Inviting Submissions for COOP Dialogue 9

Theme – Cooperatives Build a Better World: Stories of Action

The International Cooperative Alliance Asia and Pacific (ICA-AP) invites submissions for the upcoming COOP Dialogue 9, a special edition of the bi-annual regional publication. This issue celebrates the United Nations’ International Year of Cooperatives 2025 (IYC 2025) and the global theme: Cooperatives Build a Better World.

As cooperatives across the Asia-Pacific confront complex challenges, from climate change and economic disruption to digitization and demographic shifts, this issue aims to spotlight bold, people-centred action. It is a moment to reflect, but also to inspire: How are cooperatives building the better world we want to see?

We welcome original contributions from ICA-AP members, cooperatives, and sectoral bodies that document lived experiences, innovations, and impact. This issue will showcase “Stories of Action” under five key themes:

Bold Innovations for the Future

How are cooperatives leading change in sustainability, technology, food systems, and the future of work? We’re looking for new models, digital tools, and forward-thinking practices that challenge the status quo.

People-Powered Change

Stories of transformation led by youth, women, and workers, not just as beneficiaries, but as leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs reshaping cooperative landscapes.

Cooperative Identity in Action

How do cooperatives live out democracy, equity, education, and solidarity in practice? Share everyday examples where cooperative values make a visible difference.

Rising from the Margins

Experiences from indigenous, informal, or underrepresented communities that use the cooperative model to reclaim dignity, voice, and self-reliance.

Local Roots, Global Reach

Stories of resilience, inter-cooperative collaboration, and grassroots solutions that scaled up to influence policy, networks, or regional discourse. We welcome a variety of formats, including feature articles, case studies, personal narratives, interviews, or photo stories.

Submission Guidelines:

• Submission of Interest and Abstract: Please submit the title and a 300-word abstract by 15 July 2025.
• Complete Written Material: Submit your complete articles (1,500 to 2,000 words excluding references) along with pictures in .jpg/ .jpeg/ .png formats (size between 500 Kb and 5 Mb) by 30 September 2025. The relevant pictures should be placed in the article with proper captions and submitted separately as well. Articles can also include graphics, tables, and graphs for illustration purposes and hyperlinks to additional information, documents, or videos.
• Complete Videos: Submit videos of 3-5 minutes (in .mp4 format, max size 500 Mb) by 30 September 2025.
• Language: English
• Format: Word file only, edited videos, or photo stories
• Originality: Authors are encouraged to submit original articles, videos, and photo stories to avoid copyright issues.

For any queries, please contact the COOP Dialogue team at coopdialogue@icaap.coop.

Join us in celebrating and amplifying how cooperatives in Asia-Pacific are shaping a better world.