Saudi Arabia has taken another significant step toward strengthening its cooperative sector through institutional development and capacity-building initiatives. As part of the ongoing “Fostering Cooperative Development in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia” project, the International Labour Organization (ILO), in partnership with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) and the Cooperative Societies Council (CSC), organized two key events between September and October 2025. These included a validation workshop on the institutional assessment of the CSC and a Training of Trainers (ToT) programme on the ILO’s cooperative training tools, Think.COOP and Start.COOP.
The validation workshop, held in Riyadh on 28 September 2025, reviewed the ILO’s assessment of the CSC, evaluating its effectiveness in governance, representation, financial sustainability, and service delivery. The workshop brought together 21 representatives from national institutions such as the MHRSD, CSC, Social Development Bank, Agricultural Development Fund, and FAO, among others. Participants provided valuable feedback to refine the ILO’s recommendations aimed at enhancing CSC’s governance and service capacity. The finalized assessment will guide the creation of a Strategic Plan for CSC, translating recommendations into actionable steps aligned with Saudi Arabia’s National Cooperative Strategy and Vision 2030 goals for inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
Complementing these institutional efforts, the ILO conducted Saudi Arabia’s first Training of Trainers (ToT) on Think.COOP and Start.COOP from 29 September to 8 October 2025. Hosted by the Ministry of Housing and Municipalities and organized with the MHRSD and CSC, the training brought together 24 participants from various government bodies, universities, cooperatives, and research centers. The programme strengthened participants’ understanding of cooperative values, entrepreneurship, and facilitation techniques.
These new trainers are now equipped to replicate the cooperative training programmes across the country, conducting sessions for both emerging and established cooperatives. Once their training sessions are successfully completed, they will become ILO-certified trainers, expanding Saudi Arabia’s capacity to promote cooperative entrepreneurship and education. Through these joint efforts, Saudi Arabia is laying the groundwork for a stronger, more inclusive, and self-sustaining cooperative movement that aligns with its broader economic transformation agenda.
