India Hosts Global Cooperative Conference 2024

India is preparing to host the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) conference in Delhi from November 25 to 30, 2024. This is milestone as it marks the first time in 130 years that the ICA’s General Assembly and Global Cooperative Conference will be held in India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the ‘United Nations International Year of Cooperatives 2025’ at this event. The conference aims to highlight the importance of cooperatives in encouraging economic growth and social equity.

Overview of the Conference

The ICA conference will gather around 3,000 delegates, including 1,000 international representatives. Esteemed guests such as Bhutan’s Prime Minister and Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister will attend. Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah will chair the inaugural session. The event will showcase India’s cooperative sector, which comprises 25% of global cooperatives.

Significance of Cooperatives

Cooperatives play a vital role in India’s economy. With over 800,000 cooperatives, they contribute to various sectors, including agriculture, finance, and consumer goods. The conference will provide a platform to discuss cooperative principles and their role in sustainable development.

Environmental and Social Responsibility

The conference is committed to being carbon neutral. Organisers have planted 10,000 peepal trees across India. Only vegetarian food will be served, and alcohol will not be permitted. This reflects a commitment to environmental sustainability and social responsibility.

Themes and Subthemes

The main theme of the conference is ‘Cooperatives Build Prosperity for All’. Key subthemes include: – Enabling Policy and Entrepreneurial Ecosystems – Nurturing Purposeful Leadership to Create Prosperity for All – Reaffirming The Cooperative Identity – Shaping the Future – Towards Realising Prosperity for All in the 21st Century These themes aim to address the challenges and opportunities faced by cooperatives in the modern economy.

International Participation

The conference will see participation from over 100 countries. The Ministry of External Affairs is managing approvals and protocols for representatives from various nations. This international collaboration puts stress on the significance of cooperatives in a global context.

Future Outlook

The ICA conference serves as a very important moment for the cooperative movement. It aims to inspire a new generation of cooperative leaders and promote innovative practices that can enhance the cooperative sector’s impact on society and the economy.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Examine the role of cooperatives in promoting economic development in India.
2. Discuss the significance of the International Cooperative Alliance in encouraging global cooperation.
3. Analyse the impact of environmental sustainability initiatives on large-scale events like the ICA conference.
4. With suitable examples, discuss how cooperatives can contribute to social equity in developing countries.

Answer Hints:

1. Examine the role of cooperatives in promoting economic development in India.

1. Cooperatives contribute to sectors like agriculture, finance, and consumer goods, enhancing productivity.
2. They empower local communities by providing employment and improving livelihoods through collective ownership.
3. Cooperatives facilitate access to credit and markets, especially for small farmers and entrepreneurs.
4. They promote self-sufficiency and resilience against economic shocks by pooling resources and sharing risks.
5. Government support and policies have further strengthened the cooperative movement in India, boosting overall economic growth.

2. Discuss the significance of the International Cooperative Alliance in encouraging global cooperation.

1. The ICA serves as a leading voice for cooperatives, promoting their values and principles worldwide.
2. It facilitates networking among cooperatives across countries, encouraging knowledge sharing and best practices.
3. ICA’s initiatives support policy advocacy at international forums, enhancing the cooperative sector’s visibility.
4. By organizing global events like the ICA conference, it strengthens international collaboration and solidarity among cooperatives.
5. It encourages sustainable development goals through cooperative practices, addressing global challenges collectively.

3. Analyse the impact of environmental sustainability initiatives on large-scale events like the ICA conference.

1. Environmental initiatives enhance the event’s credibility and attract participants who prioritize sustainability.
2. Carbon-neutral commitments, such as planting trees, promote environmental stewardship and awareness among attendees.
3. Such initiatives can inspire similar practices in other organizations and events, creating a ripple effect.
4. They demonstrate the cooperative sector’s responsibility towards ecological balance and contribute to global sustainability goals.
5. Implementing sustainable practices can also reduce costs in the long run, making events more economically viable.

4. With suitable examples, discuss how cooperatives can contribute to social equity in developing countries.

1. Cooperatives like dairy or agricultural societies enable small farmers to access markets, ensuring fair prices and income stability.
2. Women’s cooperatives empower female entrepreneurs by providing training, resources, and access to finance, enhancing gender equity.
3. In India, the Amul cooperative has transformed the dairy sector, improving livelihoods for millions of farmers.
4. Cooperatives can address food security by pooling resources and sharing knowledge, ensuring equitable distribution of food supplies.
5. By promoting democratic participation and ownership, cooperatives help marginalized communities gain a voice in economic decisions.