India Hosts First Global Cooperative Conference in 130 Years

India will host the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) Global Cooperative Conference in New Delhi from November 25 to 30, 2024. This marks the first time in the 130-year history of the ICA that the global cooperative movement’s premier event will be held in India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the United Nations International Year of Cooperatives 2025 during this event.

Key Highlights

• Event Dates: November 25–30, 2024.
• Launch: PM Modi will launch the ‘United Nations International Year of Cooperatives 2025’.
• First Time in India: The ICA General Assembly and Global Cooperative Conference will be hosted by India, an initiative led by IFFCO.
• Expected Attendance: Around 3,000 delegates, including 1,000 international delegates from over 100 countries.
• Special Guests: Bhutan Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay and Fiji Deputy PM Manoa Kamikamica will attend.
• Inaugural Session: Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah will chair the inaugural session on November 25.

Event Theme & Focus Areas

Theme: “Cooperatives Build Prosperity for All”

Subthemes

• Enabling Policy and Entrepreneurial Ecosystems
• Nurturing Purposeful Leadership for Prosperity
• Reaffirming the Cooperative Identity
• Shaping the Future for Prosperity in the 21st Century

Special Features

• Carbon Neutral: The event will be carbon neutral with sustainable practices like the planting of 10,000 Peepal trees.
• Catering: Only vegetarian food will be served, with no liquor allowed.

India’s Role

• Cooperative Landscape: India houses 25% of the world’s cooperatives, with 8 lakh cooperatives nationwide. The conference will showcase the strength of India’s cooperative sector.

Key Leadership Statements

• IFFCO MD U.S. Awasthi: Emphasized the event’s environmental consciousness and the importance of India’s cooperative sector.
• Cooperation Secretary Ashish Kumar Bhutani: Highlighted the participation of over 100 countries and the conference’s role in presenting India’s cooperative achievements globally.

International Cooperative Alliance (ICA)

ICA was established in 1895 to promote the cooperative model. 

• Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.
• Moved from London in 1982 
• It is the apex body representing cooperatives.
• More than 306 organizations from 105 countries are members of the ICA.
• The ICA unites, represents, and serves cooperatives worldwide.
• It provides a global voice and forum for knowledge, expertise, and coordinated action for and about cooperatives.