India to Host Global Conference of Cooperatives for the First Time

26-11-2024

India will host the Global Conference of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) for the first time in the 130-year history of the ICA.
The event will take place in New Delhi from November 25 to 30, 2024, and will bring together key stakeholders from the cooperative movement worldwide.
This event marks a significant milestone for India and for the global cooperative sector.

About the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA)

ICA is a non-profit international association that unites, represents, and serves cooperatives worldwide.
It was founded in 1895, making it one of the oldest non-governmental organizations in existence.
It is also one of the largest NGOs, with 1 billion cooperative members globally, representing diverse cooperative sectors.
The ICA serves as the apex body for cooperatives, which number around 3 million worldwide.
The organization provides a global voice, a platform for knowledge sharing, expertise, and coordinated action for cooperatives worldwide.

Key Functions:

Global Representation: ICA represents cooperatives across various sectors and regions, advocating for their interests at the global level.
Cooperative Identity: The ICA is the guardian of the Statement on the Cooperative Identity, which includes:
1. A definition of cooperatives.
2. 10 values and 7 operational principles that all cooperatives must adhere to.
3. This serves as a minimum common standard for cooperatives worldwide.
Membership: The ICA's membership includes international and national cooperative organizations across various economic sectors, including agriculture, health, finance, insurance, and more.
1. 306 organizations from 105 countries are members of the ICA.
Regional and Sectoral Representation:
1. The ICA operates through a central office in Brussels, Belgium, with four regional offices:
  1. Africa
  2. Americas
  3. Asia-Pacific
  4. Europe
2. ICA also has sectoral organizations for cooperatives active in specific fields, such as:
  1. Agriculture
  2. Industry and services
  3. Consumer retail
  4. Banking
  5. Fisheries
  6. Health
  7. Housing
  8. Insurance

Key Details:

Event Dates: November 25–30, 2024.
Location: New Delhi, India.
Organizer: International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), in collaboration with the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative (IFFCO).
Theme: “Cooperatives Build Prosperity for All”.
Subthemes:
1. Enabling Policy and Entrepreneurial Ecosystems
2. Nurturing Purposeful Leadership to Create Prosperity for All
3. Reaffirming the Cooperative Identity
4. Shaping the Future: Towards Realizing Prosperity for All in the 21st Century

Highlights of the Conference:

Inaugural Event: The conference will be inaugurated on November 25, 2024, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
During the opening session, he will launch the United Nations International Year of Cooperatives 2025, further highlighting the importance of cooperatives globally.
Participation: Around 3,000 delegates from more than 100 countries are expected to attend the event. Among them, approximately 1,000 delegates will be from foreign countries.
1. Esteemed Guests: The conference will see high-level attendance, including the Prime Minister of Bhutan, Dasho Tshering Tobgay, and the Deputy Prime Minister of Fiji, Manoa Kamikamica.
2. India's Role: India, home to over 8 lakh cooperatives, hosts 25% of the world’s cooperatives, making it a significant player in the global cooperative movement.
3. The event will showcase India's role and success in the cooperative sector.
Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah: The Union Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, will also be attending and will chair the inaugural session of the Global Cooperative Conference as the Chief Guest on November 25, 2024.

Focus on Sustainability:

Carbon Neutral Event: The conference aims to be carbon-neutral, reflecting a commitment to environmental sustainability.
1. To this end, 10,000 peepal trees have been planted across India in anticipation of the event.
Food and Environmental Policies: Only vegetarian food will be served during the event, with no alcoholic beverages offered.
1. This aligns with the cooperative principles of inclusivity and respect for diverse cultural and ethical preferences.

Participation of Pakistan and Other Countries:

The conference will host delegates from over 100 countries, with representatives expected from across the globe.
However, some countries, including Pakistan, might require diplomatic protocols and approvals for participation.
The Ministry of External Affairs of India is handling the necessary protocols to facilitate participation, ensuring a smooth process for all attendees.

Significance for India and the Cooperative Movement:

The cooperative movement is a vital part of India’s economy.
India has the largest number of cooperatives in the world, with over 8 lakh cooperatives across various sectors, including agriculture, credit, health, and housing.
The event offers an opportunity to showcase India’s achievements and leadership in this sector.
Global Impact: The event aims to emphasize the importance of cooperatives in fostering sustainable economic development, reducing poverty, and promoting social welfare.
It will also highlight the role of cooperatives in building entrepreneurial ecosystems and nurturing leadership to create prosperity for all.

Conclusion:

This conference represents a historic moment for India, as it takes center stage in the global cooperative movement. With India being home to one of the largest cooperative sectors in the world, hosting such an event underscores the country’s commitment to cooperative values and sustainable development. The conference will provide a platform for global dialogue, exchange of ideas, and the establishment of policies that empower cooperatives to thrive in the 21st century.