independent researcher), and Vilmar Moreira (PUC-PR). The proposal presents an innovative method to promote the SDGs in Brazilian cooperatives, based on a practical experience applied at Certel, an electrification cooperative in the city of Teutônia, Rio Grande do Sul. The approach stands out by starting from the perspective of the cooperative members, who are also the owners of the business, rather than solely from management, as is common in conventional approaches.
The method was applied with the active participation of 381 Certel members, ensuring data representativeness by engaging individuals from diverse social and professional backgrounds. The research team used a combination of tools: data analysis, use of technologies, attentive listening, and direct involvement of the cooperative members. The result is a practical and easy-to-adapt tool designed to help other cooperatives evaluate and expand their activities in areas such as inclusion, environment, democratic participation, and social justice.
In addition to offering an applicable tool, the study reaffirms the transformative potential of cooperatives within the sustainable development context. By articulating the principles of integrated sustainability with cooperative values, the research highlights these organizations as strategic agents in their territories.
“This research reinforces the role of cooperatives as strategic agents of social transformation, capable of promoting local development based on inclusion, democracy, and sustainability,” stated co-author Alexandre Garcia.
The Anna Maria O’Neil Award is promoted by institutions such as UNRISD, ILO, UNCTAD, the Edgard Milhaud Foundation, CIRIEC, TDR, SIHI, and EMES, and recognizes innovative initiatives that broaden the understanding of social and solidarity economy globally.
Fonte: Universidade Federal do Acre