International Co-operative Fisheries Organisation (icfo)

ICFO is a sectoral organisation of the International Co-operative Alliance. It was established to promote the development of fisheries co-operatives around the world, to promote trade, to share co-operative training and education materials as well as information on fishery matters. ICFO was previously known as the ICA Fisheries Committee.

The International Health Co-operative Organisation (IHCO) is a sectoral organisation of the International Co-operative Alliance which brings together co-operatives within the ICA membership that provide health care to their members or the provide self-employment for health professionals (doctors, nurses, etc.) or integrate consumers' and producers' co-operatives. It was founded in 1996.

Housing Co-operatives and the Co-operative Identity

A housing co-operative is a legal association formed for the purpose of providing housing to its members on a continuing basis. It is owned and controlled by its members. A cooperative is distinguished from other housing associations by its ownership structure and its commitment to co-operative principles.

Housing co-operatives exist for their members' mutual benefit. They share with other co‑operatives the values of individual responsibility, mutual help, democracy, equality, equity, and solidarity. They should conduct themselves honestly and openly.

The International Organisation of Industrial, Artisanal and Service Producers' Co-operatives, or CICOPA, is a sectoral organisation of the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA). Its full members are representative organisations of producers' co-operatives from different sectors: construction, industrial production, general services, transport, intellectual skills, artisanal activities, health, social care, etc. Its associated members are support organisations promoting co-operatives in those sectors.

The aim of CICOPA is to promote and represent workers' and producers' co-operatives. It's activities focus on:

• ensuring the widest possible representation of national organisations around the world in its sector,

• lobbying, especially in the field of specific workers' and producers' co-operative legislation and policies,

• promoting the development of workers' and producers' cooperatives and their representative / support organisations at the national and regional level,

• gathering information and gradually mapping the situation of workers' and producers' co-operatives, and

• ensuring a flow of information and stimulate debates among its members

The International Cooperative and Mutual Insurance Federation (ICMIF) is a long established and unique global trade association representing cooperative and mutual insurers from around the world.

The common bond uniting ICMIF members is that, as cooperatives or mutuals, they place the interest of policyholders/members before those of shareholders, working hard to ensure that they offer the best possible range of affordable products for their customers.

ICMIF aims to promote and work with the cooperative and mutual insurance sector globally by being a leader in providing information and services to members, and representing the interests of, the global cooperative and mutual insurance sector.

Working together with the members in this way underpins the Federation’s commitment to providing «a global reach for local strength».

Initially established in 1922 as the Insurance Committee of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) with a view to strengthening collaboration amongst cooperative and mutual insurers, ICMIF has grown over the years, significantly changing direction in 1972.

In that year ICMIF formed an independent Secretariat, simultaneously moving away from the ICA. A further strategic review of operations was undertaken by members in 1992 at which time the organisation was significantly restructured in order to align itself more closely with the changing needs of its members, with a focus on delivering business-related services.

TICA (International Association of Tourism Co-operatives) is sectoral organisation of the International Co-operative Alliance. It operates as an international network regrouping tourism co-operatives or companies owned by co-operatives. TICA works closely with Bureau International de Tourisme (BITS).

The benefits of TICA membership include:

• Information -- TICA provides a variety of information via email including the BITS monthly electronic newsletter.

• Exchange of experience -- TICA members are invited to all activities in which TICA associates itself.

• Use of the TICA name and logo

• Possibility of reciprocal invitation and promotion of products and services among members

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