International Co-operative Alliance-Asia and Pacific

03/08/2026

How can cooperatives transform healthcare? A visit to Kerala offered an inspiring answer.

As part of a learning visit, ICA-AP staff had the opportunity to visit the MVR Cancer Centre & Research Institute, established by the Foundation of City Service Co-operative Bank Ltd.

Operating since 2017, the institute stands as a remarkable example of how a primary cooperative society can invest in world class healthcare infrastructure for the benefit of the community.

Some highlights from the visit:

• 300 bed cancer hospital with more than 30 specialised departments.
• 17 acre, eco friendly and to***co free campus.
• Among the first hospitals in India to adopt LINAC radiation technology.
• Research collaborations exploring the integration of Ayurveda in cancer treatment.
• Digital mammography services supporting early breast cancer detection.
• Named in honour of Shri M. V. Raghavan, former Minister of Co-operation, Kerala.

The ICA-AP team also visited the Mavoor Branch of Calicut City Service Co-Operative Bank Ltd, which operates 365 days a year and showcases the cooperative's commitment to member service, innovation and youth leadership.

The visit reinforced the transformative potential of cooperatives in building resilient communities. By investing in healthcare and social infrastructure, member owned institutions continue to demonstrate that they can deliver high quality services while remaining rooted in community needs.

ICA-AP thanks Calicut City Service Co-operative Bank Ltd and MVR Cancer Centre and Research Institute for their warm hospitality and for sharing their inspiring cooperative journey.



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International Cooperative Alliance | |

31/07/2026

📖 𝗖𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝘆 𝟯 | 𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝘀 #𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗴𝗲𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀

📍 India 🇮🇳

What does it take to build your own ground to stand on?

Our third case study tells the inspiring story of a women's cooperative that transformed determination into opportunity. By creating livelihoods, strengthening solidarity, and empowering women to lead, the cooperative has become a powerful example of how collective action can build lasting social and economic change.

As part of our Cooperatives as Bridge-Builders campaign, we continue to spotlight stories from across Asia and the Pacific that demonstrate how cooperatives foster inclusion, resilience, and peace while creating opportunities for all.

🔗 Read the full story:
https://icaap.coop/2026/07/31/the-women-who-built-their-own-ground-to-stand-on/

Follow the series as we continue celebrating cooperatives building bridges across our region.


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| | International Cooperative Alliance | Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals | NCUI | Ncf Nepal | Nefscun Nepal | โคออป นิวส์ - co-op news

28/07/2026

We mourn the passing of Shri Rameshan Paleri, Chairman of the Uralungal Labour Contract Co-operative Society Ltd. (ULCCS), a visionary leader whose unwavering belief in cooperation transformed lives and institutions.

Under his leadership, Uralungal Labour Contract Co-operative Society Ltd (ULCCS Ltd) became the first primary cooperative from India to join the International Cooperative Alliance as a regular member, and received the inaugural ICA Asia-Pacific Cooperative Excellence Award for Enterprising Cooperative in 2023.

His legacy is one of purpose, humility, and an enduring belief that cooperatives can be both enterprising and deeply rooted in people and community.

ICA-AP extends its heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, the ULCCS Board, its members, and the entire ULCCS family.

Read our tribute: https://icaap.coop/2026/07/28/a-life-built-on-cooperation-remembering-shri-rameshan-palery/

May his soul rest in peace.

Uralungal Labour Contract Cooperative Society Ltd. | International Cooperative Alliance

27/07/2026

⏰ Reminder: Coop Colloquium 18 starts soon!

Join us for an engaging talk on Discussion Draft 3 of the revised Statement on the Cooperative Identity. Be part of the global conversation and share your perspectives.

🎞️Watch live: https://youtube.com/live/hc6-sLAmeuU?feature=share

The Cooperative Identity has guided our movement for over three decades. As the world changes, so must our conversations about what defines cooperatives and how we remain relevant while staying true to our shared values.

Join Coop Colloquium 18 to explore Discussion Draft 3 of the revised Statement on the Cooperative Identity. This interactive session will unpack the proposed revisions, provide space for dialogue, and help participants contribute meaningfully to the ongoing global consultation before the comment period closes.

Whether you are a cooperative leader, practitioner, researcher, member, or simply interested in the future of the cooperative movement, your voice matters.

📅 Register now and be part of the conversation: https://icaap.coop/etn/coop-colloquium-18-understanding-discussion-draft-3-of-the-statement-on-the-cooperative-identity/


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| | International Cooperative Alliance

26/07/2026

🎥 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 | 𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝘀 #𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗴𝗲𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀

📍 Iran 🇮🇷

What happens when uncertainty becomes part of everyday life?

In this special interview, Mr. Alireza Banaeifar of the Iran Chamber of Cooperatives (ICC) reflects on how cooperatives responded during a time of crisis. From coordinating essential goods across provinces to keeping communities connected through solidarity, the conversation highlights how cooperation can provide stability, hope, and practical support when it is needed most.

As part of our Cooperatives as Bridge-Builders campaign for , we continue to share stories and perspectives that demonstrate how cooperatives strengthen communities and contribute to a more peaceful world.

