The recent International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) Global Cooperative Conference 2024 in New Delhi was more than but a spectacle of global gathering of leaders from over 100 countries; it was a testament to the growing importance of cooperatives in shaping a sustainable and equitable future. During the event, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched the United Nations’ International Year of Cooperatives 2025 (IYC 2025), a significant global initiative aimed at bringing the spotlight on the critical role cooperatives play in advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This year will mark as a turning point in global economic and social discourse, where cooperatives will increasingly be recognised not merely as tools of local development but as nodal players in the global economic development.
The Cooperatives Model: Rooted in Community, Poised for Global Impact
At the heart of the cooperative model lies a simple yet powerful concept: people working together for mutual benefit. Cooperatives emphasise collective ownership, shared responsibility, and democratic decision-making. These principles have led to remarkable successes across the world, from agriculture to healthcare, from financial services to energy production.
In India, cooperatives have been instrumental in rural development. The success of Amul and similar cooperatives is a testament to the potential of cooperative models to drive both economic development and social justice. Further, dairies like Amul support women-led development in rural areas by empowering women who are engaged with milk producing societies for their business activities. Through its cooperative model, such cooperatives offer leadership roles, skill development, and financial support, enabling women to gain economic independence, further strengthening their role in the community and economy.
India’s Leadership in Promoting the Cooperative Model
India has long recognised the value of cooperatives as a tool for economic transformation and social progress. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s presence at the ICA Global Cooperative Conference highlighted India’s deep-rooted commitment to the cooperative movement. His address during the launch of the International Year of Cooperatives 2025 underscored the role of cooperatives in building a self-reliant, prosperous nation. The Prime Minister’s speech also spotlighted the cooperative sector’s ability to empower marginalised communities, particularly in rural India, where cooperatives remain the backbone of sectors such as agriculture and dairy farming.
Under Shri Narendra Modi’s dynamic leadership, the Indian government has made significant strides in enhancing the cooperative sector. The steps taken by the Government to promote co-operatives reflect the recognition that co-operatives are not merely a relic of the past but are an important link in contemporary economic and social development.
The Vision of ‘Sahkar se Samriddhi’: Theroadmap for Cooperatives Revival
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership and Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah’s guidance has played a critical role in reshaping India’s cooperative landscape. Under their direction, India is moving toward a modernised cooperative framework that aligns with the demands of a digital economy. Their vision of leveraging technology to expand the reach and effectiveness of cooperatives is especially crucial in an increasingly digital world. The future of cooperatives lies in their ability to evolve with changing times, integrating modern tools to improve efficiency and sustainability.
A Global Agenda: Cooperatives and the SDGs
As nations grapple with economic inequality, climate change, and social unrest, cooperatives offer an alternative model for growth—one that is inclusive, democratic, and resilient. The cooperative model’s emphasis on solidarity, mutual support, and democratic participation positions it uniquely to address key global problems. By providing a framework that prioritises people over profits, cooperatives ensure that the benefits of economic activity are more widely distributed, empowering the underserved and helping bridge societal gaps. By linking the cooperative movement with the Sustainable Development Goals, India has established itself as a global advocate for sustainable and inclusive development. In short, cooperatives are key to achieving an inclusive and sustainable global economy.
The Road Ahead: A Cooperative Future
Cooperatives are not just an economic tool, but they are a powerful means of achieving social justice, economic equity, and environmental sustainability.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the guidance of Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah, the vision of ‘Sahkar se Samriddhi’ can build a better future for our country of 140 crores people. By promoting cooperatives as vehicles for social and economic development, we can create a world where prosperity is shared, inequalities are reduced, and communities are empowered. It’s time to recognise that the future of our global economy depends on cooperation and that cooperatives hold the key to building a fairer, more sustainable world for all.
(The Author is Union Minister of State for Cooperation and Civil Aviation)
