Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will inaugurate the ICA Global Cooperative Conference 2024 and officially launch the UN International Year of Cooperatives 2025 today on 25th November at approximately 3 PM at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
For the first time in its 130-year history, the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) will hold its Global Cooperative Conference and General Assembly in India. This landmark event is being hosted by the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) in collaboration with the ICA, the Government of India, and leading Indian cooperatives AMUL and KRIBHCO. The conference will take place from 25th to 30th November.
The conference theme, “Cooperatives Build Prosperity for All,” resonates deeply with the Indian Government’s vision of “Sahkar Se Samriddhi” (Prosperity through Cooperation) and aims to highlight the role of cooperatives in achieving global economic and social progress.
Attendees will participate in discussions, panel sessions, and workshops addressing challenges and opportunities for cooperatives in advancing United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—notably in poverty reduction, gender equality, and sustainable economic development.
During the event, the Prime Minister will launch the UN International Year of Cooperatives 2025, which focuses on the theme “Cooperatives Build a Better World.” This initiative underscores the transformative potential of cooperatives in fostering social inclusion, economic empowerment, and sustainable development.
Recognized as key enablers of the UN SDGs, cooperatives contribute significantly to reducing inequality, promoting decent work, and alleviating poverty. The year-long initiative in 2025 will emphasize cooperatives’ pivotal role in addressing global challenges.
As part of the inauguration, the Prime Minister will unveil a commemorative postal stamp, symbolizing India’s dedication to the cooperative movement. The stamp features a lotus, representing peace, strength, resilience, and growth, while reflecting the core values of sustainability and community development embraced by cooperatives.
Its five petals symbolize the Panchatatva (five elements of nature), emphasizing the movement’s holistic commitment to environmental, social, and economic sustainability. The design integrates depictions of key cooperative sectors—agriculture, dairy, fisheries, consumer goods, and housing—alongside a drone symbolizing the integration of modern technology in agriculture.
Dignitaries attending the event include Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bhutan His Excellency Dasho Tshering Tobgay, Hon’ble Deputy Prime Minister of Fiji His Excellency Manoa Kamikamica, and approximately 3,000 delegates from over 100 countries.