The ICA-AP Trade & Business Committee, in collaboration with the ASEAN Cooperative Organization (ACO) and the Malaysian National Cooperative Movement (ANGKASA), organized the Cooperative to Cooperative (C-2-C) Trade & Business Conference from 22 to 23 August 2023, at the Resorts World Awana Genting Highlands in Pahang, Malaysia. The conference aimed to address global challenges related to Sustainable Development Goal 13 (SDG 13) on Climate Action and SDG 17 on Partnerships for Sustainable Development.
The program had three key objectives. Firstly, it aimed to highlight the significant role of cooperatives in achieving SDG 13 and SDG 17 while promoting sustainable development. It showed how cooperatives contribute to fighting climate change and fostering sustainable partnerships for a better world.
Secondly, the program intended to showcase successful examples of cooperative partnerships in areas like clean energy, green tech, farming, forestry, transportation, and tourism. These partnerships demonstrated how cooperatives can effectively address climate change and promote sustainable development in practical ways.
The conference brought together 66 participants representing 30 cooperatives from 12 countries. Discussions centred on the interconnected challenges of sustainable development and climate change, with an emphasis on the need for strategic planning and ethical business models that prioritize environmental preservation.
The event featured two forums on renewable energy, green energy, and sustainable agriculture, as well as the role of cooperatives in sustainable forestry and community development. Additionally, a buzz session explored the potential of cooperatives in promoting sustainable tourism for community development.
Key figures present at the event included Datuk Seri Dr. Abdul Fattah Abdullah, Vice-President of ICA-AP and President of ANGKASA, and Dr. Chandrapal Singh Yadav, President of ICA-AP.
An official dinner hosted for international and local participants, providing a platform for networking and collaboration.
Cooperative Tour and City Tour
In parallel with the conference, international participants had the opportunity to participate in cooperative and city tours. The cooperative tour included a visit to Koperasi Ladang Berhad, Kuala Lumpur, in the morning, followed by an evening cable car ride to Genting SkyWorlds.
ICA-AP Trade & Business Committee Met in Malaysia
In a hybrid format, the second ICA-AP Trade & Business Committee meeting for 2023 convened on 23 August 2023, at Resorts World Awana in Genting Highlands, Pahang, Malaysia. Representatives from six countries, including Malaysia, the Philippines, Korea, Sri Lanka, and Palestine, participated in person, while delegates from China joined virtually.
During the meeting, two new members from Sri Lanka joined the committee, increasing its membership to a total of 22, along with 3 observers, representing 12 cooperatives from 8 countries. Discussions revolved around side events during the Regional Assembly in Manila, Philippines, including a trade fair and a seminar on Enhancing Sustainable Agricultural Supply Chains.
The next meeting is scheduled for 7 November 2023, in Manila, Philippines, coinciding with the 16th Regional Assembly. The meeting concluded with closing remarks by Datuk Seri Dr. Abdul Fattah Abdullah, expressing appreciation for active participation and encouraging ongoing communication and collaboration among members.