🎥 Watch the full interview:

🔗 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIE8QDy60OU


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| | International Cooperative Alliance

22/07/2026

Reminder: Primary Cooperatives across Asia and the Pacific are invited to participate in ICA-AP's 2026 Regional Study on Women's Leadership in Cooperatives.

Your contribution will help strengthen the regional evidence base on women's participation and leadership, informing future policies, programmes, and pathways for inclusive cooperative development.

If you haven't participated yet, now is the time.

Register and submit your response here:
https://icaap.coop/2026/05/07/new-regional-study-to-track-womens-leadership-in-cooperatives-in-asia-and-the-pacific/


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| | International Cooperative Alliance | Ncf Nepal | SANASA Federation Ltd | Ncc Sri Lanka | โคออป นิวส์ - co-op news | Angkatan Koperasi Kebangsaan (M) Bhd - ANGKASA | Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals | Natcco Network | Accu Thailand | NCUI

20/07/2026

HAPPENING TOMORROW!📢

Meet the Speakers | Session 1

The journey towards a greener future starts with smarter finance.

Tomorrow, join us as distinguished cooperative finance leaders share practical insights on how cooperative financial institutions can strengthen sustainable agriculture and rural livelihoods through climate resilient lending.

🎙️ Dr. Justin Bomda, Managing Director & CEO, MUFID Union, Cameroon, will share real world experiences from one of Africa's largest cooperative financial networks, highlighting how cooperative banking can support inclusive and sustainable rural development.

🎙️ Mr. Bhima Subrahmanyam, President, International Cooperative Banking Association (ICBA), will set the stage with his decades of expertise in cooperative banking, rural finance, governance, and sustainability, exploring why green finance is becoming essential for cooperative financial institutions.

Together, they will discuss practical approaches to financing climate resilient agriculture, supporting rural communities, and preparing cooperative banks for the green transition.

📅 21 July 2026
🕑 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM IST
💻 Online

🔗 Register now and be part of the conversation shaping the future of cooperative finance: https://icaap.coop/etn/webinar-cooperative-finance-for-green-transition/



This is the first session of ICA-AP's three part webinar series, Cooperative Finance for Green Transition: Lending, Products, and Institutional Readiness.
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| | International Cooperative Alliance | NCUI | Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals | Natcco Network | MUFID Union

17/07/2026

📖 𝗖𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝘆 𝟮 | 𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝘀 #𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗴𝗲𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀

📍 Thai Nguyen Province, Vietnam 🇻🇳
What does a bridge built for everyone look like?

Our second case study takes us to Tân Phú Cooperative in Thai Nguyen Province, Viet Nam, where inclusion is more than a value. It is a way of life. By creating meaningful employment, supporting vulnerable groups, and putting people at the heart of development, the cooperative is building stronger, more connected communities.

As part of our Cooperatives as Bridge-Builders campaign, we continue to spotlight inspiring stories from across Asia and the Pacific that demonstrate how cooperatives foster trust, inclusion, resilience, and peace.

🔗 Read the full story: https://icaap.coop/2026/07/17/the-bridge-tan-phu-built-for-everyone/

Follow the series as we continue celebrating cooperatives building bridges across our region.


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| | International Cooperative Alliance | NCUI | Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals | Vietnamnet.vn

17/07/2026

What does aging with dignity look like?

This week, a new working group, Coop4Care AP, of cooperative leaders and experts came together to answer that question. Together, they are setting the roadmap for the "Creating a Better World for Aging with Dignity", a cooperative elderly care initiative led by ICA-AP under the ICA-EU Partnership Project ( 🌏).

Populations are aging rapidly, and cooperatives have quietly been part of the solution for decades through mutual aid and community-based care.

This initiative aims to:

• Map the historic and ongoing contributions of cooperatives to elderly care.
• Rethink who does the heavy lifting of care work, which is so often driven by women and left unrecognized.
• Challenge the deficit narrative around aging itself.

A big journey starts now. Incredibly grateful to everyone who brought their insights and energy to this inaugural meeting.

Stay tuned as we build this roadmap. How is your cooperative addressing the care economy in your region?

Let's discuss below. 👇


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International Cooperative Alliance | European Commission

16/07/2026

⏰ Just 1 day left to submit your abstract!

Have insights on how cooperatives are shaping the future of inclusive finance? This is your opportunity to contribute to COOP Dialogue Issue 11, themed "Reimagining Inclusive Finance through Cooperative Models."

ICA-AP invites researchers, practitioners, policymakers, cooperative leaders, and development professionals to submit a title and a 300-word abstract for original articles, case studies, interviews, and practitioner perspectives that explore the future of inclusive finance through cooperative models.

📅 Abstract submission deadline: 17 July 2026

Don't miss your chance to be featured in this special issue and share innovative ideas and experiences from across Asia and the Pacific.

🔗 Learn more and submit your abstract: https://icaap.coop/2026/06/06/call-for-articles-coop-dialogue-issue-11-explores-the-future-of-inclusive-finance/


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| | International Cooperative Alliance