The model of Democratic Confederalism is based on a democratic economy. Since the Rojava Revolution, people have been trying, step by step, to build such a social economy beyond capitalist accumulation efforts. The process is repeatedly hindered by war, but also by social structures and old ways of thinking and power relations. Nevertheless, new cooperatives are being founded and the construction of the democratic economy stubbornly continues. To advance this process, a discussion and planning event took place in Manbij. Representatives of the Autonomous Administration of Northern and Eastern Syria (AANES), the Zenobiya Women's Association, the Economic Committee, the Agriculture and Irrigation Committee and many interested parties took part in the meeting.

During the event, the development of cooperatives, the removal of obstacles and the development and implementation of the common good economy in the spirit of the Democratic Nation project were discussed.

"Creating a political-economic framework for a common good economy"

Sîham Hemo, co-chair of the Legislative Council of Manbij, underlined the importance of building a democratic, collective and social economy on a communal basis and said: "The aim of these projects is to strengthen cultural and social cohesion and an economy in line with the common good to create a political-economic framework. These are projects that lie far outside of capitalism. The democratic self-government of Manbij trusts in the creation of a social economy based on cooperation and is committed to advancing this policy."

"Building a local economy"

Ahmed al-Khalaf, co-chair of the Manbij Economic Committee, explained that the concept of a municipal economy is based on the thinking and philosophy of Abdullah Öcalan, who "says that the current economy based on the state model should be transformed into a municipal economy. The cooperative sector needs to be expanded. This will strengthen the social economy."

During the meeting, a film about the cooperative projects implemented in Manbij was shown. Numerous bakeries, irrigation, agriculture and other cooperatives have been established in various areas, strengthening the local economy.

Cooperatives as the key to the fight against unemployment

During the exchange, the participants agreed on some basic questions about the municipal economy for the common good. They decided to increase the number of cooperatives in all areas, make them more efficient and strengthen their important role in society. It was decided to cooperate with all institutions and committees to implement economic and development projects to eliminate unemployment.