The International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) continues to lead the charge in championing the cooperative model as a vehicle for global resilience, sustainability, and social progress. With the forthcoming International Year of Cooperatives in 2025, the ICA is poised to celebrate its historical achievements while addressing contemporary challenges through intercooperation and innovation.
Established in 1895, the ICA represents over 300 member organisations from more than 100 countries, collectively impacting the lives of over a billion people globally. For nearly 130 years, it has fostered cooperation across diverse sectors, including insurance, agriculture, retail, and housing, while integrating regional strategies in the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia-Pacific. Its longevity and adaptability demonstrate its commitment to sustainable development across generations.
Central to the ICA’s strategy is intercooperation, the collaboration between cooperatives to build resilient value chains that transcend national and sectoral boundaries. This approach is vital in addressing global challenges such as climate change, technological disruption, and economic inequality. The cooperative model, deeply rooted in community engagement and mutual aid, offers unique solutions to these issues by balancing economic efficiency with social responsibility.
As the world faces increasing complexities—ranging from job displacement due to automation to geopolitical instability—the ICA emphasises the role of cooperatives in creating inclusive and sustainable economies. For instance, while technology may replace certain jobs, it also opens opportunities for cooperatives to drive equitable transitions, ensuring that new employment sectors uphold decent work standards and environmental stewardship.
The declaration of 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives by the United Nations underscores the global recognition of this model’s significance. It presents an opportunity for the ICA to advance policy dialogues, strengthen alliances, and amplify the contributions of cooperatives in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Initiatives like the proposed CM50 Network, which unites cooperative leaders worldwide, aim to advocate for greater governmental and institutional support for the sector.
As the ICA prepares to officially launch the International Year of Cooperatives in Delhi, it invites stakeholders to join a collective effort in promoting intercooperation. This shared journey will not only address immediate challenges but also lay the foundation for a fairer, more sustainable world. With its proven track record of resilience and innovation, the ICA continues to lead by example, demonstrating that cooperative action is the key to building a better future for all.
Speakers:
- Ariel Guarco, President, International Cooperative Alliance (ICA)
- Rob Wesseling, Chair, ICMIF, and President and CEO, Co-operators (Canada)
- Shaun Tarbuck, Chief Executive, ICMIF
- Liz Green, CEO Designate, ICMIF
