In a key diplomatic move ahead of a landmark global event, Mr. Jeroen Douglas, Director General of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), visited the National Cooperative Union of India (NCUI) headquarters on Wednesday.
The visit is a prelude to the highly anticipated Global Launch of the United Nations International Year of Cooperatives 2025 (IYC2025) and the ICA Global Conference (ICA-GC) and General Assembly (GA). These events are scheduled to take place from November 25 to 30, 2024, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
The ICA’s engagement with India’s cooperative sector during this visit reflects the importance of strengthening international cooperative ties as the world prepares for the IYC2025. The ICA-GC and GA, both major global gatherings, are expected to attract representatives from cooperatives worldwide, providing a significant opportunity for collaboration, networking, and discussion on cooperative development.
During his visit to NCUI, Mr. Douglas participated in an interactive meeting with Indian ICA members. The meeting, held in the NCUI Board Room from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM, provided a platform for an exchange of ideas, strategies, and plans to strengthen cooperation within India’s robust cooperative network. The discussion also focused on building synergies between India’s cooperative movement and the global cooperative sector.
Speaking to representatives at the event, Mr. Douglas emphasized the ICA’s keen interest in collaborating with Indian cooperative leaders and reinforcing the country’s role in global cooperative development. “India’s cooperative sector is a powerful force in the global movement, and our relationship with NCUI and other Indian cooperatives is crucial as we approach IYC2025,” he stated.
Indian ICA members welcomed the opportunity to engage with Mr. Douglas, highlighting the potential for deeper international partnerships. The discussions also underscored the pivotal role India will play in the upcoming ICA Global Conference and General Assembly, where leaders from the cooperative sector worldwide will convene to discuss challenges, innovations, and future directions for the global cooperative movement.
The NCUI expressed gratitude to all participants and emphasized its commitment to ensuring the success of the ICA-GC and GA. With the upcoming events set to draw international attention to the cooperative movement, India’s leadership in the sector is poised to take center stage.
