ICA General Assembly and the Global Cooperative Conference 2024

September 10, 2024

The International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) is set to hold its General Assembly and Global Cooperative Conference in India for the first time in 130 years, from November 25-30, 2024. The event theme, “Cooperatives Build Prosperity for All,” aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Sahkar se Samriddhi,” which translates to prosperity through cooperation. This important event will also mark the beginning of the UN International Year of Cooperatives in 2025.

Significance of the Event

This conference is a big deal for India because it will help boost its position in the global cooperative movement. Cooperatives in India will showcase their products and services in a special marketplace called a ‘Haat,’ designed to look like traditional Indian villages. To commemorate the event, a special stamp will also be released for the International Year of Cooperatives.

Leadership and Vision

Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership and Home Minister Amit Shah’s guidance, India has made great strides in the cooperative sector. A special Ministry of Cooperation was created to help cooperative businesses grow and succeed. So far, 54 new initiatives have been launched, highlighting that India is home to one-quarter of the world’s cooperatives.

Progress in the Cooperative Sector

Significant improvements have been made, including new guidelines for Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS). India has also created three new national cooperatives:

National Cooperative Organics Ltd. (NCOL)
National Cooperative Exports Ltd. (NCEL)
Bharatiya Beej Sahkari Samiti Ltd. (BBSSL)

These efforts show that India is leading the global cooperative movement.

The conference will be carbon neutral, meaning efforts will be made to reduce and balance the environmental impact. IFFCO’s subsidiary, IFFDC, has played a key role in earning carbon credits. As part of the environmental efforts, 10,000 Peepal trees will be planted to show the cooperative movement’s commitment to sustainability.

Global Participation

The event will attract key global leaders, including the Prime Minister of Bhutan and representatives from the United Nations. Around 1,500 important guests from over 100 countries will attend, showing the global significance of cooperatives in tackling challenges like climate change and social equality.

About the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA)

The ICA, founded in 1895, is a global organization that represents cooperatives and promotes values like self-help, democracy, and equality. It has members in over 100 countries and is headquartered in Brussels. In 1966, the ICA established Cooperative Principles, which are still followed today. Every year, the ICA celebrates the International Day of Cooperatives on the first Saturday of July. Their long-term plan, called the “Blueprint for a Cooperative Decade,” aims to strengthen the global cooperative movement, focusing on reducing poverty and improving social welfare.

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