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11th ICA Asia and Pacific Cooperative Forum
8th November 2023 (Wed)
Program

Facilitator: Mr. Mohit Dave (ICA-AP) TTheme: Cooperatives – Our Common Agenda

Theme: Cooperatives – Our Common Agenda
Objectives To deliberate on how the cooperative business model continues to be relevant in addressing global challenges and how we accelerate the cooperative identity. To discuss the extent of collaboration between civil society and the cooperative movement in addressing current socio-economic issues and working toward attainment of SDGs based on the findings of the recent identity survey. To develop new thinking and innovative approaches to create an enabling environment for cooperatives to grow, sustain, and better respond to internal challenges and the rapidly changing external environment and be inclusive of diversity. To devise a set of concrete action items to forge a stronger partnership between the cooperative stakeholders that are implementable within a mutually agreed time frame.
Time: 08:00 - 17:30 Manila time (GMT+ 8) Venue: Hotel Crowne Plaza, Manila
08:00 – 09:00	Registration
09:00 – 10:00	Inauguration of the Conference Cultural Performance Introduction of VIP Delegates Welcome Address – President, ICA Inaugural Address – President, ICA Asia and Pacific Appreciation Message – CDA Philippines and Coordinator, PCA Welcome Message & Introduction to the Conference – Regional Director, ICA Asia Pacific
10:00 – 10:30	Keynote Address on “Cooperatives – Our Common Agenda” by TBC
10:30 – 11:00	Group Photo and Break
11:00 – 12:30	Opening Plenary: Accelerating the Cooperative Identity
Presentation (15 mins x 4) Open floor (30 mins)	Chair: Ms. Melina Morrison, Member of ICA Cooperative Identity Advisory Group The Statement of Cooperative Identity unites cooperatives to work for the common good. The values and principles give people control of their own lives, their future, and serve as the base that sets cooperatives apart from other types of enterprises. How can we ensure the cooperative as a socio-economic model continues to be relevant in addressing global challenges and how do we accelerate the cooperative identity? Findings and status update of Identity Survey (Ms. Melina Morrison, BCCM) Position of UNDESA on Cooperative Identity (Mr. Andrew Allimadi, UNDESA) Statement of Cooperative Identity uniting cooperatives in Japan (Mr. Kenki Maeda, Japan Cooperative Alliance) Strengthening the cooperative identity in Mindanao (Ms. Bernadette O. Toledo, MASS-SPECC Cooperative Development Center)
12:30 – 14:00	Lunch Break
14:00 – 15:30	Three Breakout/Parallel sessions (details below)
15:30 – 16:00	Break
16:00 – 17:30	Closing Plenary Report from the breakout sessions, drafting committee Joint Declaration and Recommendations Closing address by TBC Closing speech by Regional Director, ICA-AP Vote of thanks by Coordinator, PCA
Breakout 1	Driving the Climate Agenda Forward: Cooperatives Advancing Sustainability through Cross Sector Collaboration
The state of our planet has reached an alarming level, with natural resources being depleted at an unprecedented rate and the consequences of climate change becoming more apparent with each passing day. The current model of production and consumption is unsustainable and is leading to irreversible damage to the environment. There is a pressing need for cross-sector collaboration to address the root causes of the problem and implement solutions that promote sustainability. This requires a systemic change in behaviour and thinking, which involves reimagining how we produce, consume, and dispose of resources. Cooperatives as organizations that prioritize community needs over profits, are well-positioned to lead the way in promoting sustainable practices and driving positive environmental change. The session will look at: What are the standards for reporting on climate work, and how can cooperatives report on their efforts effectively? We will examine reporting frameworks and best practices for communicating climate-related initiatives to stakeholders. How are cooperatives leading the way in climate action through social and organizational innovation? We will explore innovative approaches to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting sustainability, and adapting to climate-related challenges. What kinds of cooperation are necessary between cooperatives and other actors to advance the climate agenda? What are the partnerships, collaborations, and alliances that are critical for scaling up climate action and achieving meaningful results.
