ICA-AP Annual Activities Report 2018

International Co-operative Alliance Asia and PaciďŹ c

Annual Activities Report

2018

Images from the front cover: Image 1- Ongoing proceedings at the Regional Assembly 2018.

Image 2- International School Cooperative Seminar on 'Youth Empowerment through Cooperatives for a Better World.

Image 3-Group discussion during the Women CEOs' Workshop in China.

Image 4-2nd ICA-Japan Training Course on 'Fostering Agricultural Cooperatives to Build Food Value Chain.'

Image 5-JWCU participates in the North-East Asian multi-stakeholder Forum on SDGs. Image 6- ICA-ACFSMC Workshop on Advancing E-commerce in Cooperatives: Theory and Practice.

Table of Contents Message from Li Chunsheng, Chairperson and Balasubramanian Iyer, Regional Director IN FOCUS - Regional Assembly in Iran • 13th ICA-AP Regional Assembly 2018 • 10th ICA-AP Cooperative Forum • 13th Cooperative Research Conference BUILDING CAPACITY • Seminar on Multilateral Advocacy for Development of Cooperatives in ASEAN • Training Course on "Fostering and Improving Management of Agricultural Cooperatives” • ICA-AP and KFCC Workshop on Sustainable Development Partnership of Credit and Banking Cooperatives MAINSTREAMING GENDER • ICA-AP and ACFSMC Regional Workshop on "Re-Work, Re-Imagine and Re-Shape: Advancing Women CEOs in Cooperatives” • 10th Women's Forum, Tehran, Iran • Workshop on Data Collection & Monitoring, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Ÿ SPOTLIGHT: Key takeaways from the workshops in China and Malaysia, Anahita Eslahpazir, CEO, Rah-e-Roshd DEVELOPMENT OF COOPERATIVES • Forum on Development of Cooperatives in the Pacific, Vanuatu • Second International Forum on Development of Cooperatives in Central Asia YOUTH ENGAGEMENT • Asia Pacific Cooperative Youth Summit 2.0-A Photo Essay • SPOTLIGHT: COOP Pitch 2018 Winner Ÿ ICA-AP Hosts first ever COOPATHON

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05 06 11 13 14 15

16 17 19 21

22 23

24 26 27

PREPARING FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE • Asia-Pacific Cooperative Development Conference • Kozhikode welcomes International Conference on Cooperatives in the Changing World of Work Ÿ SPOTLIGHT: JCCU's contribution to the SDGs

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New Members

31

Annexures I. 2018 Financial Report II. 2018 Calendar of Events III. Members of the Regional Board IV. Members of Sectoral and Thematic Committees V. ICA-AP Members

32 33 36 37 38

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Message from the

Chairperson and Regional Director We are pleased to present the 2018 Annual Activities Report (AAR) of the Asia Pacific region!

The AAR focuses on the three areas we addressed during the year - building capacity, developing cooperatives, and creating a sustainable future. In all our work, we have given emphasis to women and youth. The goal of building capacity is to develop capable leaders and have well-informed members who can contribute to their own efforts at being sustainable.

Developing cooperative federations was a focus as they are an important driving force in the cooperative ecosystem and play a crucial role in local cooperative development. The conversations around the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) helped to highlight the role of cooperatives in achieving the global goals. Mainstreaming Gender is an ongoing effort of ICAAP to bring gender-related issues to the forefront and collaboratively develop solutions as cooperatives are important players in advancing gender equality and women's empowerment.

We magnified our focus on youth to attract more young people towards cooperatives and for cooperatives to actively reach out to this important demographic.

For the first time, the ICA-AP Regional Assembly was held in Iran! The Iran Chamber of Cooperatives and the cooperative movement of Iran did an outstanding job as hosts of the events! We are very thankful to them for their warm and generous hospitality! The 13th ICA-AP Regional Assembly, 10th Cooperative Forum and related events were held in Tehran from November 26-29 2018. The Forum on "Cooperatives help economies become more resilient and sustainable," brought together over 300 cooperative members from across 17 countries.

The Forum Resolutions provide for the cooperative movement and stakeholders to work together to achieve inclusive growth, comprehensive development, and socio-economic sustainability in the framework of the 2030 Agenda.

The ICA-AP continues to be robust in adding new members from the region. With the addition of five new members - from Iran, Jordan, Kyrgyzstan and Philippines - we now have 104 members from 32 countries. As part of our outreach, we are targeting the Central Asia and Pacific Island countries. In July, we organized the Forum on Development of Cooperatives in the Pacific Islands in collaboration with the Office of Registrar and Business Development Services, Vanuatu. The Second International Forum on Development of Cooperatives in Bishkek was organized in collaboration with the Cooperative Union of Kyrgyzstan and Consumer Cooperatives Worldwide in September.

The region's thematic and sectoral committees are an important arm to educate members, strengthen capacity, and promote cooperation among cooperatives. Many of these committees saw the election of new office bearers. The Women's Committee elected Dr. Nandini Azad (NCUI, India) as Chairperson and Ms. Chitose Arai (JCCU, Japan) as Vice Chairperson. The Committee on

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Educational Institutions re-elected Dr. Mohd. Azlan Yahya (ANGKASA, Malaysia) as Chairperson; and Dr. Motoo Furuta (NFUCA, Japan) and Mrs. Indira Panta (NCBL, Nepal), as Vice Chairpersons.

The Consumer Committee elected Mr. Haruyoshi Amano (JCCU, Japan) as Chairperson and Mr. Kok Guan Lim (NTUC FairPrice, Singapore) and Mr. Kamaruddin Ismail (ANGKASA, Malaysia) as Vice Chairpersons. The Agriculture Committee ratified Mr K. Srinivasa Gowda (IFFCO, India) as Chairperson and Mr. Kamaruddin Ismail (ANGKASA, Malaysia) as Vice Chairperson. The First meeting of the Stakeholder's Council was held in Sri Lanka in February. The Council was formed, following the 10th Asia Pacific Cooperative Ministers' Conference in 2017, to monitor and review the progress made in implementing the action items of the Declaration.

