More than 3,000 co-operators from over 100 countries convened at New Delhi, India for the start of the week-long International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) Global Co-operative Forum which is set to take place from now till 30 November.
Yesterday (25 November), the global co-operative movement kick-offed celebrations from the 2025 International Year of Co-operative (IYC). A special centennial stamp was also launched by India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was in attendance alongside Union Home and Co-operation Minister Amit Shah.
First held in 2012, IYC was first commemorated to honour how co-operatives contribute to socio-economic development. News of the celebration first surfaced last year at the United Nations (UN) 47th plenary meeting – General Assembly.
Co-sponsored by over 100 nations, the UN resolution underscores the relevance of co-operatives in different domains and encourages government bodies to consult co-operatives as part of their National Reviews.
Organisers, comprising members from the ICA and the United Nations (UN), had teased of the launch in months ahead of the global conference.
In June 2024, the theme ‘Co-operatives Build A Better World’, which seeks to spotlight how the co-operative model is an essential solution to overcome many global challenges, was unveiled.
A month later, on the International Day of Co-operatives (6 July), a soft launch was held at the UN Headquarters in New York City.
In October 2024, a new IYC logo was launched.
“Co-operatives are a lifestyle and a base of our culture in India,” said Mr Modi, who attended the event yesterday. For the uninitiated, the 2024 ICA Global Conference is taking place in India for the first time in the event’s 130-year history. “Our freedom movement was inspired by co-operatives.”
Mr Modi has also highlighted the growth of the India Co-operative movement over the decades. He pointed out that Amul, also the world’s largest dairy co-operative, has been empowering 36 lakh (or 360,000) farmers for the past 78 years, playing a key role in making India the largest milk producer in the world.
To date, one in five people in India is a member of a co-operative in India. According to the Prime Minister, India is home to 800,000 co-operatives and has close to 220 million members. Co-operative sectors in India run the gamut from agriculture, housing and banking.
Mr Modi also called for more women to be appointed as board members within co-operatives, highlighting the roles they play in society today. In India, co-operatives are among the many self-help groups empowering women in rural areas. “In the 21st century, we have to think about a collaborative model. The time has come for co-operatives,” he said.
The Prime Minister concluded: “The spirit of co-op is very important, and this spirit will be the life.”
UN secretary-general António Guterres addressed delegates on the impactful work they do in their countries in a video message. “Hailing from more than 100 countries, you are driving development across communities, large and small, fighting poverty and social exclusion, strengthening food security, helping local entrepreneurs access national and international markets and so much more,” he said.
He added: “You can be sure we will continue to call on Governments to recognise your critical work through national budgets and development plans. Your united efforts are essential as our world confronts complex challenges and strives to advance the Sustainable Development Goals.”
In another video sharing, International Labour Organisation (ILO)’s director-general Mr Gilbert Houngbo said: “The theme for IYC2025 sums up the vital role co-operatives plays in fostering sustainable development worldwide. Co-operatives exist in various forms, yet they serve as significant agents in the socio- and economic environment.
“The ILO is steadfast in its commitment in promoting co-operatives. We see them as key drivers of productive employment, decent work and social justice,” he added. “Together, in 2025, let us ensure that 2025 marks a new era for co-operatives.”
By Sng Ler Jun
