It is with great sadness that the ICA announces the death of its President, Ivano Barberini.  Mr. Barberini died peacefully at home after a long illness on 6 May 2009. Mr. Barberini was the pillar of the global co-operative movement, committed to its values and principles, who worked continuously until the day before his passing  to promote the movement. The ICA wishes to express its sincerest condolences to the Barberini family and in particular to his wife, daughter and grandchildren.
  
A commemorative service was held on Friday, 8 May at the Legacoop Emilia-Romagna in Bologna, Italy where Iain Macdonald, Director-General of the ICA, paid tribute to Mr. Barberini, his "friend, colleague, mentor and fellow cooperator." In his speech, he recalled the human qualities of Mr. Barberini and his tireless commitment and passion for the Co-operative movement that delivers to its next president the stable position and influence it has today. (See full text of speech)

An outpouring of condolence messages and tributes have been received by the ICA and are being transmitted to the Barberini family. These messages or excerpts have been made available on a tribute page of the ICA website.

 ICA would like to thank all for sending their condolences and tributes. They are a testimony to the work of Mr. Barberini and the friendship and respect he gained throughout his life.