The ICA Global Cooperative Conference (GCC) and General Assembly (GA) 2024 were held in New Delhi, India, from 25 to 30 November 2024. The events were hosted by the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) in close cooperation with the Indian cooperative movement. The conference also witnessed the historic launch of the UN International Year of Cooperatives 2025 in the presence of over 3,000 delegates from India and 100 other countries.
The UN IYC 2025 was officially launched on 25 November 2024 in Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, India, at the ICA Global Cooperative Conference and General Assembly. The launch ceremony was graced by India’s Prime Minister, H.E. Narendra Modi; Bhutan’s Prime Minister, H.E. Dasho Tshering Tobgay, and the Deputy Prime Minister of Fiji, Hon. Mr. Manoa Kamikamica and 3,000 delegates from across the world. IYC2025, with the theme, “Cooperatives build a better world”, is an opportunity for the global cooperative movement to share and celebrate their stories of impact and achievements and plan for a future that builds prosperity for all.
Accompanying the Hon’ble Prime Minister, officials from the Department of Agricultural Marketing and Cooperatives, along with a three-member delegation representing Groups and Cooperatives, attended the ICA Global Conference and General Assembly. Additionally, the ICA generously provided a free booth which would have cost approx. Nu.89,500 for four days to showcase products from Bhutanese Cooperatives.
The Hon’ble Prime Minister delivered an inspiring address at the launch of the 2025 International Year of Cooperativesin New Delhi, India, underscoring the transformative power of the global cooperative movement. Highlighting Bhutan’s contributions to the cooperative movement, the Prime Minister shared two innovative initiatives: One Gewog One Product (OGOP): A program empowering farmers to market unique local products, promoting economic self-reliance, and preserving Bhutan’s cultural heritage inspired by Her Majesty the Gyaltsuen and Gelephu Mindfulness City Project: A visionary initiative by His Majesty the King, designed to embody the spirit of cooperation and foster holistic development.
Bhutan’s participation, represented by DAMC, included showcasing cooperative products at a dedicated booth, engaging youth leaders through the Coopathon, and involving emerging cooperative leaders in key sessions. Bhutanese delegates attended important discussions on enabling policies, leadership, and sustainable prosperity, as well as the ICEI Elections and annual Statutory Meeting, and ICA-General Assembly. These activities provided valuable insights into cooperative development, sustainability, and leadership while fostering networking with global cooperatives such as the Cooperative League of Thailand (CLT) and NEDAC. This engagement highlighted Bhutan’s commitment to strengthening its cooperative sector and contributing to global sustainable development.
