Co-operative sector to partner with The Guardian on 12 January

Co-operatives UK working with The Co-operative Group is partnering with The Guardian to mark the start of the International Year of Co-operatives.

We will be holding a live online panel discussion on whether co-operation is the key to rebuilding British business.

The panel, organised with The Co-operative Group, will take place at The Guardian offices and be broadcast live on the The Guardian's website at 1.30pm to 2.30pm on 12 January.

Chaired by Jo Confino, Executive Editor of The Guardian, the panellists include:

• Dame Pauline Green, President, International Co-operative Alliance
• Len Wardle, Chair, The Co-operative Group
• Ed Mayo, Secretary General, Co-opertives UK
• Charles Leadbeater, Economist and innovation thinker
• Li Chunsheng, Vice-President, All China Federation of Supply and Marketing Co-operatives

Speaking in advance of 12 January, Ed Mayo said: “2012 is a truly unique year for the co-operative movement. Co-operatives UK wants to mark the start of the Year in the UK with something fitting. An online debate with a national media partner seems right.

“We hope you can join us on 12 January. Not just in watching and asking questions as part of the online discussion but also in doing something at your co-operative to mark the start of the International Year on the same day.”

The Guardian online panel coincides with activities across the UK and indeed the globe.

Watch the Guardian online broadcast here.

Read more about 12 januaury and what esle is happening.