Youth were given focus throughout the year. We organized the First Coopathon in April at the Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode with support from the ICA-EU Partnership, Kerala Startup Mission and UL Technology Solutions. The Coopathon is a platform to make youth aware of cooperatives and involve them in solving some of the problems faced by cooperatives in their operations. Over 20 teams took part in the competition and the winning ideas were a smart shoe designed to track employees for attendance management, artificial intelligence for environment detection to empower people with visual disabilities and a cooperative Uber model application for improved access to basic services. The Second Asia Pacific Cooperative Youth Summit was held in Cebu, the Philippines in August. 147 young cooperators representing 17 countries congregated at the Hidden Valley Mountain Resort, owned and run by Lamac Multi-purpose Cooperative. The theme of the Summit was Creative Skills, Cooperative Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Development. The Coop Pitch, a business idea contest where young cooperators pitch their ideas to a panel of judges, saw 12 finalists representing eight countries. The ICA-AP Youth Committee marked the UN International Day of Youth with a webinar on the theme safe spaces towards inclusive and sustainable development. The Youth Committee through its Go Green Campaign has been involving young people in planting trees and contributing to SDG 13- Climate Action. The ICA Committee on Educational Institutions held an international seminar on Youth Empowerment through Cooperatives for a Better World.

We organized the first 'Women CEOs in Cooperatives Workshop' in the Asia-Pacific region in April. The Workshop, 'Re-Work, Re-Imagine and Re-Shape: Advancing Women CEOs in Cooperatives,' was held to find out about the journey of Women CEOs to the 'top,' to contemplate on why they are almost invisible, the challenges and opportunities, and what can be done to tackle the issues. In December, the Women's Committee organized a workshop on Data Collection and Monitoring: Tracking Progress on Gender Equality in Cooperatives in Kuala Lumpur to generate awareness on gender disaggregated data collection, analysis and use and share experiences from the region in developing gender tracking systems.

The ICA-EU Partnership on Cooperatives in Development : People Centered Businesses in Action Project (ICA-EU Partnership) in its third year and with a full team was quite active during the year.

In addition to the earlier mentioned Forums in Kyrgyzstan and Vanuatu and the Youth Summit, the project organized the Asia-Pacific Cooperative Development Conference in Sri Lanka in

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February; the International Conference on Cooperatives in the Changing World of Work in India in April; and the Capacity Building seminar aimed at Multilateral Advocacy for Development of Cooperatives in the ASEAN region in Indonesia in July. These events were to address the three strategic priorities under the Project – SDGs, Youth Inclusion and Work and Ownership.

With the support of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), Government of Japan training courses were organized on “Fostering Core Leaders of Agricultural Cooperatives,” “Empowering Women in Business and Management of Agricultural Cooperatives,” and “Fostering Coordinators to Build Food Value Chains.” This year, for the first time, we included participants from Africa in the ICA-MAFF training program. The Malaysia Business Office, JCCU and ANGKASA jointly organized the SDGs Seminar in Kuala Lumpur in April. The Co-op Mic series this year featured H.E. Mr. Charlot Salwai Tabimasmas, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu on the International Day of Cooperatives; and Ms. Alexandra Wilson, ICA Global Board member during the Women CEO workshop in China.

We are thankful to our MBO sponsoring organizations – ACFSMC, ANGKASA, JCCU, and NACF. We continue to receive generous support from the MAFF, Japan to foster leadership and develop cooperatives in the Asia Pacific region. The ICA-EU Partnership is helping strengthen capacity of federations, increase advocacy, and improve visibility of cooperatives as development actors.

We look forward to your continued support in 2019!

Li Chunsheng Chairperson

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Balasubramanian Iyer Regional Director

International Co-operative Alliance Asia and Pacific

IN FOCUS

Regional Assembly in Iran

An aerial view of the proceedings of the 13th Regional Assembly.

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13 ICA-AP Regional Assembly, Tehran, Iran The Regional Assembly (RA), the highest authority within the ICA-AP, deals with the development of cooperatives in the region and formulates policies on major issues beneficial and relevant to the ICA-AP and the cooperative movements in the region. The 13th ICA-AP Regional Assembly, 10th Cooperative Forum and related events were held in Tehran, from November 26-29 and hosted by the Iran Chamber of Cooperatives (ICC) on behalf of the Iran cooperative movement. The advent of cooperatives in Iran dates back to the early 1920s; and Principles 43 and 44 of the Iranian Constitution recognize cooperatives as one of three sectors (government and private sector being the other two) of the Iranian economy. ICC, the national apex body of cooperatives has more than 165,000 cooperative societies with 25 million members in different sectors of the economy including agriculture, housing, hand-woven carpets and fisheries.

The opening ceremony held on November 28 was attended by more than 500 cooperators. The inaugural session was addressed by Mr. Bahman Abdollahi, President of ICC; Mr. Li Chunsheng, President of ICA-AP; Mr. Ariel Guarco, President of ICA (through video); Hon'ble Shariat Madari, Minister of Cooperatives, Labor and Social Welfare, Government of Iran; and Hon'ble Ali Larijani, Speaker of Iran Parliament. Mr. Balasubramanian Iyer, Regional Director of ICA-AP proposed a vote of thanks.

The 13th RA held on November 29, 2018 was chaired by Mr. Li Chunsheng and attended by 240 members and stakeholders from 17 countries. The minutes of the last meeting held in New

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Delhi, India on November 18, 2016 were confirmed and financial reports for 2016 and 2017 approved. The activities of the regional sector and thematic committees were presented and accepted. The proposal to change the name of the ICA-AP Committee on University/Campus Cooperatives to ICA-AP Committee on Cooperatives in Educational Institutions was unanimously approved by the Assembly. The Proposal to amend the Rules (Article-7, para-3) of ICA-AP regarding the co-option of the Chair of ICA-AP Committee on Women to the Regional Board was unanimously approved by the Assembly. The Regional Assembly concluded with a special thanks to the Chair and gratitude to the hosts, ICC and the cooperative movement for their excellent hospitality. th

10 ICA-AP Cooperative Forum The 10th Cooperative Forum showcased the contribution of cooperatives in helping economies become more resilient and sustainable, reviewed progress and gaps thereof and identified and discussed challenges that limit cooperatives in realising their full potential as sustainable business enterprises. Despite being re c o g n i s e d a s b u i l d e r s of s u s t a i n a b i l i t y, cooperatives constantly struggle to have an identity and conducive environment and are under persistent pressure to do more with less in today's dynamic and complex economic and political scenario.

