The ICA Global Cooperative Conference, held in New Delhi, brought together cooperative leaders, policymakers, and international organizations to discuss the role of cooperatives in addressing global challenges and shaping a sustainable future. The event featured significant contributions from UNTFSSE Members and Observers, underscoring their commitment to advancing the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) as a key driver of inclusive and sustainable development.
Photo by ICA
Active participation from UNTFSSE
UNTFSSE Members and Observers played a prominent role throughout the conference, sharing their expertise and showcasing the impact of the SSE:
- The International Labour Organization (ILO): Dr. Simel Esim, Manager of the ILO’s Cooperative, Social and Solidarity Economy Unit, actively contributed to sessions on cooperative innovation, care economy, informality, and statistics. She highlighted the ILO’s pioneering work in setting global statistical standards for cooperatives and its efforts to expand these frameworks to the SSE (including through the UNTFSSE Technical Working Group). The ILO emphasized the importance of robust data collection and harmonization in demonstrating the transformative potential of cooperatives and SSE entities.
- The United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD): Dr. Ilcheong Yi, Senior Research Coordinator at UNRISD, shared insights on the SDPI measurement tool, a groundbreaking approach to measuring social, economic, and environmental dimensions of SSE entities. His contributions reinforced the importance of developing authentic indicators that go beyond traditional ESG frameworks to capture the unique contributions of cooperatives and SSE organizations.
- The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP): Dr. Srinivas Tata, Director of the Social Development Divison of ESCAP participated in discussions on regional cooperative initiatives, contributing to dialogue on how cooperatives and other SSE entities can drive sustainable development in Asia and the Pacific. The organization’s presence underscored its commitment to leveraging SSE to address challenges such as inequality, climate change, and economic resilience in the region.
- The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA): Ms. Wenyan Yang, Chief of the Social Perspective on Development Branch at UN DESA and Chair of The Committee for the Promotion and Advancement of Cooperatives (COPAC), provided insights on the UN’s role in advancing cooperatives, highlighting the 2023 UN Secretary-General’s report on cooperatives’ entrepreneurial ecosystems. She noted upcoming high-level events where the International Year can be further magnified.
- The International Cooperative Alliance (ICA): As the host of the event, the ICA brought together a global community of cooperatives to explore solutions for pressing global challenges. The ICA highlighted the importance of fostering innovation, collaboration, and resilience across cooperative networks, aligning closely with the SSE principles championed by UNTFSSE.
Ilcheong Yi (UNRISD) and Simel Esim (ILO), photos by ICA
Strengthening Collaboration for a Cooperative Future
The active participation of UNTFSSE Members and Observers at the ICA Global Conference demonstrated the shared vision for a sustainable and inclusive global economy. By engaging in high-level discussions and presenting innovative approaches, these organizations reinforced the critical connection of the cooperative movement to the SSE, and their joint power in addressing urgent challenges and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The UNTFSSE continues to support its Members and Observers in advancing SSE priorities and fostering collaboration across sectors and regions. Events such as the ICA Global Conference serve as key platforms for showcasing the transformative potential of the SSE and building momentum toward a cooperative and sustainable future.
For more information on the IYC 2025 visit the official website: https://2025.coop/