The Government And Fekoskan Forge Strategic Partnership For Sustainable Development

The government of Curaçao has formalized a significant collaboration with Curaçao’s Federation Fekoskan through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement underscores a shared commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fostering long-term socio-economic growth through financial inclusion and cooperative enterprise.

Fekoskan represents five savings and credit cooperatives with over 29,000 members, dedicated to financial inclusion and economic empowerment within the community. The partnership focuses on projects and initiatives targeting poverty eradication, financial education, sustainable energy, food security, and social inclusion. ​

Curaçao’s Minister of Traffic, Transport, and Spatial Planning, Charles Cooper, emphasized that this collaboration underscores Curaçao’s commitment to sustainable growth and inclusive economic development. He highlighted the historical and ongoing contributions of cooperatives to their members, families, and the broader Curaçao community. Additionally, Cooper addressed plans to encourage landowners to utilize agricultural lands, contributing to the nation’s food security objectives. ​

Earlrich Lourens, chairman of Fekoskan, noted the historical significance of this agreement, especially as the United Nations has declared this year the International Year of Cooperatives, emphasizing that cooperatives are essential mechanisms for achieving the SDGs. ​

Under the terms of the MoU, both parties will engage in extensive awareness campaigns, capacity-building programs, and the development of financing mechanisms tailored to support sustainable projects. These efforts will be structured to ensure measurable outcomes that align with the national SDG agenda, ultimately fostering an inclusive and prosperous future.

By uniting public and cooperative sector expertise, this partnership is set to deliver tangible benefits that extend beyond economic development. It aims to cultivate a culture of financial responsibility, innovation, and community-driven progress, positioning the nation as a leader in sustainable cooperative enterprise.