Current Context : International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) Global Cooperative Conference is being organised in India for the first time in the 130 year long history of ICA.

• Theme : “Cooperatives Build Prosperity for All” aligns with the Indian Government’s vision of “Sahkar Se Samriddhi” (Prosperity through Cooperation).

Significance:

• India’s Role: India contributes 25% of the global cooperative movement.
• Launch of the UN International Year of Cooperatives 2025.
• Represents a global commitment to sustainability and equitable growth.

About ICA:

• Founded: 1895 in London.
• Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium.
• Members: 306 organizations across 105 countries.
• Focus: Promotes democracy, equality, and self-help in the cooperative sector.