International Cooperative Alliance (ICA)
Context
Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) Global Cooperative Conference 2024 in New Delhi.
About ICA
- It was founded in 1895 in London and is among the oldest and largest non-governmental organisations.
- It represents cooperatives across sectors, including agriculture, banking, housing, health, consumer goods, and industry.
- It is the apex body for the cooperative movement and has 306 member organisations across 105 countries.
- It provides a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and policy advocacy to strengthen cooperatives globally.
- The ICA expanded into Asia-Pacific in 1960, establishing its Regional Office and Education Centre in New Delhi, India.
Key Highlights of ICA Global Conference 2024
- Historic Milestone: For the first time in its 130-year history, the ICA Global Conference is being hosted in India, in New Delhi.
- Theme: The conference theme, “Cooperatives Build Prosperity for All,” emphasises the people-centric and inclusive approach of cooperatives in fostering economic and social progress.
- Significance:
- The event will bring together cooperators, policymakers, and stakeholders from across the globe.
- It aims to explore the role of cooperatives in building a peaceful, equitable, and sustainable future.
India’s Role in ICA and the Cooperative Movement
- Key Contributions:
- India was instrumental in ICA’s regional expansion, hosting its Asia-Pacific regional office in 1960, inaugurated by Jawaharlal Nehru.
- The country continues to be a leader in the cooperative sector, with successful models like AMUL, IFFCO, and NCDC.
- Government Support:
- India established the Ministry of Cooperation in 2021, highlighting its commitment to strengthening the cooperative movement.
- Cooperative principles are deeply ingrained in India’s socio-economic fabric, promoting inclusivity and rural development.
- Vision for Asia-Pacific:
- India has been at the forefront of shaping ICA-Asia Pacific’s initiatives, contributing to capacity-building, technical assistance, and policy advocacy across the region.
Conclusion
The ICA Global Conference 2024 in New Delhi underscores India’s leadership in the global cooperative movement. With its robust cooperative ecosystem and long-standing contributions to ICA, India is poised to showcase the transformative power of cooperatives in fostering prosperity and equity on a global scale.
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