ICA-AP in Papua New Guinea – Cooperative Entrepreneurship: Shaping a Sustainable Future
ICA-AP, in collaboration with the Office of Cooperative Societies (OCS-PNG), announces a 3-day capacity-building seminar on “Cooperative Entrepreneurship: Shaping a Sustainable Future,” to be held from 19 to 21 August 2025 in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. This seminar aims to foster the growth and development of cooperatives across the Pacific Island countries and is part of the celebrations for the 2025 International Year of Cooperatives (IYC) in the Pacific and Oceania sub-region.
- This initiative is supported by the ICA-EU Financial Framework Partnership Agreement (FFPA2), highlighting a shared commitment to fostering resilient and sustainable cooperative ecosystems worldwide, with a focus on the following objectives:
- Strengthen understanding of cooperative entrepreneurship and its role in advancing sustainability efforts across various sectors.
- Increase the visibility and engagement of youth and women entrepreneurs within the cooperative movement, highlighting their contributions to sustainable development.
Foster dialogue on the advancement of cooperative entrepreneurship and provide support for the promotion and growth of the cooperative business model throughout the region
This seminar will highlight the role of cooperative entrepreneurship in driving sustainability and inclusive growth across the Pacific. It aims to enhance understanding of cooperatives as tools for community development, showcase the contributions of youth and women, and create space for dialogue on advancing cooperative business practices. Aligned with the goals of the IYC 2025, the event will also discuss the importance of regional integration to strengthen cooperation among Pacific Island cooperatives to share resources, amplify their voices, and build a connected cooperative movement in the region.
This three-day program will feature two days of discussions focused on policy advancement, partnership building, and regional cooperation, followed by field visits to local cooperatives on the final day. Participants will include government officials, civil society representatives, international organizations, and cooperative leaders, with active involvement from women and youth.
The detailed concept note and program can be accessed here.
