On July 9, 2024, the 102nd International Day of Cooperative Forum was held by the Japan Cooperative Alliance (JCA) and its members. The event was conducted in a hybrid format, combining an in-person venue in Shibuya, Tokyo, with online streaming. A total of 296 participants attended it.

This year's theme is "Cooperatives Build a Better Future for All".

The event began with greetings from stakeholders and a report by JCCU on support efforts by consumer co-ops for the Noto Peninsula earthquake. A video message from Dr. Ariel Guarco, President of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), celebrating International Day of Cooperative was then presented. Following this, JCA provided an overview of the current global discourse on cooperative identity.

Subsequently, three case studies* illustrating efforts to "build a better future for all" through the promotion of cooperative identity were reported.

In the latter portion of the event, participants, both in-person and online, were organized into small groups for focused discussions. These groups exchanged insights on the presentations and deliberated on cooperative identity, with several groups subsequently presenting their findings.

In closing, Ms. ARAI Chitose, a board member of the JCA and Vice President of JCCU, delivered the closing remarks. She announced, "The year 2025 has been designated as the second International Year of Cooperatives (IYC). Let us collaborate to ensure its success."

*Case Studies

[1] In the first case study presentation, Ms. ITOU Yuriko, an advisor of the Seikatsu Club Consumers' Co-operative Union, delivered a comprehensive report on the initiatives of TOCHiTO, which promotes the development of sustainable local communities under the theme of "Local SDGs" through collaborative efforts with local government in the Shonai region of Yamagata Prefecture.

[2] The second case study was presented by the worker cooperative Common Wave, which operates after-school day services in conjunction with a free school in Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture. Ms. YAMAURA Kumiko, the representative director, provided an overview of the reasons for selecting the worker cooperative model. Her presentation highlighted the emphasis on horizontal connections rather than hierarchical structures, as well as the importance of dialogue.

[3] The third case study featured an overseas cooperative for the first time in the International Day of Cooperative Forum. Mr. NAKANO Osamu, Secretary General of the Japan Workers' Cooperative Union, presented on the topic of "Economic Empowerment of Women through Cooperatives," highlighting the activities of the Self Employed Women's Association (SEWA) in India. SEWA also provided a video message, offering insights into their initiatives and the lessons learned through their efforts.