PM Modi to announce UN International Year of Cooperatives at ICA conference in New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will officially announce the UN’s International Year of Cooperatives 2025 during the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) Global Cooperative Conference, scheduled from November 25 to 30 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Hosted by IFFCO Ltd. in collaboration with the ICA and the Union Ministry of Cooperation, this event marks a historic milestone, as India hosts the ICA General Assembly and Global Cooperative Conference for the first time in the organization’s 130-year history.

The event will bring together esteemed global leaders and champions of the cooperative sector from around the world. Joining Modi will be Bhutan’s Prime Minister, Dasho Tshering Tobgay, and Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister, Manoa Kamikamica, underscoring the international significance of the cooperative movement. Amit Shah, India’s Minister of Cooperation, will chair the inaugural session as Chief Guest on November 25, where he will also unveil a commemorative stamp dedicated to the International Year of Cooperatives 2025.

Dr Ashish Kumar Bhutani, Secretary of the Ministry of Cooperation, shared that the theme of the event, Cooperatives Build Prosperity for All, aligns with the Government of India’s slogan of Sahkar se Samriddhi. With the establishment of a separate Ministry of Cooperation and Amit Shah at the helm as the first Union Cooperation Minister, the Indian cooperative sector has achieved new milestones, making a significant contribution to the national GDP with the launch of 54 initiatives to advance the cooperative movement. From the computerization of PACS to the formation of three new cooperatives in sectors where cooperatives previously lacked a national presence, these steps have positioned India at the forefront of the global cooperative movement, establishing it as one of the world’s fastest-growing cooperative sectors.

Dr U.S. Awasthi, Managing Director of IFFCO Ltd., stated, “The theme Cooperatives Build Prosperity for All reflects our vision for a secure, thriving cooperative sector that enhances prosperity across communities. We are honoured to host delegates from around the world to foster an exchange of ideas and strengthen the cooperative movement.” In addition to policy discussions, the conference will showcase Indian cooperative products and services in a special “Haat” setup modelled after an Indian village, highlighting the contributions of Indian cooperatives to rural development and their unique offerings in the global market.

A major highlight of the event will be the prestigious Rochdale Pioneers Awards, which recognize individuals and organizations for their dedication to advancing cooperatives globally. The conference is expected to draw widespread attention to India’s rapidly growing cooperative sector and its commitment to fostering sustainable, inclusive development through cooperatives.