- ICA to host the ICA General Assembly and Global Cooperative Conference 2024 in collaboration with IFFCO and the Ministry of Cooperation.
- Event Dates: November 25 to November 30, 2024
- Venue: Bharat Mandapam, ITPO, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi
For the first time in its 130-year history, the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), a global body representing the cooperative movement, will host its General Assembly and Global Cooperative Conference in India.
Global Dignitaries to Attend
The event will witness the esteemed presence of Bhutan’s Prime Minister His Excellency Dasho Tshering Tobgay and Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister His Excellency Manoa Kamikamica.
In a press conference jointly organized by IFFCO, the Ministry of Cooperation, and ICA, it was announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the UN International Year of Cooperatives 2025 during the conference.
Program Highlights
- Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah will preside over the opening session on November 25, 2024, at 3:00 PM.
- A commemorative postage stamp marking the International Year of Cooperatives 2025 will also be released.
- The prestigious Rochdale Pioneers Awards 2025 will be presented following the inaugural session.
Key Themes of the Event
The conference, themed “Building Prosperity for All through Cooperation,” will focus on sub-themes such as:
- Enabling policy and entrepreneurial ecosystems
- Cultivating purposeful leadership for shared prosperity
- Affirming cooperative identity
- Shaping the future: Realizing prosperity for all in the 21st century
Cooperative Sector Development in India
Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani, Secretary, Ministry of Cooperation, emphasized that the event aligns with the Government of India’s vision of “Prosperity through Cooperation.” Since the formation of a separate Ministry of Cooperation under Amit Shah’s leadership, over 54 major initiatives have been launched to enhance the cooperative sector’s contribution to India’s GDP. Initiatives such as the computerization of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) and the formation of new multi-state cooperatives have positioned India as a global leader in the cooperative movement.
IFFCO’s Role and Vision
Dr. Uday Shankar Awasthi, Managing Director of IFFCO, expressed pride in hosting international representatives and showcasing India’s cooperative achievements. He also announced a dedicated “Haat” to display cooperative products and services in a village-themed setup.
Dr. Awasthi highlighted that IFFCO has consistently prioritized the welfare of Indian farmers, making this event a significant platform for advancing the global cooperative movement.
About ICA
The International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) is a non-profit international association established in 1895 to promote the cooperative social enterprise model. It serves as the global voice for cooperatives, representing their interests worldwide.
The ICA Global Cooperative Conference 2024 is set to be a landmark event, advancing the cause of prosperity through cooperation on an international scale.
