Manchester celebrates the International Year of Co-operatives in NYC

Marketing Manchester last night, represented the city at the launch of the International year of Co-operatives at the United Nations headquarters in New York.

The leaders of more than 150 of the world's largest co-operatives gathered for the official launch to consider how to create the conditions that ignite the growth of co-operative enterprises throughout the decade.

Marketing Manchester addressed the delegation to profile the city's role in the birth of the movement - the first modern co-operative of which began in Rochdale in 1844 - and to showcase the city as a destination for business and leisure.

Andrew Stokes, chief executive of Marketing Manchester, said: "The city is proud to support activity throughout 2012 to celebrate the milestone. I know I speak on behalf of many in our city when I say we are proud to be home to The Co-operative Group and we are proud of the city's co-operative history. Manchester is looking forward to being an ever more active partner of the continuing growth and expansion of the global co-operative movement."

The event at the UN was organised by the International Co-operatives Alliance.

In a year's time Manchester will play host to an exciting event which will be attended by delegates across the globe - the ICA Expo & World Co-operative Festival, 31 October - 2, November 2012.

The event will provide the opportunity to come together to explore trade opportunities and unlock the commercial potential of co-operatives worldwide.

For further details of the celebrations go to: www.co-operative.coop/2012.

ENDS