There were three technical sessions complementing the theme of the Forum: Cooperatives' contribution in helping economies become more resilient and sustainable; creating an 'ecosystem' for cooperatives; and innovation for inclusive growth and sustainability. The speeches and presentations showed the diversity of experiences in the AsiaPacific region in addressing real needs and the contributions of cooperatives in helping economies become more resilient and sustainable.

Q&A session during the 10th Cooperative Forum

The Forum underscored the need to build partnerships for growth and inclusive support of the state. It outlined the transformative powers of cooperatives in providing not only social resilience but also addressing real vulnerability in the face of widening inequalities, forced migration, rapid urbanisation, accelerated ageing, increasing youth bulge, growing workforce casualisation, vanishing long-term regular employment, and widespread natural and manmade disasters. The challenges also provide opportunities for cooperative businesses; in order to meet this, there is need to diversify, be innovative, adopt technology, and professionalize business processes. The sessions touched on the need for a cooperative 'ecosystem' which required an enabling environment, concern for community, cooperation among cooperatives and innovation in cooperative business.

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Resolution of the 10th ICA Asia and Pacific Cooperative Forum “Cooperatives help economies become more resilient and sustainable” Adopted by ICA-AP members and stakeholders We: The 300 women and men cooperative members, leaders, experts, academicians, and researchers, from 17 countries including Iran, having met at the 10th ICA-AP Cooperative Forum on the theme "Cooperatives Help Economies become more Resilient and Sustainable" at the IRIB International Conference Center, Tehran on the 28th Day of November 2018, Note the diverse context in which our cooperatives operate in the region, Reaffirm the commitment to the ICA Statement on Cooperative Identity comprising of the Definition, Seven Principles and Values of cooperation, Recognize the inherent nature of cooperatives as 'people-centered', democratic, inclusive, participative and conscionable forms of enterprise and organizations, Are aware of the international recognition accorded to the potential of the cooperative enterprise model in paragraph 41 of Transforming our World: The 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development (UN A/RES/70/1)as a relevant actor in the implementation of the Goals and targets, and the overall pursuit of development of humanity and the planet, and other important international legal instruments such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, Addis Ababa Action Agenda and the EU New Consensus on Development, and the UNESCO recognition of cooperatives as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity, the Colombo Declaration on Mainstreaming Youth in the Post-2015 Development Agenda, the need to grow the real economy, create decent jobs and income for vulnerable sections of the society and increase community wealth that combines economic, social and environmental concerns, the evidenced resilience displayed by cooperatives at times of natural and man-made crisis.

Having discussed contribution of cooperatives in helping economies become more resilient and sustainable, reviewed progress and gaps thereof and identified and discussed challenges that limit cooperatives in realising their full potential as sustainable business enterprises, We sustain our commitments: Acknowledging our achievements and gaps of previous actions, hereby resolve to undertake the following joint actions at local, national and international level for development of cooperatives to help economies become more resilient and sustainable by addressing critical issues of building a cooperative ecosystem, equity and equality, ethical production and consumption, social inclusion and economic security, decent and long

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term employment including protection from all forms of violence and discrimination and building multi stake holder partnership. a.)

Instituting well defined programs to collect, analyze, use and disseminate data & statistics on work and contribution of the cooperative sector and share information in line with the internationally accepted guidelines.

Action to be taken: By governments n

Review, amend and institutionalize programs for regular collection of gender responsive data on progress and contribution of cooperative sector at country level.

By all levels of cooperatives n

Introduce and implement time bound programs for regular collection of gender responsive data on achievements and contribution of their cooperatives, facilitate their member network and follow up for compliance

n

Allocate necessary budget for the program and training of staff to build necessary capacity

By regional cooperative organizations n

Create awareness

n

Influence upon the cooperatives and governments to ensure implementation

n

Provide resources - funds and training

b.)

Institutionalize independent and periodic reviews of the legal-policy-regulatory environment governing and affecting cooperatives, to collectively build an 'Ecosystem' for cooperative development and accord recognition in national as well as regional legal instruments.

Action to be taken: By governments n

Periodically review, amend and enforce gender responsive cooperative, law, by-laws and policies

By all levels of cooperatives n

Periodically review, amend and enforce gender responsive cooperative by-laws and policies

n

Influence upon the government for periodic review according to changing business environment

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By regional cooperative organizations n

Create awareness

n

Influence upon the cooperatives and governments to ensure review

n

Provide resources- critical studies, sharing information on best practices, funds and training

c.)

Devise institutional mechanism (policy directive) to consciously support inclusion and capacity building of all sections of the society, particularly women and youth in cooperatives and prioritise to support vulnerable and marginalized sections such as refugees, displaced persons, migrants and people with disabilities for social cohesion.

Action to be taken: By governments n

Devise and enforce responsive cooperative policy directives to address the needs

n

Monitor compliance

By all levels of cooperatives n

Periodically review, amend and enforce responsive cooperative by-laws and policies

n

Influence upon the government for inclusion of favorable policy to address social inclusion

n

Create awareness and allocate resources to build capacity

By regional cooperative organizations n

Create awareness

n

Influence upon the cooperatives and governments to ensure review

n

Providing resources-Advocacy, sharing information on best practices, funds and training

d.)

Invest in strengthening capacities through research and innovation, building partnership and network ,embracing technology, venturing into new emerging areas to address the Future of Work agenda, and adopt a knowledge based approach that can support development of cooperatives.

