TEHRAN – Cooperatives represent not only an economic model but also a practical philosophy for achieving equitable growth and sustainable development, the head of Iran Chamber of Cooperatives (ICC) said on Tuesday.

Bahman Abdollahi told an international conference on cooperatives in Tehran that the sector’s importance is rising in light of mounting global challenges ranging from political and economic rivalries to widening inequality and environmental crises.

“Cooperation is about wealth creation and growth without crushing others. It prevents destructive and unhealthy competition,” Abdollahi said.

He argued that the cooperative model goes beyond profit maximization by distributing success among all members and fostering collective resilience.

Abdollahi urged Iranian policymakers to give greater attention to the untapped capacity of cooperatives, saying they can act as engines of social justice, sustainability and environmental stewardship.

“Success in cooperatives is shared by all. These businesses can be drivers of justice, sustainable growth and protection of natural resources,” he said.

EF/