November Co-op Conference in Belfast

Co-operatives as Policy Tools for Economic and Social Transformation

Date: Thursday the 13th November 2025

Time: 9.30 to 1.00

Venue: Long Gallery, Stormont, Belfast

This event is particularly relevant in light of the 2025 International Year of Co-operatives and complements the series of conversations we had in NI and Ireland about the global contributions of co-operatives during this special year. This event, in particular, prompts policy consideration as to why the prevalence of co-operatives in Northern Ireland remains comparatively limited.

Drawing from the expertise of our speakers, we will hear about policy and legislative frameworks from around the world that best support the start-up and growth of alternative business models, including recent legislative and policy interventions in our region. We will also discuss with experts the impacts of co-operatives on economic and social terms across their historical development in different nations, and examine, through the most recent research, their specific characteristics and how we can connect our theoretical understanding of co-operative structures to their functions in practice.

Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in thought-provoking discussions on the barriers and opportunities for growing the co-operative sector in Northern Ireland. The programme features a range of speakers and interactive panel sessions designed to inspire policy innovation and practical action.

For an agenda and registering your interest please go: https://shorturl.at/BhJXS

This conference is organised in collaboration with Dr Patrick Doyle and  funded by Community Fund NI