Action to be taken: By governments n

Introduce policy instruments to facilitate coop-public partnership (CPP)

n

Create awareness and allocate resources for research and innovation

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By all levels of cooperatives n

Create a 'political will' through agenda of Annual General Meetings, Board Meetings and other such platforms to adopt technology and venturing into new business areas

n

Influence upon the government for inclusion of favorable policy to create awareness and allocate resources to build capacity

n

Awareness and training of members

By regional cooperative organizations n

Create awareness

n

Influence upon the cooperatives and governments to ensure progress

n

Provide resources-Advocacy, research papers, sharing information on best practices, funds and training

e.)

Promote the apolitical character of cooperatives and build a mutually beneficial & sustainable partnership with State-actors, especially in pursuit of the SDGs, and bridge policy gaps that can help cooperative development in the region.

Action to be taken: By governments n

Ensure and respect autonomy and independence of cooperatives

By all levels of cooperatives n

Create a 'political will' through agenda of Annual General Meetings, Board Meetings and other such platforms to practice democracy, ensure equity and equality and independence

n

Influence upon the government for inclusion of favorable policy to ensure autonomy and independence of cooperatives

n

Awareness and training of members and leaders

By regional cooperative organizations n

Create awareness

n

Influence upon the cooperatives and governments to ensure independence for cooperatives

n

Provide resources- Advocacy, research papers, sharing information on best practices, funds and training

We hereby adopt this Resolution and the ensuing Platform of Action.

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13th ICA-AP Cooperative Research Conference The ICA-AP Committee on Cooperative Research (CCR) organized the 13th ICA-AP Cooperative Research Conference, on November 27, 2018 in Tehran, Iran. The event was well-attended by 51 delegates from 11 countries viz. Belgium (1), India (11), Iran (12), Indonesia (2), Japan (4), Jordan (1), South Korea (4), Malaysia (8), Nepal (5), The Philippines (1) and Sri Lanka (2).

The overall theme of the Conference was “Cooperatives contribute to more sustainable and resilient societies,” and the presentations made were under the following sub-themes: Sustainable consumption and production of goods and services by cooperatives Ms. Jihyun Jeong's Department of Management of Cooperatives, Graduate School, Sungkonghoe University, Korea paper examined whether the concept of domestic fairtrade can be applied to Korea in relation to consumer cooperative, using the case of iCOOP and Farmer's COOP. Ms. R. Zarinatun M.A. Kader, Cooperative College of Malaysia, presented her study on assessing the spillover effect of mini gas stations managed by cooperatives in rural areas of Malaysia. Dr. G. Parameshwari, PES College of Science, Arts and Commerce, India presented her paper on providing conceptual outline for sustainable production and consumption in cooperatives. Mr. Mohammad Rashid Bahiraei, Rah-e-Roshd, Iran presented the genealogy of cooperation forms in Iran. Dr. T. Paranjothi, Agricultural Cooperative Staff Training Institute India assessed the selected pro-social outcomes of employees of cooperative societies in Kerala, India, with the objective of assessing the effect of participative governance and organizational social capital on pro-social behavioural orientations of employees, and to society at large.

Financial performance and sustainability of cooperatives Dr. C. Pitchai, Professor, Gandhigram Rural Institute, India presented his paper on evaluating sustainability of cooperatives in Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu in providing goods and services to members and the problems faced therein. Ms. Meena Pokhrel, Nepal Agricultural Cooperative Central Federation, examined the contribution of women in the creation of resilient societies through the women led Small Farmer Agriculture Cooperatives Limited. Ms. Shefali Pardeshi, Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics, India presented her study on Annapurna Parivar where she examined the benefits derived by members of the cooperative, its impact on the socio-economic life of the women members and its business model. Ms. Bo Young Oh, Department of Management of Cooperatives, Sungkonghoe University, Korea made a presentation of her study which explores organizational change of Gurye Natural Dream Park of iCOOP consumer cooperative from a processual approach. Dr. Yashvantha Dongre, University of Mysore, India presented his research addressing issues on liquidity, poverty and sustainable livelihoods through the case study of a marketing cooperative in the southern Indian state of Karnataka.

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Adaptation and mitigation strategies of cooperatives Mr. Neem Lal Pandey, Nepal Agriculture Cooperative Central Federation, presented his research on application of structural modeling to investigate irrigation conicts between small farmers with a case study of SFACL Bajrabarahi. Mr. Sanjay Kumar Verma, National Cooperative Union of India, presented his work on the scope for climate change to be considered as an important area for cooperative training programmes. Dr. S. V. Akilandeeswari, Dept. of Cooperation, Gandhigram Rural Institute, India presented her empirical study to ascertain the effect of demography, societal norms, economic bandwidth, and empowerment of women artisans' cooperatives in the handicraft industry in Tamil Nadu, India. Mr. Mohammed Dabiri, Research Unit, ICC presented the ongoing research initiatives of cooperatives in Iran.

Dr. Mauritz Bonow Young Researcher Award- a joint initiative of ICA-AP and the ICA Domus Trust Dr. Mauritz Bonow was the ICA President in the years 1962-75. The Dr. Mauritz Bonow Young Researcher Award is awarded each year to recognize the important research work being undertaken by young scholars in the domain of cooperatives. It is also a recognition of Dr. Bonow's strong belief that these young researchers would use their knowledge and expertise to empower cooperators and help them execute their role as agents for transforming the society. Each year an expert panel chooses winners from the research papers submitted for the ICA-AP Cooperative Research Conference.

The 2019 Winners

Ms. Shefali Pardeshi (First Prize) Research Scholar Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics Pune, India

Mr. Neem Lal Pandey (Second Prize) Agriculturist Nepal Agriculture Cooperative Central Federation Lalitpur, Nepal

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BUILDING CAPACITY Building capacity of members is a cornerstone of ICA-AP's member e n g a g e m e n t s t r a t e g y. T h i s i s undertaken by way of workshops, trainings, and seminars on themes which are pertinent to cooperatives. The overarching goal of building capacity is to develop capable leaders and have well-informed members who can contribute to their own efforts at being sustainable. The capacity building activities leverage the expertise and experiences from within and outside the various cooperative movements.

An excited beginning to the Seminar!

