ICA Unveils ‘Building Bridges’ Theme for 2026 Global Conference in Panama
Participants will exchange ideas, share experiences and highlight both the impact and future of the global cooperative movement
BRUSSELS, April 1, 2026 — The International Cooperative Alliance [ ICA ], in partnership with Cooperatives of the Americas, has announced the theme for its 2026 Global Conference and Assemblies, set to take place in September in Panama City.
Held under the theme “Building bridges: cooperative contributions for a peaceful world”, the conference will convene cooperative leaders, practitioners, policymakers and partners from across the globe. Participants will exchange ideas, share experiences and highlight both the impact and future of the global cooperative movement.
The event is being organised with the support of ICA member organisations, including Instituto Panameño Autónomo Cooperativo [IPACOOP] and Cooperativa de Servicios Múltiples Profesionales.
The theme, endorsed at the ICA Board Meeting in March, underscores the unique role cooperative values and principles play in promoting global peace and prosperity. According to ICA Guidance Notes, cooperatives have a longstanding tradition of advancing peace and social justice, recognising that sustainable development can only be achieved on a foundation of lasting peace.
The notes further emphasise that, while cooperatives are rooted in local communities, their members are part of a global society increasingly connected through modern communication technologies. “Conflict is the antithesis of cooperation,” the guidance states.
In 2019, the ICA General Assembly in Kigali adopted a Declaration on Positive Peace through Cooperatives, highlighting the movement’s historic contribution to peacebuilding and urging members to deepen their commitment through the ICA’s Agenda of Cooperative Action for Positive Peace.
Amid ongoing global political, economic and environmental challenges, the ICA says the role of cooperatives in fostering dialogue and unity has never been more critical. A joint ICA–COPAC policy brief on Sustainable Development Goal 16 — focusing on peace, justice and strong institutions — is expected later in April.
ICA President Ariel Guarco said the movement remains steadfast in its mission to promote peace. “We have a long tradition of respecting the autonomy of each community, complemented by tireless efforts at regional and global levels to build bridges for peace,” he said. “Wherever there is a cooperative, there is a seed of peace, democracy, inclusion and equity.”
Meanwhile, José Alves de Souza Neto, President of Cooperatives of the Americas, welcomed the choice of host location, noting its symbolic importance. He said Panama’s Bridge of the Americas represents unity across the continent, expressing hope that the conference will strengthen global cooperation for peace.
The conference programme will feature keynote sessions, panel discussions, workshops and networking opportunities. It will also include the Cooperative Law Congress, the Coop EXPO, and optional visits to notable sites such as the Panama Canal and the historic district of Casco Viejo.
The 2026 ICA Global Conference will be held from 16–17 September at the Panama Convention Centre. The broader conference week will include side events and ICA meetings [13–14 September], the ICA Elective General Assembly [15 September], the Global Conference [16–17 September], and the Cooperatives of the Americas Regional Elective Assembly [18 September].
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