ICA's Global Conference and General Assembly was held in Kigali, Rwanda from 12-17 October 2019. Approximately 1,100 participants from 67 countries participated in the General Assembly and Plenary Session. ARAI Chitose, Vice President, FUJII Yoshitsugu, Managing Director, ITO Jiro, Operating Officer participated as representatives from JCCU.

At the General Assembly, discussions were held on how cooperatives could tackle global development issues such as the climate change, the future of work, immigration and peace, and how they could contribute to the achievement of the SDGs.

In addition, on behalf of ICA member organizations in Japan, Senior Managing Director, Representative, the Japan Co-operative Alliance (JCA) reported on case examples of cooperation among co-operatives being practiced between Japanese consumer co-ops and agricultural cooperatives. Also the proposal to ICA's strategic plan for 2030 "An overall strategy objective for the ICA" was made.

On the last day, a tour of cooperatives in Kigali was held to learn about the development of African cooperatives and their contribution to society in the country.

Visit to woodwork cooperatives