Co-operative Leaders Gather in Sofia for the Balkans and Black Sea Region Forum

On 5 March 2026, the Co-operative Leadership Forum of the Balkans and Black Sea Region took place in Sofia under the auspices of Consumer Co-operatives Worldwide (CCW) and hosted by the Central Cooperative Union of Bulgaria.

The Forum brought together 45 co-operative leaders from 19 national organisations, representing countries across Europe, Asia and beyond. Among the distinguished participants were Ariel Guarco, President of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), and Attilio Dadda, President of Legacoop Lombardy and ICA Board Member. 

Opening the event, Petar Stefanov, President of CCW and the Central Cooperative Union of Bulgaria, highlighted the strategic importance of the Balkan and Black Sea region as a bridge between Europe, Asia and the Middle East, as well as the role cooperatives can play in regional development.

The Forum featured thematic panels on cooperation between co-operatives, education and training for the next generation of co-operative leaders, and opportunities in co-operative tourism. Speakers also presented examples of digitalisation and artificial intelligence in retail and logistics, as well as initiatives to strengthen co-operative education.

Participants were also introduced to the CM50 initiative – the Global Leadership Circle of 50 leading co-operatives and mutuals, presented remotely by Stephen Gill of Cooperatives Europe.

The meeting concluded with the adoption of a joint resolution, reaffirming the commitment of participants to strengthen dialogue, cooperation and international partnerships within the co-operative movement.

Following the Forum, participants visited the National Co-operative Museum in Sofia and several co-operative initiatives developed by the Central Cooperative Union of Bulgaria, showcasing the diverse activities of the country’s co-operative sector.

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