ICA Global Coop Conference concludes with New Delhi Action Agenda

The New Delhi Action Agenda on the Future of Cooperatives: Creating Prosperity for All was presented by ICA Director-General Jeroen Douglas

George Mangula

Some of the participants at the ICA Global Coop Conference in New Delhi, India. Internet photo.

NEW DELHI, November 27, 2024 – The three-day ICA Global Cooperative Conference, attended by delegates from 107 countries, concluded on Wednesday evening at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The event witnessed a unanimous resolve among leaders to deepen the cooperative movement globally. “We vow to serve the unserved,” declared Dr. U. S. Awasthi, recipient of the Rochdale Pioneers Award 2024, during the closing ceremony.

ICA President Ariel Guarco [2nd left] and other coop officials at the conference. Courtesy photo

The event featured Deputy Prime Minister of Fiji Manoa Kamikamica and Minister of State for Cooperation Murlidhar Mohol as chief guests. Prominent leaders from the cooperative sector sharing the stage included ICA President Ariel Guarco, ICA AP President Dr. Chandra Pal Singh Yadav, IFFCO and National Cooperative Union of India [NCUI] Chairman Dileep Sanghani, and Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited, [IFFCO] Managing Director Dr. U. S. Awasthi.

In his address at the closing ceremony of the ICA Global Cooperative Conference, Minister of State for Cooperation Murlidhar Mohol highlighted the expanding role of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies [PACS] in rural development. He explained how PACS are diversifying their functions, serving as PM Jan Aushadhi Kendras, PM Kisan Samriddhi Kendras, and Paani Samitis in numerous villages, thereby broadening their income streams and societal impact.

Expressing gratitude to participants, ICA President Ariel Guarco remarked, “This three-day event has energized all participants, enriching our understanding of cooperatives. I feel at home in India.”

The New Delhi Action Agenda on the Future of Cooperatives: Creating Prosperity for All was presented by ICA Director-General Jeroen Douglas. He announced the launch of the UN International Year of Cooperatives 2025, emphasising the power of cooperatives to address global challenges such as inequality, climate change, and conflict.

The New Delhi Action Agenda charts a roadmap focusing on four key pillars:

Reaffirming Cooperative Identity

Enabling Supportive Policies

Developing Strong Leadership

Building a Sustainable Future

“This agenda is a call to action for everyone,” said Douglas. “It outlines actionable steps across seven stakeholder levels: cooperatives, communities, civil society, private sector, opinion shapers, governments, and multilateral institutions.”

ICA AP President Dr. Chandra Pal Singh Yadav highlighted that, while cooperatives have long offered societal services, they have gained recognition only after the formation of the Ministry of Cooperation in 2021. He expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister and the Cooperation Minister for their support.

NCUI President Dileep Sanghani underscored the potential of cooperatives to bring about a “bloodless revolution” of prosperity. He also reflected on his presentation at the United Nations and outlined various initiatives taken by the Ministry to strengthen the cooperative movement.

The contributions of Santosh Shukla from IFFCO and Santosh Kumar from ICA were lauded for their efforts in ensuring the event’s success.

The closing ceremony concluded with a vibrant cultural program showcasing India’s rich traditions, including performances of Odissi, Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Manipuri [Pungcholam], Mohiniyattam, contemporary dances, martial arts, and folk dances from various regions of the country.

Source: Indian Cooperative

https://thecooperator.news/ica-global-cooperative-conference-2024-begins-on-monday/

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