JCCU participated in the ICA Global Cooperative Conference, General Assembly, and Related Meetings in New Delhi, India
2025.01.16
From November 25 to 30, 2024, the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) World Cooperative Conference, General Assembly, and related meetings were held in New Delhi, India, under the theme "Cooperatives Build Prosperity for All." Representing the Japanese Consumers' Co-operative Union (JCCU), President Toshio Tsuchiya and Vice President Chitose Arai attended the event. This global conference commemorated the launch of the United Nations International Year of Cooperatives (IYC 2025) and brought together cooperative stakeholders from over 100 countries worldwide.
The opening ceremony, attended by over 3,000 participants, included Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, representatives from the United Nations, government officials, and cooperative leaders. Prime Minister Modi emphasized the critical role cooperatives play in building India's economic foundation and the importance of fostering a "spirit of cooperation" to create a sustainable and inclusive future. Additionally, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres delivered a video message, expressing his expectations for the significant role cooperatives will play in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Opening Ceremony: Provided by ICA
During the plenary and breakout sessions, discussions focused on four key themes* related to how cooperatives can build prosperity for all. JCCU Vice President Chitose Arai spoke at the breakout session titled "Values in Cooperative Business: Perspectives from large cooperatives." She provided an overview of Japanese consumer cooperatives and their democratic governance, illustrating how the cooperative movement has advanced through the dual pillars of business operations and member participation, supported by specific examples.
*The four themes were: "Enabling Policy and Entrepreneurial Ecosystem", "Nurturing Purposeful Leadership", "Reaffirming Cooperative Identity", "Shaping a Just, Equal and Resilient Future"
At the ICA General Assembly, approximately 1,300 participants from over 100 countries came together to develop an action agenda for the future of cooperatives.
The "New Delhi Action Agenda" outlines a roadmap for the future based on the following four key pillars：
1. Reaffirming the Cooperative Identity
2. Enabling Policy and Entrepreneurial Ecosystems
3. Nurturing Purposeful Leadership
4. Building a Sustainable and Cooperative Future
Through this global conference, the importance of cooperatives and their vision for the future in achieving a sustainable society were shared.
(Left) Vice President, ARAI Chitose (second from the left) presenting at a breakout session
(Right) JCCU President, TSUCHIYA Toshio Speaking at a Related Meeting
