Analysis: choosing ethical chocolate is a small but meaningful step toward a fairer and more sustainable cocoa industry, and how cocoa co-operatives are leading the way
Our Stories
-
-
Analysis: Recent events have highlighted the vulnerability of electronic transactions, leaving cash as the only reliable method of payment
-
Celebrating the Graduates of Ireland鈥檚 Best Master鈥檚 Programme
01 Apr 2025
A celebratory day for the new graduates of the MSc!
Read more -
UCC Centre for Co-operative Studies Launches New Financial Literacy Resources During Global Money Week 2025
19 Mar 2025
Global Money Week (March 17th-23rd, 2025) is a global initiative led by the OECD to promote financial awareness among young people. To support this, Dr. Olive McCarthy has collaborated with partners to develop a series of five short financial literacy videos, funded by SOLAS. Covering key topics like budgeting, saving, and financial fraud, these resources aim to equip young adults with essential money management skills.
------------------------------------
Read more -
Co-operation Among Co-operatives: UK & Ireland Societies Host International Conference
12 Mar 2025The Centre for Co-operative Studies was delighted to take part in the recent very well attended and insightful "Co-operation Among Co-operatives" conference jointly hosted by he UK Society for Co-operative Studies and the Society for Co-operative Studies in Ireland.
Read more -
The Centre for Co-operative Studies is delighted to share details of a landmark event in Belfast, hosted by the UK Society for Co-operative Studies and the Society for Co-operative Studies Ireland. This gathering marks a pivotal moment for the co-operative movement across these islands, as we look ahead to 2025, the International Year of Co-operatives, under the theme ‘Co-operatives Build a Better World’.
This event presents a unique opportunity to explore how co-operative knowledge and insights from Ireland and Britain can shape a better future. Delegates are invited to reflect on the vital role of co-operatives in fostering a stronger, more equitable economy, particularly in light of recent political developments and ongoing discussions about Ireland’s constitutional future.
-
Strengthening leadership for a Sustainable Future, Co-op Directors complete ICOS UCC Diploma in Corporate Direction (Food Business)
05 Dec 2024
Read moreTwenty-four farmer directors and business leaders from Irish co-operatives have completed the UCC 2023-2024 Diploma in Corporate Direction (Food Business). -
UCC Researchers Set to Explore the Untapped Potential of the Social Economy
29 Nov 2024
Read moreThe DICES project, led by KU Leuven and including UCC, explores how social economy organisations like co-operatives can improve social inclusion and care provision in Europe. With €3.4 million in funding from Horizon Europe, the initiative will conduct surveys, develop case studies, and pilot scalable solutions to enhance care quality and working conditions. The project emphasises person-centred approaches, addressing gaps in Europe's underfunded care sector, and aligns with UCC's strategic focus on innovative, equitable solutions for social challenges. It begins in February 2025. -
The article, by Dr. Olive McCarthy (Centre for Co-operative Studies) discusses Ireland's growing move towards a cashless society, highlighting concerns over reduced cash acceptance and access. Some businesses and services have restricted cash payments, drawing criticism. Policy responses, including legislative discussions, aim to preserve cash's role in society, emphasizing its importance for inclusivity. Challenges include rising ATM and cash-handling costs for both consumers and businesses. While some European countries legally require cash acceptance, Ireland's strategy focuses on balancing digital and cash payment options to ensure accessibility and fairness for all stakeholders.
-
In a world designed to keep us busy and distracted perhaps the true work of humanity is building solidarity. Dr Noreen Byrne suggests some antidotes to the forces that suppress the human spirit and prevent us from connecting with others and with our own innate wisdom.