Capacity Building Seminar on Multilateral Advocacy for Development of Cooperatives in ASEAN ICA-AP in collaboration with Dewan Koperasi Indonesia or the Indonesian Cooperative Council (DEKOPIN), the ASEAN Cooperative Organization (ACO) and with support from the ICA-EU Partnership organized the seminar in Jakarta, Indonesia from July 24-26, 2018.

The objective of the seminar was to see how the cooperative movement in the ASEAN countries could work to advocate for the ASEAN to give broader recognition to cooperatives (from the current focus on agriculture cooperatives) in its Economic, Social and Cultural Blueprints; understand commonalities in the structures of the European Union and the ASEAN; and enhance engagement with the EU Delegations. The participants were able to get their views known to the representatives of both the ASEAN Secretariat and the EU Delegations to Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam.

The seminar was attended by representatives from Asian Farmers' Association for Sustainable Rural Development, The Deutsche Genossenschafts-und Raiffeisenverband, European Network of Filipino Diaspora, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Fairtrade Network of Asia & Pacific Producers, European federation of renewable energy cooperatives, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, We Effect , and World Fair Trade Organization. The participation of ICA members from ASEAN (Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines & Singapore), CSOs, and government representatives responsible for cooperatives will help to engage with the ASEAN in-country and with the Secretariat in Jakarta.

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A delegation from ICA-AP and ICA members from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Singapore met Dr. Alladin Rillo, Deputy Secretary General for ASEAN Economic Community and Dr. Pham Quang Minh, Head of the Agriculture and Forestry Division of Sectoral Development Directorate, at the ASEAN Secretariat. The delegation conveyed the outcomes from the seminar and requested Dr. Rillo to enhance engagement of cooperatives in the ASEAN working groups dealing with financial inclusion, consumer, youth and women initiatives.

The seminar helped underscore the need for cooperatives to be more distinctively acknowledged in the AEC Blueprint as they have an important role in the transformation of socio-economic life of people in urban and rural communities of ASEAN countries. The EU and ASEAN governments need to take cooperatives into account by carrying out consultations with the sector when developing economic policies and regulations, creating legal frameworks and undertaking administrative policies on social and economic issues.

Training Course on "Fostering and Improving Management of Agricultural Cooperatives” The ICA-AP regional office is implementing a Capacity Building project for the development of cooperatives with support of the MAFF, under the Government of Japan's Overseas Development Assistance Program. Each Project, over three years, has within it three training courses each year to foster leaders for the management and development of farmers' organizations/agricultural cooperatives; promote women's participation in business and management of agricultural cooperatives; a n d f o s t e r c o o rd i n a t o r s ( l e a d e r s ) of a g r i c u l t u r a l c o o p e r a t i ve s i n b u s i n e s s development.

For the first time, the training course on “Fostering and Improving Management of Agricultural Deliberations during the Cooperatives,” included participants from Africa. The Core Leaders Training. training was organized from February 12 to March 29 with the objective to assist farmers' organizations, including agricultural cooperatives, to boost agricultural production and increase farmers' income. There were 10 participants from nine countries – Botswana, Ivory Coast, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Rwanda. The training program was implemented by ICAAP in collaboration with the Cooperative College of Malaysia and the Institute for the Development of Agricultural Cooperation in Asia (IADCA), Tokyo.

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ICA-AP and KFCC Workshop on Sustainable Development Partnership of Credit and Banking Cooperatives

Participants at the Workshop.

ICA-AP and the Korean Federation of Community Credit Cooperatives (KFCCC)'s Workshop on Sustainable Development Partnership of Credit and Banking Cooperatives was held in Seoul and Jeju, Republic of Korea from June 18-23. The objective of the workshop was to strengthen the credit and banking cooperatives in the region by establishing a vibrant platform of Financial and Banking Cooperatives from Asia and the Pacific. 10 delegates from China, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal, The Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand and ACCU (International), participated in the Workshop and discussed ways to further develop and strengthen financial cooperatives in the region. The participants visited a local community credit cooperative, Honam Saemaul Geumgo, located in Jeju island. KFCCC will continue to promote the transfer of the Korean financial cooperative model (Saemaul Geumgo) and share achievements and progress of the workshop with member organizations of the ICA-AP committee on Credit and Banking.

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MAINSTREAMING GENDER Cooperatives have been recognized as important players in advancing gender equality and women's empowerment. The cooperative model is well-suited to advance women's economic participation as they provide women spaces to come together, increase access to employment and work, enable economic democracy and promote leadership and management experience.

However, women face systemic discrimination at all levels of cooperatives owing to the patriarchal mindset of those in leadership and management, lack of access to requisite trainings, and lack of provisions in the byelaws of cooperatives that support greater participation of women. Mainstreaming Gender is the ongoing effort of ICA-AP to bring gender-related issues to the forefront and collaboratively develop solutions .

The ICA-AP Committee on Women in Kuala Lumpur, December 2018.

ICA-AP & ACFSMC Regional Workshop on “Re-Work, Re-Imagine and Re- Shape: Advancing Women CEOs in Cooperatives” The Workshop was jointly held by the ICA-AP Committee on Women, ICA-EU Partnership and ACFSMC from April 17 to 19, 2018 in Renaissance Guiyang Hotel, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China.

Participants of the workshop at the Opening Ceremony.

Over the two days of the Workshop, there were three panel discussions on the themes - The case of the missing women Chief Executives: Breaking down the current scenario of the gender gap in executive leadership of Cooperatives; Gender equality at top management of cooperatives: Women CEOsseen and heard; and Data leads the way: Strengthening data collection and analysis on the status of female executive leadership in Cooperatives.

The panel discussions were enriching and useful in providing perspective not only from the point of the CEOs, but also from other participants who spoke about their understanding of the issue, how it affects the female employees in their organizations, and what they have done till now to tackle it.

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Panel discussion on the case of the missing women chief executives.

