VAMNICOM, in collaboration with the African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO), hosted two major international programmes to mark the International Year of Cooperatives 2025, bringing together cooperative leaders, policymakers, and global delegates from Asia and Africa.
The events included the International Roundtable Meeting on Enhancing Contribution and Competitiveness of Cooperatives and MSMEs through Policy, Governance and Technology Intervention from 2–5 December 2025, and the International Programme on Digitalization of Cooperative and Rural Financing Institutions from 2–9 December 2025.
The inaugural session began with the Lighting of the Lamp and Presentation of Bouquets, followed by a Welcome Address by Dr. Suva Kanta Mohanty, Director, VAMNICOM. Dr. Sanjeeb Kumar Behera, Head IEC Division, AARDO, briefed participants on the objectives of the roundtable. Distinguished speakers, including H.E. Mr. Abdoulie Njai, Member of Parliament, Gambia National Assembly; Prof. (Dr.) Biswajit Das of KIIT School of Management; Edward Mulbah, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Liberia; and Dr. (Fr.) Lijo Thomas, Director, Christ University, shared expert insights. H.E. Dr. Manoj Nardeosingh, Secretary General, AARDO, delivered the Welcome and Keynote Address, highlighting the relevance of collective cooperation in strengthening global cooperative frameworks.
More than 50 participants from 16 countries, including India, Eswatini, Gambia, Ghana, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Liberia, Malaysia, Mauritius, Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, Oman, Sri Lanka and Zambia, attended the programmes.
The discussions centered on policy enhancement, technology-driven reforms, digital transformation, financial inclusion, and boosting competitiveness of cooperatives and MSMEs.
The initiatives aimed to enhance knowledge-sharing, foster partnerships, and accelerate digital adoption in cooperative and rural financing institutions, reinforcing global resolve for inclusive development and rural empowerment.
The session concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Dr. S. Dharmaraj, Registrar, VAMNICOM, followed by a group photograph and networking interaction, marking a dynamic start to the international engagements under the 2025 cooperative initiatives.
