Representatives from Saint Mary’s University and the National Confederation of Cooperatives of the Philippines
NATCCO Philippine delegation arrives in Halifax for a week of collaboration, learning and a newly signed partnership with Saint Mary’s
Saint Mary’s University deepened its global ties this November, celebrating a new international partnership that connects co‑operative leaders from Canada and the Philippines.
On November 3, Saint Mary’s President Dr. Michael Khan, Sobey School of Business Dean Dr. Michel Delorme, and Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research Dean Dr. Adam Sarty joined the International Centre for Co‑operative Management (ICCM) for a special event marking the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Confederation of Cooperatives (NATCCO) of the Philippines.
With 2025 designated as the United Nations’ International Year of Cooperatives, the timing underscores a shared commitment to strengthening the co-operative movement worldwide.
According to the International Cooperative Alliance, cooperatives are people-centered enterprises owned, controlled and run by and for their members to realize their common economic, social and cultural needs and aspirations.
This ethos aligns closely with the UN theme for the year: Co‑operatives Build a Better World.
NATCCO, the Philippines’ national organization representing co‑operatives and credit unions, sent a delegation of 28 senior business leaders to Saint Mary’s for the first week of November. Hosted by the ICCM, the group explored the Canadian credit union system, engaged with the Centre’s specialized research on governance, strategy, and market differentiation, and visited co‑operative partners across Nova Scotia.
“We are delighted to bring our member-cooperatives here to learn, connect, and broaden their perspectives,” said CEO Sylvia O. Paraguya. “This week has been rich with insights, and we are grateful for the meaningful exchanges we have shared. As this is our pilot batch, we look forward to bringing another group next year.”
Regarding the partnership with ICCM, Paraguya states, “NATCCO remains committed to building stronger cooperatives within an integrated network, and education and training continue to be at the heart of our services. We deeply value our relationship with the International Centre for Co-operative Management. This partnership is yet another expression of cooperation among cooperatives — a truly fitting initiative as we celebrate the second International Year of Cooperatives (United Nations).”
For the ICCM, the partnership reinforces a long-standing commitment to global co‑operative education and collaboration.
“It is always a pleasure to connect with our international network,” said Karen Miner, Managing Director of the International Centre for Co‑operative Management. “We have been offering education to co-operatives across the globe since 2003, and each new partnership is strengthening our collective knowledge and network. The NATCCO group was a very engaged group and we look forward to more collaborations.”
Saint Mary’s International Centre for Co‑operative Management (ICCM) and the National Confederation of Cooperatives (NATCCO) of the Philippines celebrated a new MOU in November 2025
The newly signed MOU promises to open doors to continued learning, shared research and joint initiatives that will support the advancement of cooperative systems in both countries. As the world approaches the International Year of Cooperatives, the partnership between Saint Mary’s University and NATCCO stands as an example of how global collaboration can help co‑operatives thrive.
More information about the International Centre for Co‑operative Management is available at www.smu.ca/iccm.