T h e f o l l o w i n g re c o m m e n d a t i o n s e m e rg e d f ro m t h e brainstorming session - formulate gender equality policies (including HR policies) in cooperatives to create a diverse and balanced work environment, support and actively promote advancement of women across the cooperative ladder, ongoing and regular collection of gender disaggregated data across all levels, disseminate successful case studies of cooperatives led by women, and create an online portal to provide space to interact, learn, and develop. th

10 Women's Forum, Tehran, Iran

Audience at the th 10 Women's Forum in Iran.

The 10th Women's Forum held on November 27 in Tehran was supported by the Japanese Consumers' Cooperative Union and Rah-e-Roshd Educational Complex. The Forum was organized to understand the situation of resilience in relation to women's cooperatives, the issues, challenges and opportunities in the Asia-PaciďŹ c region. It provided a platform for the participants to share information, exchange ideas, learn about good practices in cooperatives.

Cooperatives develop individual participation, can build resilience, and create social capital.

They also help enhance local ownership and constructive leadership. A comprehensive strategy to strengthen resilience requires empowering women by addressing issues which affect them directly, hinder their advancement, limit their security, and hamper their ability. Some of these relate to setbacks caused by disasters, absence of progression in careers, limits in ďŹ nancial security, and the lack of an enabling environment.

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The presentations made during the day-long Forum showcased examples from the Asia-Pacific region to improve the resilience of women in cooperatives. The opening session highlighted work being carried out at the global, regional and national level to promote inclusion of women and resilience in cooperatives. Dr. Ariel Guarco, President ICA, in his video message reiterated ICA's commitment to mainstream gender in all areas of cooperatives and to encourage formation of Gender Committees or similar spaces within the cooperative movement. Speaking for the region, Mr. Balasubramanian Iyer said that the ICA-AP Committee on Women works on multiple fronts to strengthen resilience of women in cooperatives by mainstreaming gender, conducting trainings, organizing workshops on contemporary issues affecting women, and undertaking research. Ms. Om Devi Malla said that cooperatives in Nepal are working to take advantage of the provisions in their Constitution to empower women's participation in public life and increase representation in elected bodies. Dr. Ali Rabie, speaking for Iran said that cooperatives, being democratic business models, are the ideal medium to reduce inequalities and provide dignified livelihood for women. Dr. Susan Bastani, called on governments to constructively support women's cooperatives to enhance their resilience by allocating funds and creating enabling policies to support business and trade.

The panel discussion on bolstering preparedness and safeguarding women's interests, presented interesting examples from existing and emerging areas of interest for cooperatives. Ms. Diana Dovgan, made the case for social cooperatives which provide critical services to the community and include flexible scheduling which helps women maintain work-life balance; a concern that prevents many women from joining the workforce. Dr. Sifa Chiyoge providing examples from Africa said that it's been established that there is a strong link between Dr. Motamed facilitating the participation of women in cooperatives and poverty group discussion. reduction. For Dr. Arghavan Far zin Motamed, cooperatives are the key for economic resilience especially when we have multitude of problems; women can increase their social and economic resilience, especially in rural areas, through economic participation in cooperatives.

Ms. Laleh Daraie, said that climate change affects women more adversely and called for support to projects that target women, children and young people and harmonizes relationships with their surroundings. The presentations from China, Iran, Malaysia, Nepal and Vietnam showcased country level examples to boost resilience.

The group work session was aimed at understanding the main concerns of women in the Iranian cooperative movement and the steps that could be taken to remedy the situation. The recommendations coming out included access to a platform where women could exchange experiences with an international audience; advocate with government to support social cooperatives and build capacity; and 'Coop Talks' series for women to share their success stories and inspire each other.

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Workshop on Data Collection and Monitoring: Tracking Progress on Gender Equality in Cooperatives, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Mrs. Haslinda Sujak, CCM, Malaysia makes her presentation.

The ICA-AP Committee on Women has been at the forefront of advancing gender equality and mainstreaming women's concerns in cooperatives ever since its inception. In 2005, ICA-AP conducted the first study on sex disaggregated data, “Engendering Database in Cooperatives.”

The study showed that much work still needed to be done to improve visibility of women and gender integration in cooperatives. In 2016, ICA-AP released the Second Data Study - Gender is more than a Statistic - Status of Women in the Cooperatives of the Asia Pacific Region. Both Studies undertaken highlighted the challenges faced by women in the cooperative eco-system in Asia-Pacific. The main bottlenecks against women's participation included patriarchal mindsets of those in leadership and management, lack of access to requisite trainings for women, lack of provisions in the bye-laws of cooperatives that support greater participation of women and their presence in leadership positions, among others. The Studies also reiterated the urgent need for cooperatives to institutionalise the collection, analysis and dissemination of genderdisaggregated data within their networks.

The Workshop on Data Collection and Monitoring: Tracking Progress on Gender Equality in Cooperatives, December 7-8, Kuala Lumpur, was a continuation of the Committee's efforts at institutionalizing collection and analysis of gender-disaggregated data in cooperatives. The workshop was co-organised by the ICA-AP Committee on Women, JCCU and ANGKASA. The workshop was organized to generate awareness on gender-disaggregated data collection, analysis and use; share experiences from the region in developing gender tracking systems; train members in the collection of gender-disaggregated data; and discuss ways to sensitize and orient leadership/management on issues of gender mainstreaming and women's empowerment.

International Co-operative Alliance Asia and Pacific

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Over two-days, the participants heard on-the-ground practical experiences from a range of speakers and also discussed ways to improve data collection. The two studies conducted in the region, Gender is more than a Statistic (Azad, 2016) and the Eliza Report (Orr, 2017), highlighted not only the stark discrepancies in representation of women at the leadership level but also ways in which the situation could be bettered through training, sharing of best practices, work place policies, and sponsorship. NACCFL shared their experience in using the FAO data collection and monitoring system to track their work on increasing participation and representation of women at all levels of their Federation. The data is then analysed on a periodic basis to track progress of women in membership, staff and leadership positions. The group work on day two provided participants the opportunity to offer feedback to improve the questionnaire utilized in the 2015 Study to collect gender-disaggregated data.

The audience listens to NACCFL's presentation on its system of collecting data.

