India to Host Global Cooperative Conference and ICA General Assembly

India is set to host the International Cooperative Alliance's General Assembly and a Global Cooperative Conference in November. Aiming to boost the cooperative movement, the event will feature 1,500 guests from over 100 countries. It will also mark the launch of the UN International Year of Cooperatives - 2025.

India will host the General Assembly of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) for the first time, along with a global conference this November, aiming to strengthen the cooperative movement within the country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited to inaugurate the event, scheduled for November 25-30 in New Delhi. Approximately 1,500 distinguished guests from over 100 countries are expected to attend.

The ICA, established in 1895 to promote the cooperative social enterprise model, acts as the global voice for cooperatives. Fertiliser cooperative IFFCO will host the ICA General Assembly and the Global Cooperative Conference.

IFFCO Managing Director U S Awasthi announced that the event would include an Indian Village-themed 'Haat' showcasing Indian cooperative products and services. Additionally, it will be a 'carbon-neutral' event, with 10,000 Peepal saplings planted across India to offset potential emissions.

During the six-day conference, only vegetarian meals will be served, and no liquor will be available. The event will also mark the official launch of the UN International Year of Cooperatives - 2025. Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah will chair the inaugural session on November 25, 2024. A commemorative stamp for the International Year of Cooperatives - 2025 will be unveiled.

ICA Director General Jeroen Douglas highlighted India as a co-founder of the 130-year-old ICA, with around 8 lakh cooperative societies contributing significantly to agricultural growth. The theme, 'Cooperatives Build Prosperity of All,' aligns with India's slogan, 'Sahkar se Samriddhi' (Prosperity through Cooperation).

Secretary of the Ministry of Cooperation Ashish Kumar Bhutani emphasized the cooperative sector's new milestones and contribution to the national GDP, thanks to 54 initiatives for growth and development. Bhutani also underscored the importance of technology, noting a government program to computerize Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS).

(With inputs from agencies.)