More than 1,000 co-operators from 94 countries worldwide gathered in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital as one global co-operative community to explore co-operation and development at the “Cooperatives for Development” at the Kigali Convention Centre from 14 to 17 October. The conference was organised under the the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) under the auspices of the Government of the Republic of Rwanda and with the support of the co-operative movement of Rwanda.
Participating in the ICA Global Conference was the contingent of 8 Singapore delegates led by the Chief Executive Officer of Singapore National Co-operative Federation, Ms Dolly. The delegation was made up of representatives from Singapore Government Staff Co-operative and Singapore Mercantile Co-operative.
The global conference focused on co-operatives’ contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and how co-operatives could continue to create a better and more sustainable future for all. Apart from co-operatives, the conference also brought together stakeholders like policymakers, institutional partners, government officials, representatives from international and regional organisations and researchers to discuss on issues in development and the SDGs such as women’s empowerment, the preservation of the environment, the eradication of hunger and poverty, decent work, ethical value chains, affordable housing, equality and peace, and innovation in entrepreneurship.
ICA will be hosting its 2020 Congress and General Assembly in Seoul, Korea from 11 to 16 December 2020. It will also be celebrating its 125th anniversary next year.
Photos: Courtesy of ICA
