International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) and the Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative (IFFCO) signed an MoU on April 28 to hold the ICA Global Cooperative Conference 2024 and General Assembly at New Delhi, alongside the launch of the United Nations International Year of Cooperatives 2025.
The MoU was formalized by IFFCO Managing Director Dr. U S Awasthi and ICA Director-General Jeroen Douglas during the 11th Asia and Pacific Ministers’ Conference in Jordan. Notable attendees included ICA President Ariel Guarco, ICA Asia and Pacific President Dr. Chandra Pal Singh Yadav, and other distinguished representatives from the cooperative sector and government agencies.
The event in New Delhi, hosted by IFFCO and supported by 18 ICA member organizations in India, symbolizes a significant milestone, representing nearly 800,000 cooperatives and 290 million cooperators globally.
Jeroen Douglas expressed enthusiasm, stating, “I’m thrilled to sign this important MoU with IFFCO, marking our enduring partnership by bringing the ICA Global Conference to India for the first time.”
Dr. Awasthi highlighted the historic moment on Twitter, emphasizing the pride of hosting the ICA General Assembly and Conference in India.
The theme of the conference, “Cooperatives Build Prosperity for All,” underscores the central role of cooperatives as people-centered, purpose-led, and progress-driven institutions. ICA is appreciative of IFFCO’s role in welcoming cooperatives from around the world to Delhi, a city that also houses ICA’s regional Asian Pacific office.
Before the MoU signing, the ICA delegation visited India, engaging with stakeholders from the cooperative sector and government officials. Indian cooperatives, covering nearly 98% of rural India, have demonstrated their efficacy in empowering communities and achieving economic and social objectives.
Jeroen Douglas concluded by inviting global participation, remarking, “The time has arrived to have the ICA Global Conference on Indian soil! We invite you to join and contribute to what will be a significant event for cooperatives worldwide.”
