Global Cooperative Conference~ Key to sustainable & inclusive global future

The recent International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) Global Cooperative Conference 2024 in New Delhi was more than a spectacle of global gathering of leaders from over 100 countries; it was a testament to the growing importance of cooperatives in shaping a sustainable and equitable future.

- MURLIDHAR MOHOL

During the event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the United Nations' International Year of Cooperatives 2025 (IYC 2025), a significant global initiative aimed at bringing the spotlight on the critical role cooperatives play in advancing the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This year will mark as a turning point in global economic and social discourse, where cooperatives will increasingly be recognised not merely as tools of local development but as nodal players in the global economic development.

The Cooperatives Model: Rooted in Community, Poised for Global Impact

At the heart of the cooperative model lies a simple yet powerful concept: people working together for mutual benefit. Cooperatives emphasise collective ownership, shared responsibility, and democratic decision-making. These principles have led to remarkable successes across the world, from agriculture to healthcare, from financial services to energy production.

In India, cooperatives have been instrumental in rural development. The success of Amul and similar cooperatives is a testament to the potential of cooperative models to drive both economic development and social justice. Further, dairies like Amul support women-led development in rural areas by empowering women who are engaged with milk producing societies for their business activities.