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SPOTLIGHT Ms. Anahita Eslahpazir, CEO, Rah-e-Roshd Cooperative Educational Complex, Iran pens her key takeaways from her participation in the Women's Committee workshops in 2018.

The Women CEOs Meeting in China was an opportunity to learn about women's managerial status in cooperatives. During the event, an interesting issue was the influence of patriarchy on women's leadership participation. Many cooperatives, such as those in Iran, usually have male managers and directors, which can be attributed to the male-centered culture. The success stories which were narrated by succesful women were inspiring; but listening to the failures (shared from a place of courage), provided realistic remedial measures to boost resilience of the fellow women cooperators. When young women are able to join leadership positions in cooperatives, they bring with them passion and verve. This also questions the traditional or conservative status quo in cooperatives. Its's imperative for women to ensure democratic processes are followed in the cooperative and that they comply with cooperative values and principles.

The Workshop on Data Collection & Monitoring in Malaysia was significant from the standpoint of collecting and analyzing gender-disaggregated data and how these could feed into policy making. It would have been quite beneficial for the women cooperators in Iran, had this workshop been conducted during the time of the Regional Assembly in Tehran, Iran. The questionnaire which was circulated for feedback was quite informative.

Each of the events attended by Rah-e-Roshd were meaningful and valuable, expecially because of the social network which was created and expanded, as well as the spirit of empathy and cooperation coming from the members and ICA-AP. Belonging to the global family of cooperatives is our realized ambition. And now, at the advent of the Iranian New Year which comes with spring, we would like to wish rejuvination and rebirth to all!

International Co-operative Alliance Asia and Pacific

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DEVELOPMENT OF COOPERATIVES Cooperative federations are an important driving force in the cooperative ecosystem. They play a crucial role in local cooperative development by providing member services, technical assistance, research support, political representation and advocacy. The ICA-AP in its implementation of the ICA-EU Partnership on Cooperatives in Development identified Central Asia and Pacific Islands as two sub-regions that needed a special focus in establishing and strengthening national cooperative federations, and fostering partnerships for development of cooperatives with international and national development actors.

ICA-AP in collaboration with the Office of Registrar and Business Development Services, Vanuatu organized the ICA-AP Forum on Development of Cooperatives in the Pacific Islands on 5 and 6 July 2018. The Pacific Forum co-funded by the ICA-EU Partnership comes as the first subregional activity in the Pacific after the ICA-AP conference on cooperative development in Fiji in 2008. The activity aimed at mainstreaming representation of cooperatives from the Pacific in ICA proved very useful in understanding the realities of doing cooperative business as well as challenges faced by institutions in the Pacific Islands.

The Forum brought together cooperative apex organizations from Australia (BCCM) and New Zealand (CBNZ), and sectoral federations in Nepal (NACCFL) and Indonesia (KOPWANI) closer to the stakeholders representing cooperative-development in the Pacific. The participation of international development actors like Vanuatu Association of NGOs (VANGO), Pacific Islands Association of NGOs (PIANGO), ILO Coop Unit, ILO Country Office for the Pacific and the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) added the dimension of regional integration for development of cooperatives in the Pacific Islands.

Mr. Balasubramanian Iyer, ICA-AP Regional Director provided a comprehensive round-up and action plan to the participants wherein he highlighted education, ineffective legal & policy environment, lack of cooperative statistics, lack of access to finance as some of the challenges for cooperatives in the Pacific. He said that the two important and ongoing activities of mapping cooperative actors and the Legal Framework Analysis of the ICA-EU Partnership would certainly benefit the stakeholders. He added that the APEC meeting in PNG and the ADB meeting Fiji, as well as the upcoming Voluntary National Reviews of the SDGs for Fiji and Vanuatu in 2019 were important events to make the voices of Pacific cooperatives heard. He concluded by presenting a three-pronged plan to the Forum viz. Short Term: increasing membership and inclusion of Pacific cooperatives in ICA-AP committees; undertake mapping and LFA exercises and arrange exchange visits. Medium Term: develop partnerships with MSG, PIANGO and build a favorable eco-system for cooperatives especially in sectors like finance and insurance while promoting cross sectoral synergies, and in the Long term: support the creation of an enabling environment, strengthen cooperative federations and establish a regional network for cooperatives.

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Second International Forum on Development of Cooperatives in Central Asia The Second International Forum on Development of Cooperatives (Bishkek Forum) was organized in collaboration with the Cooperative Union of Kyrgyzstan and Consumer Cooperatives Worldwide on September 11 and 12, 2018 at the Orion Hotel in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic. The Forum on 'Promoting Enabling Environment and Advancing Cooperative Knowledge' was attended by legal experts, government representatives, leaders and managers Session on 'Enabling Legal & Policy Environment' of cooperatives from the Kyrgyz Republic; National Association of Dhakan Farmers, Tajikistan; National Union of Turkish Cooperatives; Univeristy of Helsinki, Finland; All China Federation of Supply and Marketing Cooperatives, China; Korean Federation of Community Credit Cooperatives, and National Agricultural Cooperative Federation from South Korea; and National Cooperative Union of India and Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative from India. Among the international development actors were the European Union Delegation to the Kyrgyz Republic, Food and Agricultural Organization, International Labour Organization and GIZ. The 1st Bishkek Forum 2017 concluded with a call to improve the policy and legal environment for cooperatives in the Kyrgyz Republic, taking into account the ICA cooperative principles and values; create comprehensive cooperative development strategy to strengthen the scale and scope of cooperative business; create facilities to train cooperative board members, managers, and government officials in-charge of registration and cooperative development; provide access to credit and finance as member capital has not been sufficient to run the cooperative business; focus on youth and gender development; and encourage the cooperative movement to work with the government and other civil society organizations to contribute to the achievement of the SDGs. The set of conclusions from the 1st Forum helped ascertain the objectives of the Second Bishkek Forum: facilitate a consultative platform for governments, cooperatives and experts to identify challenges and suggest revisions in the existing national legislation on cooperatives; enhance linkages among cooperative federations across central Asia and beyond to strengthen capacity of cooperative institutions and human resource; develop consumer cooperatives and their networks by linking producers and consumer cooperatives to promote sustainable consumption and production. The key note address of the Forum was delivered by Dr. U. Awasthi, MD, IFFCO. He was interested in exploring cooperation among Indian & Kyrgyz cooperatives and promoted signing of an MoU between CUK, NCUI and IFFCO to develop cooperatives, and promote education and training.

