By Balasubramanian (Balu) G. Iyer, Regional Director, ICA AP
On November 25, 2024, New Delhi’s Bharat Mandapam will host a historic event for the global cooperative movement. For the first time in the 130-year history of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), its General Assembly will convene in India. This milestone aligns with the launch of the United Nations 2025 International Year of Cooperatives (IYC), reaffirming the critical role cooperatives play in addressing global challenges, fostering resilience, and promoting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The event will gather representatives from over 95 countries, creating a unique platform for sharing insights, learning from global experiences, and fostering collaboration. For India, as the host country, this is an opportunity to showcase its rich and impactful cooperative movement, which has been a cornerstone of its rural development and self-reliance strategies.
The Conference’s theme, “Cooperatives Build Prosperity for All,” reflects the transformative power of cooperatives to foster inclusive economic growth and shared prosperity. It closely aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Sahkar se Samriddhi” or “Prosperity through Cooperation,” which positions the cooperative sector as a key driver of rural development and self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat). This vision seeks to empower farmers, artisans, women, and micro entrepreneurs by enhancing access to credit, resources, and markets. By strengthening cooperatives, the initiative promotes collective growth and social equity, emphasizing their pivotal role in building a sustainable and inclusive future.
The roots of the cooperative movement date back to 1844, when the Rochdale Pioneers in England established the first modern cooperative. Over the last 180 years, cooperatives have grown into a global force, driven by values of democracy, equity, and concern for community. The cooperative principles and values distinguish them from private enterprises and public entities, focusing on people over profit.
Globally, the cooperative movement comprises over 3 million cooperatives with a membership of 1 billion people. These cooperatives span diverse sectors, including agriculture, housing, health, banking, and retail, addressing critical needs while promoting social equity. Their contributions were recognized globally in 2012, declared the International Year of Cooperatives by the United Nations. The upcoming 2025 International Year of Cooperatives, under the theme “Cooperatives Build a Better World,” further highlights their enduring relevance in advancing the SDGs and building resilient communities. This theme underscores the unique ability of cooperatives to address global challenges, promote inclusive economic growth, and foster sustainability, all while empowering individuals and strengthening local economies.
India stands at the forefront of the global cooperative movement. With 800,000 cooperatives, it is home to the highest number of cooperatives worldwide, and its 290 million members make it the largest cooperative membership base globally. India’s cooperatives have proven their transformative potential in diverse fields:
- AMUL, a dairy cooperative, revolutionized India’s milk production and played a pivotal role in the White Revolution, making India the largest producer of milk globally.
- IFFCO and KRIBHCO have been instrumental in ensuring affordable access to fertilizers, contributing to India’s agricultural growth.
- ULCCS (Uralungal Labor Contract Cooperative Society) exemplifies excellence in infrastructure development through a cooperative model.
- SEWA (Self-Employed Women’s Association) empowers women through collective efforts in skill development and entrepreneurship.
The establishment of the Ministry of Cooperation in 2021 marked a new era for India’s cooperative sector. This dedicated ministry aims to enhance the scale, efficiency, and impact of cooperatives and make cooperatives a cornerstone of inclusive growth and rural development. The government has allocated ?2,516 crore for the computerization of 63,000 PACS, enhancing their transparency and scope, with model byelaws adopted in 27 states to enable over 25 business activities. Plans include creating 2 lakh new multipurpose cooperatives and 1,100 Farmer Producer Organizations, while 17,000 PACS now function as Common Service Centers. Tax relief measures and inclusion in credit schemes boost financial access, while decentralized grain storage projects strengthen food security. The vision also includes the creation of three new national federations focused on seeds, exports, and organic products, positioning cooperatives as key drivers of India’s development.
The General Assembly offers the opportunity for cooperatives across the globe to share experiences, learn from each other, and build partnerships. Set at the mid-point toward 2030 and the UN Summit of the Future, the conference highlights cooperatives as key partners in achieving the SDGs. It will address four key themes: creating enabling policies for cooperatives, reaffirming their identity to meet modern challenges, nurturing leadership among youth and women, and shaping a just, equal, and resilient future by addressing inequality. The event aims to inspire global cooperation and promote cooperatives as people-centered, purpose-driven enterprises for sustainable progress. Representatives from apex bodies, government institutions, and cooperative leaders will discuss best practices, exchange ideas, and develop actionable strategies to strengthen the cooperative ecosystem globally.
India’s dynamic cooperative sector will take center stage, demonstrating its capacity to tackle pressing challenges like rural poverty, unemployment, and economic inequality. It will showcase the transformative power of cooperatives as people-centered, purpose-driven enterprises that align with global objectives such as the SDGs. With a particular focus on reducing inequality (SDG 10), promoting decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), and fostering responsible consumption and production (SDG 12), the conference will showcase how Indian cooperatives contribute to shaping a more equitable and sustainable future.
The ICA General Assembly in New Delhi is more than a historic milestone—it is a celebration of the cooperative spirit that transcends borders, cultures, and sectors. As we move toward the 2025 IYC, the event sets the stage for renewed commitments, innovative solutions, and a unified approach to global challenges. Cooperatives have the power to transform lives, strengthen economies, and foster sustainable development. The General Assembly will not only honor the legacy of cooperatives but also inspire new pathways for inclusive growth and shared prosperity. Together, we can build a future where no one is left behind—truly realizing the vision of “Cooperatives Build Prosperity for All.”
On November 25, 2024, for the first time in the 130-year history of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), its General Assembly will convene in India. This milestone aligns with the launch of the United Nations 2025 International Year of Cooperatives (IYC). The event will gather representatives from over 95 countries, creating a unique platform for cooperatives to build a future where no one is left behind—truly realizing the vision of “Cooperatives Build Prosperity for All.”