The International Cooperative Alliance Asia and Pacific (ICA-AP) is gearing up for a major gathering of cooperators from across the region, as the 17th ICA-AP Regional Assembly and 12th Asia-Pacific Cooperative Forum is set to take place from 24 to 28 November 2025 at the Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Through a video message, Dr. Chandrapal Singh Yadav, President of ICA-AP, has extended a warm invitation to cooperators, members, and partners to actively participate in what promises to be a pivotal event for the cooperative movement.
The Assembly coincides with the International Year of Cooperatives (IYC) 2025, celebrated globally under the theme “Cooperatives Build a Better World.” Dr. Yadav emphasized that the gathering is not just a platform for celebration, but also an opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue, policy deliberation, and collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing sustainable development, resilience, and inclusive growth across the Asia-Pacific region.
The event kicks off with the Asia-Pacific Research Conference from 23 to 25 November, drawing scholars and policymakers to discuss key research findings and policy innovations in the cooperative sector. This will be followed by the ICA-AP Regional Board Meeting on 24 November, where strategic decisions will be taken to guide the cooperative movement’s future in the region.
On 25 November, participants will engage in eight thematic and sectoral committee sessions, addressing critical issues such as cooperative financing, governance, branding, and technological adaptation. These sessions aim to foster in-depth exchanges and offer practical solutions to the challenges faced by cooperative enterprises.
The official Regional Assembly and Cooperative Forum will open on 26 November, featuring high-level plenaries and interactive breakout discussions. Themed “Cooperatives Build a Better World: Strengthening Resilience, Sustaining Investment, and Smart Communication,” the Forum is designed to highlight the role of cooperatives in driving sustainable economic models and supporting local communities in the face of global challenges.
One of the highlights will be the election of a new ICA-AP Regional Board on 27 November, a critical process to shape leadership for the next term. The Assembly will conclude with field visits on 28 November, giving participants an opportunity to observe firsthand Sri Lanka’s thriving cooperative sector and learn from local success stories.
Dr. Yadav urged all cooperators and stakeholders to register early and participate in large numbers. “This is a unique moment to celebrate our achievements and strengthen our shared commitment to a resilient and inclusive cooperative movement in Asia-Pacific,” he stated.
Registrations are open now at [https://icaap.coop/RA2025/](https://icaap.coop/RA2025/).
Watch the Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6EVkXJdArDU
