The biennial Regional Assembly, represented by all members, is the highest authority of the ICA-Asia and Pacific. The Regional Assembly is a central policy-making and representative body that brings together all members and provides them a platform to discuss multiple issues concerning the development and growth of cooperatives as well as the opportunity to network and form bilateral and multilateral alliances for mutual benefit. It plays a vital role in strengthening the democratic governance process of cooperatives by building consensus on issues and passing the agenda after discussion to the satisfaction of all members.

The Philippines is hosting the 16th Regional Assembly after two decades since 2003 under the aegis of the Philippines Cooperative Movement. The Regional Assembly encompasses the Cooperative Forum, Regional Board Meeting, various events organized by the Regional Sectoral and Thematic Committees, and the statutory meeting of the Regional Assembly.

COOP Dialogue: Interview with Dr. Chandrapal Singh Yadav, ICA-AP President

11th Asia-Pacific Cooperative Forum

The Asia-Pacific Cooperative Forum is a biennial event organized by ICA-AP in conjunction with the ICA-AP Regional Assembly. Established in the year 2000, the Forum brings together stakeholders to assess progress, discuss challenges and arrive at decisions to strengthen cooperative enterprises as models of sustainable development.

Theme

Manila Resolution

The theme for the 16th Regional Assembly, 11th Cooperative Forum and related events is, “Cooperatives: Our Common Agenda.” In September 2015, world leaders adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development which set out the road map for a future of shared prosperity and environmental sustainability. Today, the global challenges faced by the world including the Covid-19 pandemic, wars, worsening economic conditions, and irreparable effects of climate change are posing a threat to the fulfillment of the 2030 Agenda to advance global development. To strengthen global governance for present and future generations, the UN Secretary-General has come up with recommendations to advance the common agenda and to respond to these challenges. The Our Common Agenda reportlooks ahead to the next 25 years and represents the Secretary-General’s vision for the future of global cooperation.

Cooperatives, with their human-centric model, concern for community, and cooperatives values and principles, have proven time and again that a better world is possible with cooperation. Having a common agenda and working collaboratively towards it will only strengthen the cooperatives’ mission. Through the Cooperative Forum and some of the committee events, ICA-AP will deliberate upon key opportunities and challenges to build a common agenda for cooperatives and chalk out concrete and achievable action points. For more information, click here.