Uralungal Labour Contract Co-operative Society, popularly known as ULCCS, presented its community-driven development model at the United Nations Headquarters in New York during the International Symposium on Cooperative Financial Institutions held on May 28-29, 2026.
The symposium, organised jointly by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, International Cooperative Banking Association and International Cooperative Alliance, focused on the theme “Fuelling Inclusive and Equitable Growth.”
Representing ULCCS, Kishor Kumar T K highlighted how the century-old labour cooperative evolved into a diversified development institution by combining cooperative values with innovation and community participation.
He explained that ULCCS has successfully expanded beyond infrastructure development into sectors such as Information Technology, tourism, arts and crafts, skill development and advanced technology adoption, while continuing to focus on employment generation and inclusive economic growth.
During the discussions, the ULCCS representative showcased several flagship initiatives, including UL CyberPark, Kerala Arts & Crafts Village, Sargaalaya Arts & Crafts Village and Indian Institute of Infrastructure and Construction. According to the presentation, these projects have created sustainable livelihood opportunities for youth, artisans, skilled workers and rural communities across Kerala.
Kishor Kumar stressed the importance of decentralized development, community ownership and cooperative consortium financing in strengthening regional economies. He said ULCCS believes development becomes sustainable only when communities remain at the centre of the process.
He added that the growing international interest in the cooperative model demonstrates its relevance in addressing present-day development challenges and creating long-term economic opportunities with social inclusion.
The presentation reportedly drew considerable attention from delegates representing multiple countries, many of whom expressed interest in studying and adapting elements of the ULCCS model within their own regions. ULCCS officials stated that the opportunity to participate in the United Nations symposium reinforces the role of cooperatives as effective instruments for inclusive development, employment generation and community empowerment.
Founded over a century ago, ULCCS is regarded as Asia’s largest labour cooperative and among the world’s leading cooperative enterprises in the industries and utilities segment. The organization has completed more than 7,500 infrastructure and development projects and works extensively with departments of the Government of Kerala, including Finance, Cooperation, Tourism, Labour and Public Works.
Apart from construction and infrastructure, ULCCS has diversified into Information Technology, education and skilling, tourism, agriculture, residential projects and material testing services. Through its social initiatives, including the Madithattu geriatric and day-care project in Vatakara, the cooperative has also expanded its role in community welfare and social development.