Co-op leaders from all over the world met in New Delhi to come up with concrete steps to "Build a Better World."

New Delhi, INDIA -- The International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) Global Cooperative Conference 2024 marks a significant moment as more than 3,000 cooperators launched the UN International Year of Cooperatives 2025, a testament to the power of cooperatives in tackling global challenges like inequality, climate change and conflict. 

The conference was held from November 25 to 30, and  concluded with the cooperators from all over the globe agreeing to carry out the “New Delhi Agenda for a Cooperatives Future”, a roadmap for achieving the IYC theme of “Cooperatives Build a Better World.”

Four key pillars are listed in the New Delhi Agenda for a Cooperatives Future:

1.    Reaffirming our cooperative identity: This means living by our values and principles, investing in cooperative education, and safeguarding our cultural heritage. Grow our Coop Marque.

2.    Enabling supportive policies: We need policies that empower cooperatives and unlock their full potential in the global economy.

3.    Developing strong leadership: We must cultivate inclusive leadership, empowering women, youth, and minorities to lead the way.

4.    Building a sustainable future: Cooperatives can embrace AI technology, access to finance via fintech, and implement solutions for climate mitigation and adaptation.

Here's what will be done at seven stakeholder levels:

Cooperatives: Invest in education, innovation, and collaboration. Encourage cooperation among cooperatives at a global scale. P6.coop. AI can now help.

Communities: Support local cooperatives and advocate for cooperative-friendly policies.

Civil society: Raise awareness about the benefits of cooperatives and collaborate through partnerships on social and environmental initiatives.

Private sector: Invest in cooperatives, partner with them, and promote cooperative values.

Opinion shapers: Highlight the positive impact of cooperatives and challenge misconceptions.

Governments: Create favorable policies, recognize cooperatives as key partners, and mainstream cooperative education.

Multilateral institutions: Support cooperative development and promote international cooperation.

A highlight of the Conference was when Indian Prime Minister Narenda Modi addressed the conference, stressing the vital role cooperatives play in India's success story. He emphasized the importance of fostering a "cooperative spirit" – a spirit of collaboration and shared ownership. This spirit is our key to building a sustainable and inclusive future.”

UN Secretary-General António Guterres spoke about the crucial role of cooperatives in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, especially in light of the upcoming Second World Summit on Social Development. He highlighted the need for united efforts to address complex global challenges.

Also speaking at the open ceremony was His Excellency Dasho Tshering Tobgay, prime minister of Bhutan, Mr Tobgay said: “We want to build a hub in the south of my country, which is based on mindfulness and innovative thinking. This is very much in line with the human-centric cooperative values.”

ICA President Dr. Ariel Guarco honored Dr. Udai Shanker Awasthi with the Rochdale Pioneers Award, recognizing his immense contribution to the cooperative movement. Dr. Guarco emphasized the importance of inviting new generations to join the cooperative family, leaving no one behind.

Ana Aguirre, chair of the ICA Youth Committee, led the conference Coopathon. Forty young people from all corners of the world co-created co-op solutions through games and built long-lasting bridges that will ensure the future of cooperation. Because the co-op movement is truly transgenerational, and we have to nurture this!

And lastly, Dr. Awasthi indicated the importance of Cooperatives for India. The 2021 Establishment of the Ministry of Cooperation demonstrated the government’s commitment to take the cooperative movement into every nook and corner of the county. The ICA and cooperatives more widely share the same aim, he said: “To serve the unserved, reach the unreached, and deliver the last mile, and I’m sure together we can make a difference in today’s fractured world”.