The International Cooperative Alliance advocates the interests and success of cooperatives, providing a global voice and forum for knowledge, expertise and co-ordinated action.
Uniting the global cooperative movement
The ICA serves as a forum to boost cooperation between cooperatives:
Promoting the cooperative difference
Working on the cooperative minimum standards or common denominators has continuously remained part of the fundamental mission of the ICA since its creation. It is intrinsically linked to the legislation field, as national regulation having an impact on cooperatives should be first of all aimed at protecting the cooperative identity.
The ICA represents and promotes the cooperative specificity towards media and in multilateral organisations including the United Nations, ILO, FAO, IFAD, the International Accounting Standards Board and the B20 among others.
Our Vision for a Growing Cooperative Economy
In today’s global economy, cooperatives are not just alternative models—they are innovative, and future-proof business solutions. At the ICA, our vision is clear: we work to grow the cooperative market share across all sectors and regions by promoting cooperatives as dynamic, people-centred enterprises that combine purpose with performance.
Expanding Our Reach, Strengthening Our Impact
Guided by our 2026–2030 Strategy: Practice, Promote and Protect, we are focused on expanding the presence of cooperatives in local, national, and global markets. This means:
- Boosting visibility and brand value of the cooperative model
- Scaling successful cooperative businesses
- Enabling growth-focused regulation and financing
- Enhancing competitiveness through innovation and digitalisation
- Connecting cooperative networks to create economies of scale
Our aim is to ensure that cooperatives are seen, supported, and selected as the business model of choice by consumers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers alike.
With over 1 billion cooperative members worldwide and a presence in key industries—agriculture, finance, energy, housing, health, retail, and more cooperatives deliver real economic value while reinvesting in communities.
We are scaling up that success. ICA works globally to position cooperatives as central actors in achieving inclusive growth, economic resilience, and sustainable development helping our members expand market access and thrive in a changing world.
Powered by Principles, Driven by Growth
Rooted in the Cooperative Identity, our strategy connects values with business results. We’re investing in:
- Data and visibility: Tools like the World Cooperative Monitor demonstrate the economic weight of the cooperative sector
- Youth and women’s economic participation: Growing new cooperative enterprises and leadership
- Policy influence: Advocating for pro-growth, pro-cooperative legislation
- Knowledge and innovation: Strengthening cooperative performance and digital transformation
Let’s Build the Cooperative Economy of the Future
Now is the time to scale the cooperative economy. ICA is your global partner in this mission supporting federations, sectors, and individual cooperatives to grow stronger, go further, and lead markets with impact.
Join us in shaping the future of cooperative business. Together, we can grow a global economy that works for people and the planet.