14:00 – 15:30	Session Chair Altantuya Tseden-Ish, President, National Association of Mongolian Agricultural Coops
Presentation (15 mins x 4) Open floor (30 mins)	Overview of the current trends, direction, impact, and challenges Dr. Antonio G.M. La Viña, Associate Director for Climate Policy and International Relations of Manila Observatory Ensuring Climate Resiliency of Rural Communities in Asia Ms. Marlene D. Ramirez, Secretary General of the Asian Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas (AsiaDHRRA) How NACF responds to the climate related challenges Mr. Woojung Lee, Senior Manager, National Agricultural Cooperative Federation, Rep. of Korea
Breakout 2	Empowering Cooperatives: Leading by Promoting Diversity and Inclusion
The pandemic has exposed the deep-seated social, economic, and environmental inequalities that persist in many communities worldwide. The post-pandemic world has shown organizations the importance of diversity - how well they reflect the communities they serve - equity - ensuring that everyone has access to the same opportunities - and inclusion - creating a sense of belonging. Cooperatives are no exception to this trend, and they need to come together to address the challenges facing our generation and strive to make a positive impact on the world. The session will look at: How can cooperatives address the needs of women, youth, and marginalized communities? What initiatives can be implemented to ensure that cooperatives are accessible and welcoming to these groups? What is the relationship between a diverse cooperative movement and its performance? How can cooperatives leverage diversity to improve their effectiveness and impact? How can cooperatives build and support women and young generation leaders through succession planning, grooming, mentoring, and other initiatives? What can cooperatives do to ensure that their leadership reflects the diversity of their members and communities?
14:00 – 15:30	Session Chair Ms. Om Devi Malla, Senior Vice Chairperson, National Cooperative Federation of Nepal
Presentation (15 mins x 4) Open floor (30 mins)	Studies on leadership and diversity and how it relates to performance Dr. Dynah A. Basuil, Professor, Asian Institute of Management, the Philippines Relationship between diversity and performance in cooperatives Ms. Anahita Eslahpazir, CEO, Rah-e-roshd Cooperative Educational Complex (RCEC), Iran Empowering youth: voices from the Grassroots Mr. Vastu K.S.G. Garudatama, CEO, Mudamudi, Indonesia Empowering women: voices from the Grassroots Ms. Nenita Ganlal Kinan, COWHED, the Philippines
Breakout 3	Ensuring Cooperatives Relevance: Embracing Disruptive Technologies for Sustainable Growth
The world has undergone a rapid digital transformation in recent decades, which has only accelerated during the pandemic. This shift towards digitization and a more digital lifestyle has highlighted the need for cooperatives to not only improve their digital tools and technology, but to also address the critical need for the digitalization of cooperative operations and services. This session will explore how cooperatives can effectively enhance their services and increase engagement with their communities through digitalization. It will discuss how cooperatives of all sizes can learn from each other to move in parallel with digital trends. The session will look at: What are the disruptions caused by AI and what do they mean for cooperatives? How can cooperatives adapt to these changes while still maintaining their cooperative values and principles? Can digital accessibility broaden inclusivity beyond that of traditional cooperatives in different geographic regions? How can cooperatives leverage digital platforms to expand their reach and engage with more diverse communities? What potential conflicts may arise from the digitalization of cooperatives and how can they be addressed? How can cooperative principles be developed and utilized in practice in the digital economy to work towards a more democratic future?
14:00 – 15:30	Session Chair Mr. Azizul Bin Alias, Board Member, Cooperative Institute of Malaysia
Presentation (15 mins x 4) Open floor (30 mins)	Trend, direction, impact, and challenges: Perspectives on IR 4.0 Dr. Saji Gopinath, Vice Chancellor, Kerala University of Digital Sciences, Innovation and Technology Incubation of Digital Coops Ms. Ana Aguirre, Mondragon Technical Academy, Spain Smart Technology in Agriculture Mr. Santosh Kumar Shukla, Jt. General Manager (Cooperative Development), IFFCO India