The International Cooperative Alliance Asia-Pacific (ICA-AP) marked 2024 as a transformative year for the cooperative movement in the region, showcasing resilience, innovation, and a commitment to sustainability. The activities set the stage for the UN’s International Year of Cooperatives (IYC2025), aligning efforts toward global collaboration and inclusive growth.
India hosted the ICA Global Cooperative Conference (GCC) and General Assembly for the first time in ICA’s 130-year history, reflecting the growing prominence of the region. Under the theme “Cooperatives Build Prosperity for All,” the event underscored India’s “Sahakar se Samriddhi” (Prosperity through Cooperation) initiative.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the cultural significance of cooperatives and their potential for global collaboration. Union Minister Amit Shah reaffirmed India’s goal of extending cooperatives to every village and farmer. A significant moment was the honoring of Dr. U.S. Awasthi, Managing Director of Indian Farmers’ Fertilizer Cooperative (IFFCO), with the Rochdale Pioneers Award.
In April, Jordan hosted the Asia-Pacific Cooperative Ministers’ Conference, which fostered cross-regional dialogue under the theme “Government-Cooperative Partnership for Cooperative Resilience.” Meanwhile, Vietnam’s Asia-Pacific Women CEOs in Cooperatives Summit focused on women’s leadership, addressing the theme “Empowering Leadership: Navigating the Future of Cooperatives with Women at the Helm.”
The launch of the second phase of the ICA-EU Financial Framework Partnership Agreement (FFPA2) aimed at enhancing cooperatives’ contributions to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This 54-month initiative emphasized tailored programs, governance training, and partnerships with FAO and ICA Africa.
ICA committees played pivotal roles in promoting collaboration and innovation. Highlights included efforts such as advancing women’s financial and emotional well-being through events like the NGO CSW68 Forum and webinars on emotional wellness.
Youth engagement was promoted through the E-Coop Series and cooperative educational platforms, educating the younger generation about the cooperative model. Workshops on e-commerce, big data, and climate-smart agriculture addressed technological and environmental challenges, while the 18th Research Conference explored cooperatives’ potential in the next industrial revolution.
The ICA-AP celebrated the International Day of Cooperatives with the theme “Cooperatives Build a Better Future for All.” A standout event was the COOP Pitch Competition, which saw 200 entries presenting innovative solutions. Winners included Veera Pengal Munnetra Sangam, a women-led auto drivers’ cooperative from Chennai, and Raftech Solutions, focusing on seaweed cultivation in Maharashtra.
The ICA-AP expanded to 110 members from 29 countries, welcoming new members from Cambodia, the Philippines, and Saudi Arabia. Regional Board meetings discussed critical issues such as membership fees and voting rights, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to ensure member interests.
Partnerships with organizations like FAO, UN DESA, ILO, and IRMA enriched cooperative initiatives. Training programs supported by Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries enhanced cross-regional leadership and sustainable practices. Social media outreach and newsletters maintained active communication with members, increasing visibility and engagement.
As 2025 approaches, ICA-AP is committed to building on the progress made in 2024. With a focus on inclusivity, sustainability, and cooperative values, the region aims to lead global efforts during the International Year of Cooperatives. In closing, ICA-AP President Dr. Chandrapal Singh Yadav and Regional Director Balasubramanian Iyer expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of members and stakeholders, emphasizing a collective vision for a prosperous future.
Source-ICA Asia Pacific Newsletter
