We are pleased to welcome two new Associate Members to the International Cooperative Alliance Asia and Pacific (ICA-AP), each bringing with them a strong commitment to cooperative values and a deep-rooted desire to contribute to the regional and global cooperative movement.

From the Philippines, the Institute of Cooperatives and Bio-enterprise Development (ICOPED) at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) joins us as an Associate Member. ICOPED is a leading academic unit under UPLB’s College of Economics and Management, with a long-standing dedication to strengthening cooperatives and social enterprises through academic instruction, research, and community engagement.

With over four decades of experience, ICOPED has played a critical role in professionalising cooperative leadership, advancing cooperative studies, and advocating policy support for the sector. In joining ICA-AP, ICOPED hopes to deepen its international collaborations, build meaningful linkages, and enhance its capacity to deliver impactful cooperative education and development initiatives. The membership also marks a step forward in amplifying the voice of the academic cooperative community from the Philippines on a global platform.

From India, we welcome the Saath Janvikas Multi-Purpose Seva Sahkari Mandali Ltd., a grassroots cooperative dedicated to improving the economic and social well-being of self-employed and economically vulnerable individuals. Supported by the development organisation Saath, the cooperative operates across multiple sectors: providing training, financial assistance, access to essential goods and services, and support in health, education, housing, and employment.

With a membership of 30,000 and an expansive vision for inclusive development, Saath Janvikas brings a vibrant energy to the ICA-AP network. Through this membership, the cooperative looks forward to learning from global experiences, building capacity, and fostering collaboration across borders to better serve its members and strengthen the cooperative ecosystem in India.

Together, these new members reflect the rich diversity and shared purpose that define our alliance. With their addition, the ICA-AP network now stands 118 members strong across 29 countries.