The International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) hosted its Global Cooperative Conference in New Delhi, India, from November 25 to 30, 2024. Held at the iconic Bharat Mandapam, this event was a landmark gathering for the cooperative movement worldwide. 

A Gathering of Minds 

The conference, themed "Cooperatives Build Prosperity for All," brought together leaders, experts, and enthusiasts from the cooperative sector. With four plenary sessions and numerous parallel sessions, the event aimed to create an Action Agenda for Cooperatives to accelerate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The key themes included: 

a. Enabling Policy and Entrepreneurial Ecosystems
b. Reaffirming the Cooperative Identity
c. Nurturing Purposeful Leadership
d. Shaping a Just, Equal, and Resilient Future 

Ms Melina Morrison, CEO of the Business Council of Cooperatives and Mutuals in Australia, said: “We were proficient at sharing and communicating the values of cooperatives among ourselves. However, the challenge was in communicating this with those outside the movement. The 2025 International Year of Co-operatives (IYC 2025) presented an unprecedented opportunity and challenge to do so. There was a clear need for increased motivation and urgency.”  

Bhutan's Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay stated that co-operatives could build sustainable businesses when united. In these challenging times, co-operatives served as a source of support. The launch of IYC taking place in India was appropriate, given the country's strong emphasis on the power of co-operativism.  

PM Modi’s Vision at the Launch of United Nations International Year of Cooperatives 

One of the major highlights of the conference was the launch ceremony of the United Nations’s IYC 2025 on November 26. It underscored the global importance of co-operatives in fostering sustainable development and social equity.  

At the launch, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined his vision for co-operatives to play a substantial role in the economy and country. He emphasised: "The freedom movement in India was inspired by co-operatives, and those involved were driven by the power of collective action."  

He added: "In the future, cooperatives will play a significant role in India's growth. Many reforms have been undertaken in recent years to make co-operatives multi-purpose, expanding from manufacturing to service sectors." 

Mr Modi also pointed out, "The global co-operative movement empowers women, with more than 60 per cent of partnerships led by women. It is mandatory for women to be on the board to ensure inclusivity in society." He called for a collective co-operative movement in the 21st century, emphasising: "We need a collaborative model that makes financing for cooperatives easy and transparent." He envisioned: "A global cooperative financing scheme to help cooperatives kickstart their businesses around the world, as current financial institutions are insufficient." 

Reviewing Co-op Identity 

The general assembly had a fruitful discussion about the review of co-operative identity. Many participants were in favour of reviewing it to keep relevant and in touch with the new environment. It was emphasised that this would be a rigorous process, involving multiple consultation sessions to gather comprehensive feedback. These sessions will be designed to encompass views from the global community, ensuring that diverse perspectives are considered.  

By engaging co-operators from different regions, the aim is to create a well-rounded and inclusive approach that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of the cooperative movement worldwide. 

Connecting with Global Co-operators 

During the conference, the SNCF Chairperson met with various co-operators, including Presidents and representatives from Malaysia, Australia, Thailand, China, and European countries. These interactions were vital for building global cooperation and strategic actions within the cooperative sector. 

Additionally, Singapore shared that it was commemorating 100 years of the co-operative movement. The news was met with pleasant surprise, and Singapore received well wishes and support for this significant milestone. 

Words and Photos by Alex Shieh, 

Edited by Sng Ler Jun