About this stamp
ICA General Assembly 2024 in India – Launch of Commemorative Stamp for UN International Year of Cooperatives 2025
The International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) is set to make history as India hosts the ICA General Assembly and Global Conference in New Delhi from November 25–29, 2024. Organized by the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO), this landmark event is the first time in 130 years that the ICA General Assembly will be held in India, underlining the country’s pivotal role in the global cooperative movement.
More than 1,500 delegates from nearly 100 countries will gather at the iconic Bharat Mandapam (IECC), Pragati Maidan, with the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India and the Hon’ble Minister of Home and Cooperation inaugurating the event. Leaders, policymakers, and cooperative members from across the world will come together to deliberate on the future of cooperatives and their role in shaping inclusive, sustainable economies.
Highlights of ICA General Assembly 2024
- Global participation: Cooperative leaders, government officials, and ICA members engaging in high-level discussions.
- Workshops & Youth Engagement: Special sessions on involving younger generations in the cooperative movement.
- Cultural & Trade Exhibition: A vibrant “Haat” inspired by Indian villages, showcasing cooperative products from India and abroad.
- Sustainability Focus: A carbon-neutral, paperless event with the planting of 10,000 Peepal trees to offset emissions.
- Historic Launch: Official commencement of the UN International Year of Cooperatives 2025 (UN-IYC 2025), a global initiative celebrating cooperatives’ contribution to development, democracy, and sustainability.
The Commemorative Postage Stamp – A Symbol of Cooperative Legacy
One of the most significant moments of this global gathering is the launch of a commemorative postage stamp on the UN International Year of Cooperatives 2025. Issued with the support of the Ministry of Cooperation and India Post, this stamp highlights the timeless contributions of cooperatives to social inclusion, economic empowerment, and global development.
Symbolism in the Stamp Design
The stamp blends tradition and modernity:
- A drone represents innovation and the rise of smart agricultural technologies.
- Traditional farming motifs honor the roots of the cooperative movement.
- The design underscores values of shared ownership, community resilience, and mutual benefit that lie at the heart of cooperatives.
This release is not only a philatelic tribute but also a message to the world—cooperatives are as relevant today as they were over a century ago, offering solutions to pressing global challenges like poverty, inequality, and climate change.
India’s Leadership in the Global Cooperative Movement
India has long been a stronghold of the cooperative model, with millions of members across agriculture, dairy, banking, textiles, and other sectors. By hosting the ICA General Assembly 2024 and supporting the UN-IYC 2025 commemorative stamp, India reaffirms its leadership in strengthening cooperative values at the global level.
The stamp will serve as a lasting legacy, reminding future generations of the power of cooperation to build a fairer, more sustainable world.
For More Information
Read more here:
