The IInternational Day of Cooperatives was celebrated on 1 July under the theme Cooperatives: partners for accelerated sustainable development. United by the slogan Cooperatives for sustainable development, the movement showed how the cooperative way of working, inspired by cooperative values and principles, has the accomplishment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as part of its DNA.

Dr. Chandrapal Singh Yadav, President, ICA-AP in his message noted that in the Asia-Pacific region, cooperatives play a vital role in fostering sustainable development by providing livelihood opportunities to its members and enhancing their capacity by collaborating with governments and other stakeholders. He appealed to cooperators worldwide to join hands and help in moving forward to achieve our common goals.

Mr. Balu Iyer, Regional Director, ICA-AP said that cooperatives are essential partners for accelerated sustainable development and together, we can build a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future.

ICA-AP Regional Office position paper articulates its commitment to promoting the role of cooperatives in achieving accelerated sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region. It highlights key areas where cooperatives can act as crucial partners for sustainable development, with specific examples from the region.

The messages of the ICA-AP President and Regional Director and the full position paper are published on our dedicated CoopsDay website. It also provides information on how our members celebrated CoopsDay.

The National Cooperative Union of India organised the 17th Indian Cooperative Congress on the theme ‘Amrit Kaal: Prosperity through Cooperation for a Vibrant India’ in New Delhi, India on 1 and 2 July. It was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi who in his address, noted that the country is working towards the goal of a ‘Viksit and Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (developed and self-dependent India). He reiterated the need for ‘Sabka Prayas’ (everyone’s effort) in achieving these goals where the spirit of cooperation sends the message of everyone’s effort. He launched the e-Commerce website for Cooperative Marketing (e-NCUI Haat) and a Cooperative Extension and Advisory Services Portal. The Prime Minister noted the contributions of the dairy cooperative in making India the world’s leading milk producer and the role of cooperatives in making India one of the top sugar-producing countries in the world. He underlined that cooperatives have become a huge support system for small farmers in many parts of the country. The PM also informed about the measures undertaken by the government to strengthen cooperative societies.

The National Confederation of Cooperatives (NATCCO), Philippines organised a tree plantation drive in their efforts to advocate Sustainable Development Goal #13 or Climate Action. They also organized an online forum on “Coops as Models of Sustainability” to highlight the significant contributions of coops in attaining the SDGs and to increase awareness of cooperatives as active contributors to sustainable development and promote the coops' successes and ideals of international solidarity, economic efficiency, equality, social inclusion, environmental soundness, and peace. The details can be found here.

The cooperative movement of Myanmar celebrated CoopsDay at Nay Pyi Taw. The event was attended by the Union Minister, Deputy Union Minister from the Ministry of Cooperative and Rural Development, government officers of Cooperative Departments from all states and regions, Chairmans/ BODs of unions of cooperative federations from all states and regions and staff from the Central Cooperative Society (CCS). An exhibition of cooperative products was held as well.

In the lead-up to CoopsDay, the Business Councill of Cooperatives and Mutals (BCCM) in Australia ⁠reflected on how the cooperative and mutual movement supports the UN’s SDGs. The Singapore National Cooperative Federation (SNCF)shared stories of how local cooperatives undertake sustainability efforts in their daily operations. The Japan Cooperative Alliance along with cooperatives in Japan held a Forum on the theme Let's discuss the future of cooperatives! in Tokyo (hybrid).

ICA-AP will organize a webinar on the theme ‘Cooperatives as Partners for the Implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development’ on 19 July. Register Here.