By Balasubramanian Iyer (Regional Director, ICA Asia Pacific)
On November 25, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi addressed the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) Global Conference, where the theme “Cooperatives Build Prosperity for All” sets the stage for discussing the transformative power of cooperatives. His vision, encapsulated in the slogan “Sahkar Se Samriddhi” (Prosperity through Cooperation), aligns well with the conference’s objectives of fostering inclusive growth and sustainability through cooperative movements worldwide.
Cooperatives are a global force, present in almost every country, uniting over one billion members across diverse sectors. From agriculture and finance to housing and renewable energy, cooperatives are recognized in the Constitutions of many countries and have become integral to addressing social and economic challenges.
Cooperatives worldwide have demonstrated how they can drive prosperity, creating jobs, reducing inequality, and promoting sustainable practices. The conference will showcase regions such as Emilia Romagna in Italy, the Basque Country in Spain, Jeolla in South Korea, Rhineland in Germany, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, Hokkaido in Japan, Yazd and Shiraz in Iran, alongside Anand, Kalol, and Vadakkara in India, that serve as exemplary showcases of the cooperative model’s ability to build resilient and thriving communities. The United Nations in recognition of the role that cooperatives play in inclusive and sustainable development has declared 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives. The New Delhi Conference will kick-off the Year of Cooperatives.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative, “Sahkar Se Samriddhi,” focuses on leveraging cooperatives as a mechanism for inclusive economic development and rural empowerment. The vision is built on empowering women and youth by encouraging entrepreneurship and leadership opportunities, modernizing cooperatives with transparency, governance, and technology adoption, and supporting rural development and sustainability to enhance agricultural productivity and foster financial inclusion. The Ministry of Cooperation, established under his leadership, and under the guidance of Amit Shah, the Minister for Cooperation, underscores India’s commitment to advancing the cooperative model as a cornerstone of development. Sahkar Se Samriddhi not only aligns with India’s growth strategy but also positions the cooperative sector as a key driver of rural development and self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat).
The conference theme “Cooperatives Build Prosperity for All” highlights the role of cooperatives in fostering global economic equity. The conference focuses on reaffirming cooperative identity, nurturing purposeful leadership, enabling policy and entrepreneurial ecosystems, and shaping a just, equal, and resilient future.
Cooperatives are distinguished by their unique values of democracy, equality, and solidarity, and the conference will take in ideas to update the Statement on Cooperative Identity to ensure relevance in contemporary challenges such as climate change, wars, and growing inequality.
Across regions, cooperatives have become engines of growth and community resilience. The regions below illustrate the theme’s principles in action, showcasing how cooperatives can empower local economies, enhance livelihoods, and promote sustainability.
India has its share of regions which have benefited through cooperatives. Anand district in Gujarat known as the birthplace of the White Revolution, it is home to AMUL, India’s largest dairy cooperative, which empowers over 3.6 million members and processes 27 million liters of milk daily. Beyond dairy, Anand supports consumer, credit, and solar cooperatives that boost rural entrepreneurship, setting a global benchmark for cooperative-driven development. Kalol, also located in Gujarat, India, is home to a significant unit of the Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative (IFFCO), one of the world’s largest cooperative societies.
Established in 1974, the Kalol unit has significantly benefited the surrounding areas through economic development, job creation, and agricultural support. In recent years, IFFCO has expanded its operations in Kalol by inaugurating a Nano Urea (liquid) production facility which has aided sustainable farming practices by reducing reliance on traditional fertilizers and improving crop yield. The Uralungal Labour Contract Cooperative Society (ULCCS), founded in 1925 in Vadakara, Kerala, is a leading worker cooperative employing over 12,000 individuals and completing more than 7,500 infrastructure projects, including roads and bridges. Its initiatives have boosted regional connectivity, reduced unemployment, and improved living standards. Recognized globally as a model for cooperative success, ULCCS exemplifies how collective action can drive sustainable regional development and inspire similar initiatives across India.
The Southern region of Brazil, particularly Rio Grande do Sul, is a hub for cooperatives, hosting 2,800 cooperatives that employ 300,000 people and serve 3 million members. These include agricultural cooperatives such as Cooperativa Central Gaúcha Ltda. and Aurora Alimentos, as well as financial and health cooperatives like Sicredi and Unimed Porto Alegre. The Rhineland region of Germany boasts a strong cooperative tradition with over 7,500 cooperatives employing 200,000 people. Key examples include the Mayschoss-Altenahr Winzergenossenschaft, the world’s oldest winegrowers’ cooperative, and the Volksbanken and Raiffeisenbanken, a financial cooperative network serving over 18 million members.
Emilia Romagna in Italy is renowned for its cooperatives, which account for 30% of the region’s GDP. Notable examples include Coop Alleanza 3.0, Italy’s largest consumer cooperative, and Granarolo Group, a leader in dairy production. The Basque Country in Spain is renowned for its robust cooperative movement, which significantly contributes to the region’s economy and social fabric. Mondragon Corporation, the largest business group in the Basque Country and the tenth largest in Spain, comprising 81 cooperatives and employing approximately 70,000 people operates in sectors such as finance, industry, distribution, and knowledge, with sales in more than 150 countries worldwide. Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, stands out for its agricultural cooperatives.
The Hokuren Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives supports farmers who produce 530,000 tons of milk annually, while the Hokkaido Federation of Fisheries Cooperative Associations promotes sustainable practices and economic resilience.
In Iran, cooperatives contribute significantly to the economy, with 94,000 cooperatives creating 1.8 million jobs and supporting 14 million members. Cities like Yazd and Shiraz highlight cooperatives’ roles in industrial and agricultural sectors, demonstrating their importance in fostering local development.
Similarly, the Jeolla region of South Korea is a leader in cooperative-driven innovation, exemplified by initiatives like the Imsil Cheese Cooperative, which has revitalized rural economies.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s participation in the ICA Global Conference underscores India’s commitment to strengthening the cooperative movement as a tool for sustainable development. His vision of “Sahkar Se Samriddhi” resonates deeply with the conference’s theme, “Cooperatives Build Prosperity for All,” by emphasizing inclusivity, empowerment, and resilience. Through collective efforts, cooperatives worldwide are building prosperity that benefits all and leaves no one behind!
