TOKYO, October 13, 2025 — The International Cooperative Alliance Asia-Pacific [ICA-AP] Regional Office is to hold the ICA Asia-Pacific Cooperative Excellence Awards 2025, a prestigious recognition designed to spotlight transformative leadership and innovation in the cooperative movement across the region.
Launched in 2023, the awards aim to celebrate outstanding individuals and cooperative organizations that have made significant and lasting contributions to the growth, sustainability, and impact of cooperatives. As the awards enter their third year, anticipation is building for what has quickly become one of the most respected accolades in the Asia-Pacific cooperative sector.
Two Prestigious Categories to Celebrate Impact and Innovation
This year, the awards will be presented in two distinguished categories:
Inspirational Cooperative Leader – This award will honour a trailblazing individual whose leadership, dedication, and vision have inspired others and driven meaningful change within the cooperative movement. Nominees must be members or affiliates of ICA-AP member organisations and are recognized not just for their achievements, but also for their role in mentoring and motivating others. Self-nominations are not permitted, reinforcing the spirit of peer recognition.
Enterprising Cooperative – This award recognises a primary cooperative organisation that has demonstrated exceptional performance, innovative practices, and a strong commitment to sustainable development. From economic empowerment to social inclusion and environmental stewardship, these cooperatives are setting the benchmark for excellence across the region.
Nominations
The cooperative organisations and individuals from across Asia-Pacific are encouraged to participate.
For the Inspirational Cooperative Leader award, nominations must be submitted by ICA-AP member organisations or their affiliates.
For the Enterprising Cooperative award, self-nominations are allowed only if endorsed by an ICA-AP member organisation.
Nominations must include detailed descriptions and examples of achievements that align with the judging criteria. All submissions are to be made online and were due by October 6, 2025.
A Rigorous and Transparent Selection Process
Winners will be selected by a distinguished Review Committee composed of experts and leaders in the cooperative field. The committee will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of all entries, ensuring the integrity and fairness of the selection process.
Winners to Be Revealed at Regional Assembly in Colombo
The award winners will be officially announced during the Welcome Dinner of the 17th ICA-AP Regional Assembly, scheduled for November 26, 2025, in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The assembly is one of the most significant gatherings of cooperative leaders, policymakers, and development partners in the region.
This high-profile event will provide a dynamic platform for celebrating success, exchanging best practices, and strengthening ties within the Asia-Pacific cooperative community. Participation in the assembly requires online registration, available at https://icaap.coop/RA2025.
Fostering a Culture of Excellence
“The ICA Asia-Pacific Cooperative Excellence Awards are more than just a ceremony,” said a spokesperson from the ICA-AP Regional Office. “They are a reflection of the resilience, creativity, and community-driven spirit that define our cooperative sector. By honoring those who lead by example, we aim to inspire others and raise the bar for what is possible through cooperation.”
As the countdown begins to the 2025 awards ceremony in Colombo, the region’s cooperative movement continues to gain momentum—propelled by individuals and organizations whose commitment to shared values is building stronger, more inclusive economies.
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