The ICA-AP Committee on Youth Cooperation (ICYC), represented by its Chairperson, Atty. Dulce Bustamante-Delmo, participated in the International Forum on Cooperation in Cheboksary, Chuvash Republic, Russia held from September 18 to 22.
Joining Atty. Dulce were Mr. Abubakar Sadiq Labaran, President of the ICA Africa Youth Network, Mr. Abdelfattah Al Shalabi, Director General of the Jordan Cooperative Corporation, Mabruck Mpangule, Vice President of the ICA Africa Youth Network, and Mostafa Saleh Mohamed Soliman from the Egyptian Central Productive Cooperative Union.
The forum, organized by the Government of the Chuvash Republic and the Russian University of Cooperation, kicked off with a Welcome Dinner to greet the foreign delegates upon their arrival in the picturesque city of Cheboksary.
The forum officially opened with a plenary discussion at the Russian University of Cooperation. Atty. Dulce, as one of the keynote speakers presented on “Empowering the Future: Youth Cooperatives and Leadership Development in Asia and the Pacific.” The presentation focused on the ICA and ICYC, as many attendees, including students, were unfamiliar with the global cooperative movement. She highlighted the upcoming 2025 International Year of Cooperatives, addressing the challenges faced by youth in the Asia-Pacific region, and explored how young people could be more involved in and aware of cooperativism.
On September 19, a key meeting took place with prominent Russian officials, including Mr. Zubov Dmitry, Chairman of the Central Union of the Russian Federation, Mr. Nikolaev Oleg, Head of the Chuvash Republic, and Mr. Damir, Head of the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs (Rosmolodyozh). The discussions centered on fostering international cooperation through trade and product exchange among cooperatives, and strengthening youth movements. During this meeting, the International Club of Friendship was formally launched, symbolizing Russia's commitment to advancing international relations.
In the context of youth engagement, Mr. Damir announced that the World Youth Festival, traditionally held in Russia, will now become an annual event, further empowering the global youth movement. ICYC stressed the importance of youth cooperatives participating actively in this significant initiative. Atty. Dulce proposed the formation of a working group based on the Central Union of the Russian Federation. This group, comprising both Russian representatives and foreign delegates, would focus on advancing the ideas discussed during the forum and bringing them to fruition.
At a plenary session held at Cheboksary Theater, Atty. Dulce addressed the attendees and outlined the delegation’s action plan and delivered an inspiring message to the youth, emphasizing the importance of cooperative movements in shaping a better future.
Following the session, the delegates participated in a symbolic Tree Planting Ceremony at Park Amazonia, where they planted linden saplings alongside with the Russian ministers. ICYC noted the significance of this event, aligning it with the international youth-driven Go Green Campaign.
The forum concluded with a Gastronomic Festival at Cheboksary’s Red Square, showcasing the rich diversity of Russia’s cooperative sector. Cooperators from across the country exhibited their products, foods, and services, offering a cultural and cooperative exchange for the international delegates.
To conclude, the following message was sent by the Chuvash government:
“I express my respect and have the honor to inform you that the Chuvash Republic is always glad to new partners and is interested in developing international and interregional trade, economic, cultural, humanitarian and scientific-technical ties with the Republic of the Philippines [and ICYC], and therefore is ready to create all the conditions and provide all the necessary support for the successful implementation of bilateral cooperation projects. The Chuvash Republic has all the opportunities for successful joint cooperation between enterprises of the region and foreign partners. The most attractive sectors of the economy for investors are: electrical engineering, housing, mechanical engineering and metalworking, food and chemical industries, transport, agriculture, hotel industry, tourism. In order to explore mutual interests and establish long-term cooperation, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the presentation of the economic and industrial potential of the Chuvash Republic (attached) and visit the Chuvash Republic to familiarize yourself with the potential of the republic. The Government of the Chuvash Republic is ready to provide any organizational support.”
We hope that international cooperative relations will be further strengthened, and we expect active engagement and participation from the Russian Federation.
