New Delhi Action Agenda for a Cooperative Future released

The ICA's 2024 Global Cooperative Conference in New Delhi, India, marked an important moment as over 3,000 cooperators came together to launch the UN International Year of Cooperatives 2025, demonstrating the power of cooperatives in tackling global challenges such as inequality, climate and conflict.

The Honourable Prime Minister Narenda Modi addressed the conference, underlining the vital role cooperatives play in India's success. He stressed 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 of the crucial role of cooperatives in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in light of the upcoming Second World Summit on Social Development. He stressed the need to work together to tackle complex global challenges.

H.E. Dasho Tshering Tobgay, Prime Minister of Bhutan, also spoke at the opening ceremony. Mr Tobgay said: “'We want to build a hub in the south of the 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 honoured Dr Udai Shanker Awasthi with the Rochdale Pioneers Award in recognition of his immense contribution to the co-operative movement. Dr Guarco stressed the importance of inviting new generations to join the cooperative family, leaving no one behind.

Ana Aguirre, President of the ICA Youth Committee, led the Coopathon at the conference. Around 40 young people from all over the world co-created cooperative solutions through games and built lasting bridges that will ensure the future of cooperation. Because our movement is truly transgenerational and we need to nurture it!

The New Delhi Action Agenda outlines a roadmap for achieving this future. It focuses on four key pillars:

• 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.
• Enabling supportive policies: We need policies that empower cooperatives and unlock their full potential in the global economy.
• Developing strong leadership: We must cultivate inclusive leadership, empowering women, youth, and minorities to lead the way.
• Building a sustainable future: Cooperatives can embrace AI technology, access to finance via fintech, and implement solutions for climate mitigation and adaptation.

This Programme is a call to action for everyone. Here's what each of us can do at 7 stakeholder levels:

• Cooperatives: invest in education, innovation and collaboration. Encourage cooperation between cooperatives worldwide. Principle 6.coop. AI can now help.
• Communities: support local cooperatives and advocate cooperative-friendly policies.
• Civil society: raise awareness of the benefits of cooperatives and collaborate through partnerships on social and environmental initiatives.
• Private sector: invest in and partner with cooperatives and promote co-operative values.
• Opinion shapers: highlight the positive impact of cooperatives and challenge misconceptions.
• Governments: create favourable policies, recognise cooperatives as key partners and make cooperative education more widespread.
• Multilateral institutions: support cooperative development and promote international cooperation.

Download the New Delhi Action Agenda here: