ICA Global Cooperative Conference 2024
The ICA Global Cooperative Conference 2024 is set to take place from November 25 to 30, 2024, in New Delhi, India. This marks a significant milestone as it is the first time in the 130-year history of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) that this global event will be hosted in India. The conference will be organized by the Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative (IFFCO) along with 18 ICA member organizations from India, representing nearly 800,000 cooperatives and 290 million cooperators across various sectors.
The ICA Global Cooperative Conference 2024 Theme and Objectives
The theme for this year’s conference is “Cooperatives Build Prosperity for All.” This theme emphasizes the role of cooperatives in fostering economic growth and social welfare. The conference will include four plenary sessions, each accompanied by parallel sessions aimed at creating an Action Agenda for Cooperatives to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The key themes of the conference are:
– Enabling Policy and Entrepreneurial Ecosystems
– Reaffirming the Cooperative Identity
– Nurturing Purposeful Leadership
– Shaping a Just, Equal, and Resilient Future
Additionally, a highlight of the event will be the official launch of the 2025 United Nations International Year of Cooperatives on November 26, which aims to inspire global cooperation under the theme “Cooperatives Build a Better World.”
Conference Activities
Participants can expect a rich agenda featuring:
– Inspirational speakers and expert panel discussions.
– Breakout sessions focused on co-creating cooperative visions and strategies.
– Workshops and training sessions designed to foster collaboration and innovation within the cooperative sector.
Simultaneous translation services will be available in multiple languages, including French, Spanish, and Hindi, ensuring accessibility for all delegates.
The ICA Global Cooperative Conference 2024 aligns closely with the Indian government’s vision of “Sahkar Se Samriddhi” (Prosperity through Cooperation) in several significant ways.
Emphasis on Cooperative Development
The theme of the conference, “Cooperatives Build Prosperity for All,” directly reflects the principles of Sahkar Se Samriddhi, which aims to enhance socio-economic development through cooperative models. The Indian government has been actively promoting cooperatives as a means to ensure equitable growth, particularly in rural areas, where cooperatives can provide essential services and support to local communities.
Government Initiatives Supporting Cooperatives
The establishment of a dedicated Ministry of Cooperation in 2021 underscores the government’s commitment to realizing this vision. This ministry aims to create a robust framework for cooperative development, streamline processes for ease of doing business, and promote grassroots participation in cooperative movements. The conference will serve as a platform to discuss these initiatives and explore how they can be effectively implemented across various sectors.
Focus on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The conference is designed to create an Action Agenda for Cooperatives that aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This focus is essential for achieving the broader objectives of Sahkar Se Samriddhi, which includes ensuring that all segments of society benefit from economic growth. By fostering discussions around enabling policy ecosystems and purposeful leadership, the conference aims to empower cooperatives to contribute meaningfully to sustainable development.
Launch of the International Year of Cooperatives 2025
A key highlight of the conference will be the official launch of the 2025 United Nations International Year of Cooperatives, which reinforces the global commitment to cooperative principles. This event will further enhance India’s role in the international cooperative movement and promote cooperation as a viable model for economic development.
Articles Related to Cooperatives
The Indian Constitution provides a robust framework for the establishment and functioning of cooperative societies, recognizing their significance in promoting economic development and social welfare. The most notable constitutional provisions related to cooperatives are found in the 97th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2011, which introduced several key articles and changes to enhance the cooperative movement in India.
Key Articles Related to Cooperatives
Article 19(1)(c)
The 97th Amendment added the term “cooperatives” to Article 19(1)(c) of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to form associations. This amendment established the right to form cooperative societies as a fundamental right, thereby empowering citizens to organize cooperatively for their mutual benefit. This inclusion emphasizes the importance of cooperatives in the socio-economic fabric of India.
Part IXB
The amendment introduced a new Part IXB, titled “The Cooperative Societies,” which encompasses Articles 243ZH to 243ZT. These articles lay down provisions for the formation, regulation, and management of cooperative societies at both state and multi-state levels. They also empower state legislatures to enact laws governing cooperatives, thus ensuring a structured approach to cooperative governance.
Article 43B
This article, also introduced by the amendment, adds a Directive Principle of State Policy that mandates the state to promote the formation and functioning of cooperative societies. It underscores the government’s responsibility to create an enabling environment for cooperatives to thrive, aligning with broader goals of economic equity and social justice.
Significance of these Provisions
The constitutional recognition of cooperatives through these articles is significant for several reasons:
– Empowerment of Citizens: By enshrining the right to form cooperatives as a fundamental right, it empowers citizens, particularly marginalized groups, to organize themselves for collective economic action. This is crucial in rural areas where traditional economic opportunities may be limited.
– Promotion of Economic Development: Cooperatives play a vital role in enhancing agricultural productivity, providing credit facilities, and improving access to markets for small farmers and producers. The constitutional framework supports these activities by ensuring legal recognition and protection.
– Strengthening Democracy at Grassroots: The cooperative model promotes democratic governance within communities, as members have equal voting rights regardless of their financial contribution. This fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among members.
– Support for Federal Structure: The provisions allow states to legislate on cooperative matters while maintaining a federal balance between state and central authorities. This is essential for accommodating regional diversity in cooperative practices across India.
– Inclusivity: The amendment mandates representation for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and women on cooperative boards, promoting inclusivity and diversity in decision-making processes within cooperatives.
The incorporation of cooperatives into the Indian Constitution through the 97th Amendment has significantly enhanced their role in India’s socio-economic landscape. It recognizes cooperatives not just as economic entities but as instruments for social change and empowerment. As India continues to pursue its vision of “Sahkar Se Samriddhi” (Prosperity through Cooperation), these constitutional provisions will serve as a foundation for strengthening cooperative movements across the country, ultimately contributing to equitable growth and sustainable development.
Source: PIB
also check articles related to GS II
Ministry of Co-operation
