International Cooperative Alliance (ICA)

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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: International Cooperative Alliance (ICA)

Why in the News?

  • India is set to host the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) Global Cooperative Conference in Delhi this month.
    • It will mark the first time in the 130-year history of ICA that the ICA General Assembly and Global Cooperative Conference are being hosted in India.

About the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA):

Details
About Established in 1895 to unite, represent, and serve cooperatives globally.
• Represents 315 cooperative federations and organizations from 107 countries.
• Estimated to represent about 1 billion individuals worldwide across various sectors like agriculture, banking, fisheries, health, housing, insurance, and more.
• It has held consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) since 1946, making it the first NGO to receive this status.
Custodian of the internationally recognized definition, values, and principles of cooperatives. 
Structure of ICA Governing Board: A 20-member board responsible for overseeing activities.
General Assembly: Highest governing authority, with representatives from member organizations, convened at least annually.
• ICA is divided into four regional organizations:

  1. ICA Asia-Pacific (New Delhi, India),
  2. ICA Africa (Nairobi, Kenya),
  3. Cooperatives Europe (Brussels, Belgium), and
  4. ICA Americas (San José, Costa Rica).

8 sectoral organizations representing cooperatives in various sectors like agriculture, banking, fisheries, and more.
5 thematic committees focused on cooperative development, economic sustainability, social responsibility, and advocacy.

Powers and Functions of ICA Represents cooperatives in international forums, particularly within the United Nations and other multilateral organizations.
Influences international policies related to social and economic development and sustainable cooperative businesses.
Promote and define cooperative identity globally, ensuring cooperatives adhere to internationally recognized principles.
Collects and publishes data about the cooperative sector via reports like the World Cooperative Monitor and ICA Global 300 index.

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