In a significant step toward shaping the future of the global cooperative movement, Dr. U S Awasthi, Managing Director of the Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative (IFFCO), attended the first meeting of the Cooperatives and Mutuals Leadership Circle (CM50).
This initiative, spearheaded by the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), is dedicated to fostering transformative change as the world prepares to celebrate the 2025 International Year of Cooperatives (IYC2025).
The CM50 leadership circle, which brings together top cooperative and mutual leaders from around the world, has committed to advancing the cooperative model as a driver of social and economic development.
During the meeting, the members outlined their strategic focus areas, which include advocating for national commitments to strengthen cooperative frameworks, fostering growth and innovation in the cooperative and mutual sectors, influencing global policy outcomes that prioritize sustainable development, and promoting cooperatives as catalysts for economic and social transformation.
Dr. Awasthi’s participation underscores IFFCO’s dedication to these goals and reaffirms India’s prominent role in the global cooperative movement.
The International Year of Cooperatives in 2025 will serve as a milestone to highlight the pivotal role of cooperatives in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs). CM50 aims to galvanize both national and international commitments, ensuring that cooperatives remain at the forefront of inclusive economic growth.
The year-long activities of IYC2025 will culminate in the 2nd World Summit of Social Development, set to take place in Qatar in November 2025. This summit will provide a global platform to showcase the achievements of the cooperative movement, present the “Charter of a Cooperative Future,” and unveil a commitment plan to accelerate progress on the SDGs.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Awasthi emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in amplifying the voice of cooperatives. He described the summit as a unique opportunity to forge new partnerships, demonstrate the transformative power of cooperatives, and solidify a commitment to building a better, more sustainable world.
The CM50 leadership circle envisions a future where cooperatives and mutuals significantly enhance their share in the global economy, driving innovation and social impact. By leveraging the platform provided by IYC2025, CM50 members aim to position cooperatives as a cornerstone of a sustainable global economy.
As the countdown to IYC2025 begins, the cooperative movement is poised to demonstrate its capacity to inspire change, foster innovation, and lead the world toward a more inclusive and sustainable future.
