In a dynamic showcase of youth-led transformation, the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), through its Youth Committee (ICAYC), hosted a high-impact side event at the ECOSOC Youth Forum 2026 on April 15. Titled “Innovate, Unite and Cooperate,” the session spotlighted how youth cooperatives are shaping sustainable communities and accelerating progress toward the 2030 Agenda.
The virtual gathering drew over 90 participants from more than seven countries, underlining the growing global momentum behind the cooperative movement. Young leaders shared powerful examples of grassroots innovation, inclusive enterprise models, and community resilience driven by cooperative values.
At the center of the conversation was Harsh Sanghani, who delivered a compelling message on the dual power of youth and cooperation. “If we invest in youth, we build leaders. If we invest in cooperation, we build communities. But if we invest in both, we are building the future,” he said, capturing the spirit of the session.
The discussion reinforced a clear message: youth cooperatives are not just participants in development, they are architects of a more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable global economy.
