India to Host Global Cooperative Conference 2024 for the First Time in 130 Years

For the first time in its 130-year history, the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), the premier body for the global cooperative movement, will host its General Assembly and Global Cooperative Conference in India, initiated by IFFCO. During the ICA Board meeting in Brussels on June 28, 2023, IFFCO proposed hosting the event in India, and the Board members agreed. Additionally, in a meeting held at the United Nations headquarters, it was decided that the Global Cooperative Conference in India would mark the official launch of the UN International Year of Cooperatives 2025 (UN IYC 2025).

Amit Shah, India’s Minister of Cooperation, will grace the event as Chief Guest, chairing the inaugural session on November 25, 2024, at 3 PM. A special commemorative stamp celebrating the International Year of Cooperatives 2025 will also be unveiled. There are ongoing efforts to invite India’s Prime Minister to inaugurate the event, which will take place from November 25 to November 30, 2024, at Bharat Mandapam, ITPO, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

Jeroen Douglas, Director General of ICA, shared that the event’s theme will be "Cooperatives Build Prosperity for All." Key subthemes include:

• Enabling Policy and Entrepreneurial Ecosystems

• Nurturing Purposeful Leadership to Create Prosperity for All

• Reaffirming The Cooperative Identity

• Shaping the Future: Towards Realizing Prosperity for All in the 21st Century

Douglas praised IFFCO, noting its leadership role within the ICA and its top ranking in the World Cooperative Monitor (WCM) based on turnover to GDP per capita for three consecutive years. The conference is expected to draw around 1,500 distinguished guests from over 100 countries, including the Prime Minister of Bhutan, the President of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC), and ICA members, alongside key figures from the Indian cooperative movement.

Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani, Secretary of the Ministry of Cooperation, highlighted that the event’s theme aligns with the Indian government’s vision of "Sahkar se Samriddhi" or "Prosperity through Cooperation." Under the leadership of Amit Shah, India’s cooperative sector has experienced tremendous growth, contributing significantly to the national GDP. Initiatives like the computerization of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) and the formation of new cooperatives in previously unrepresented sectors have boosted India's position as a leader in the global cooperative movement.

IFFCO’s Managing Director, Dr. U.S. Awasthi, remarked, “This conference's theme, 'Cooperatives Build Prosperity for All,' reflects our long-term goal of fostering a prosperous and secure cooperative movement. We are honored to host international delegates and engage in meaningful exchanges of ideas.”

In addition to high-level discussions, the conference will feature an exhibition space designed like an Indian village, showcasing products and services from Indian cooperatives. IFFCO’s commitment to environmental sustainability will also be on display, with the event being carbon neutral. To offset carbon emissions, 10,000 Peepal (Ficus Religiosa) saplings will be planted.

A champion of women’s representation, IFFCO has pledged to ensure maximum participation of female cooperators at the event. Networking sessions will be organized to promote collaboration between Indian and global cooperatives, encouraging growth in cooperative-to-cooperative business ventures.

This historic event promises to be a significant milestone in the global cooperative movement, showcasing India’s leadership and vision for the future of cooperatives worldwide.