A Second International Summit of Cooperatives Next Year

Quebec City (ots/PRNewswire) -

Desjardins Group and the International Co-operative Alliance announce
another Summit to be held October 6-9, 2014 in Quebec City

The first International Summit of Cooperatives held last fall was so
successful that another one is being organized for next year. The
second Summit will take place in Quebec City, Canada, from October
6-9, 2014.

Desjardins Group and the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA)
will be teaming up again for this major gathering of the cooperative
and mutual community.

"We must continue to build on the success of this first International
Summit of Cooperatives," said Monique F. Leroux, Chair of the Board,
President and CEO of Desjardins Group. Our goal is to create a forum
for decision-makers from the world's top cooperatives and mutuals to
discuss complex issues. We want cooperative and mutual leaders to
leave the Summit with a wealth of new ideas that will help boost the
performance of their organizations."

"The first International Summit of Cooperatives made an important
contribution to the Blueprint for a Co-operative Decade that was
adopted at the close of the Year of Cooperatives, added Dame Pauline
Green, President of the ICA. We must build on the momentum, cohesion,
confidence and enthusiasm the Year generated. With the support of our
partners, the second Summit will allow us to take stock of progress
and drive the Blueprint agenda".

The Summit organizers believe the event met an essential business
need for the 2,800 participants from 91 countries. It is imperative
to build on this momentum and continue to offer cooperative and
mutual leaders potential solutions to the ongoing challenges of
growth and performance.

Given the scope and level of participation of the first Summit and
the awareness it generated, this event is expected to play an
increasingly influential role at the global economic, political and
regulatory levels.