Building on the momentum generated during the International Year of Cooperatives 2025, experts at a regional forum highlighted the growing importance of cooperative institutions in driving inclusive and sustainable development across the Asia-Pacific region.
Addressing the gathering, Pankaj Kumar Bansal, Managing Director of the National Cooperative Development Corporation, stressed that cooperatives can play a pivotal role in strengthening regional collaboration and promoting sustainable economic progress.
Bansal noted that cooperative institutions are uniquely positioned to empower communities, enhance livelihood opportunities, and ensure equitable distribution of economic benefits. He emphasized that stronger collaboration among cooperative organizations across countries can help address common challenges related to agriculture, rural development, and financial inclusion.
The forum discussions explored ways in which cooperatives can contribute to resilient supply chains, social inclusion, and grassroots economic participation across Asia and the Pacific. Participants also underlined the need for knowledge sharing, policy support, and institutional partnerships to further strengthen the cooperative ecosystem in the region.
Experts said the deliberations would help shape future strategies aimed at leveraging cooperatives as effective instruments for sustainable development and regional economic cooperation.
