Dear Members,

As we look back on 2024, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your continued commitment, valued partnership, and belief in the power of cooperation.

This year has been one of sustained progress for the cooperative movement across the Asia-Pacific—a year that not only marked significant milestones but also deepened our sense of purpose and collective resolve.

A defining moment of the year was India hosting the ICA Global Cooperative Conference and General Assembly and kick-off event of the United Nations (UN) International Year of Cooperatives 2025 (IYC 2025) and This marked the first time in the ICA’s 130-year history that the General Assembly was held in India—a historic milestone made even more meaningful by the presence of India’s Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi. In inaugurating the event, he highlighted the vital role cooperatives play in advancing India’s vision of « Sahakar se Samriddhi » (Prosperity through Cooperatives). The New Delhi Action Agenda on a Cooperative Future provides a platform to reaffirm cooperative identity, enable supportive ecosystems, nurture inclusive leadership, and build a sustainable future. The recognition of Dr. U.S. Awasthi, Managing Director of the Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative (IFFCO) with the Rochdale Pioneers Award was a proud moment for us all.

We strengthened global and regional cooperation through the 11th Asia-Pacific Cooperative Ministers’ Conference in Jordan, the Second Asia-Pacific Women CEOs in Cooperatives Summit in Vietnam, and the soft launch of IYC in New York. These gatherings reminded us of the critical role cooperatives play in addressing complex challenges, from food security and climate change to gender equality and social inclusion.

An important milestone during the year was the launch of the second phase of the ICA-EU Financial Framework Partnership Program Phase 2, a 48-month initiative that reaffirms our commitment to sustainable, democratic, and inclusive development. We will carry out needs assessments in close consultation with our members, using the insights to design targeted training programs, undertake research, and facilitate regional dialogues. These actions aim to align cooperative efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while also strengthening local capacities and fostering greater collaboration and innovation across the cooperative movement.

Our committees have contributed significantly to this year’s outcomes by organizing regional workshops, online events, youth education programs, emotional wellness webinars, and research conferences. They continue to innovate, collaborate, and bring our values to life in practical ways. Whether it was fostering women’s financial inclusion or strengthening trade networks through regional cooperation, their contributions have been immense.

We expanded our network, welcoming new members from Cambodia, the Philippines, and Saudi Arabia. Our Regional Board met in Jordan, Vietnam, and India to deliberate on critical issues such as membership fees, voting rights, and ICA-AP’s long-term strategy. These discussions were candid and constructive, rooted in our shared values of equity, participation, and mutual respect.

We were also honoured by the visits of Dr. Ariel Guarco, ICA President, and Mr. Jeroen Douglas, ICA Director General, whose presence reaffirmed the importance of Asia-Pacific in the global cooperative movement.

Internally, we welcomed new team members and bid farewell to old colleagues. We grew our communications outreach and kept members informed through regular newsletters, the COOP Dialogue, webinars, and social media. Our partnerships, with governments, UN agencies, academic institutions, and member organizations, continued to deepen and bear fruit.

The foundation we have built together in 2024 gives us strength and purpose. We believe that IYC 2025 will be a landmark year, one where the voice of cooperatives will echo louder, and our impact will reach even farther.

On behalf of the ICA-AP, thank you once again for your continued and dedicated support. It is your collective energy that powers our journey forward.

With warm regards,

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