The session on 'enabling legal environment' underscored the urgent need to align the cooperative principles with cooperative law and policy, while taking into account the principles of the ILO Recommendation 193 on Promotion of Cooperatives. The session on developing linkages between agriculture and consumer cooperatives saw presentations from e-commerce to community stores for small farmers and efforts towards advocacy for consumer cooperatives.

On day 2 there was a session on cooperative Principle 5 (Education, Training and Information) and a panel discussion on Partnership among international agencies towards implementation of the SDGs through the cooperative model.

International Co-operative Alliance Asia and Pacific

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ENHANCING YOUTH ENGAGEMENT 60% of people aged between 15 and 24 in the world, live in Asia and the Pacific; that's about 700 million youth! A core concern for this cohort is earning a livelihood and the challenge is to provide avenues where youth can access stable, well-paying jobs and decent work. We need to be mindful that youth should aspire for more than survival; they need spaces where they can ideate, create and sustain livelihoods. Cooperatives with their core values of democratic participation and concern for the community are ideal medium to engage young people.

ICA-AP has magnified its focus on youth engagement through innovative activities and events. The guiding objectives are to attract more young people towards cooperatives and for cooperatives to actively reach out to this important demographic.

During the opening ceremony of the youth summit

Asia Pacific Cooperative Youth Summit 2.0 - A Photo Essay 147 young cooperators representing 17 countries congregated in Cebu, the Philippines from August 18 to 21, to participate in the Second Asia Pacific Cooperative Youth Summit. The theme of the Summit was Creative Skills, Cooperative Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Development.

The main venue for the Summit was the gorgeous Hidden Valley Mountain Resort located in Pinamungajan, Cebu, owned and run by Lamac Multi-purpose Cooperative (LMPC).

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International Co-operative Alliance Asia and Pacific

The opening inspiration message of the Summit was delivered by Ms. Zoe Clavel, 11-years old, from the SPED Integrated School for Exceptional Children (SPED-ISEC), Iloilo, the Philippines.

Ms. Clavel is a star saver of the Aflatoun Program, an initiative thriving in the Philippines with support from NATCCO, an ICA-AP member.

The learnings from the Youth Summit were a combination of presentations by youth icons in cooperatives as well as experential activities planned at the organic farms of LMPC.

The Summit concluded with a promise to take forward the momentum that had been built by both the first and second Summits and meet again with fresh ideas and collaborations in 2020!

International Co-operative Alliance Asia and Pacific

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SPOTLIGHT Coop Pitch (or Cooperative Pitch) is a competition where Youth Summit participants pitch unique cooperative business ideas to a panel of judges. The 2nd Coop Pitch saw 12 finalists representing eight countries. Prior to the Pitch, the teams were assigned a mentor to guide and fine-tune their ideas. The mentors were young cooperative leaders from the Asia Pacific and global cooperative movements. Five parameters were used to judge the Pitches- compliance with cooperative principles, scalability, innovation, presentation skills and relevance to youth.

(L-R) Mr. Ng Jun Long accompanied by Coop Pitch mentors Mr. Jed Senthil and Mr. Mark Villarin.

(Photo credit: Red Root Artists Cooperative)

The 2018 winner of Coop Pitch was Mr. Ng Jun Long from Singapore representing the Skyla Energy Cooperative for their idea of producing solar energy and selling it directly to individual households. Skyla Energy Cooperative would be composed of students from the Ngee Ann Polytechnic University, Singapore. Through the use of renewable energy, Skyla Energy aims to support the sustainable development goal of generating renewable energy as well as supporting the sustainable cities and communities movement.

Skyla Energy hopes to be able to decentralize the way energy is produced, help households generate additional sources of income, and The pitch by the Youth Secondary Coop, Korea. educate the citizens of Singapore about the (Photo credit: Red Root Artists Cooperative) advantages of switching from traditional fossil fuel energy to renewable solar powered energy.

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ICA-AP hosts first ever Coopathon

The clock ticks for the Coopathon participants!

ICA-AP organized its first ever Coopathon with support from the ICA-EU Partnership, IIM Kozhikode, Kerala Startup Mission and UL Technology Solutions (ULTS) at the IIM Kozhikode campus, to promote the involvement of youth and technology in cooperatives. It is an initiative to provide youth with a platform to solve some of pressing problems that co-operatives face in their daily operations, inculcate a culture of innovation and problem solving and in the process, expose them to the values-based form of enterprise model. Over 20 teams competed for cash prizes and a chance to be mentored by some of the best incubators in the region. Over the course of the 48-hour-long event the participants worked on addressing the challenges faced by the regional cooperative movement. Four multi-stakeholder teams of up to five members each deliberated on the shortlisted problem statements and sought guidance from their assigned mentors. Two parallel tracks, one with 8 teams and the other with 16 teams had an intensive discussion with experts from the field. The winning ideas were a smart shoe designed to track employees for attendance management, artificial intelligence for environment detection to empower people with visual disabilities and a cooperative Uber model application for improved access to basic services.

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PREPARING FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE Cooperatives are said to have sustainability in their DNA. This isn't just a catchphrase, but a statement proven by the immense contribution of cooperative organisations towards their local communities. The International Statement on Cooperative Identity identifies, 'Concern for the Community' as the 7th Cooperative Principle. It further reads that 'Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their members'. In fact, cooperative enterprises were the first globally organized group of enterprises to endorse the SDGs. ICA-AP strives to organise policy forums, conferences and other platforms to facilitate conversations on SDGs and explore ways to highlight the role of cooperatives in achieving the global goals as well as devising mechanisms to measure the impact cooperatives create within the communities they operate

Panel Discussion on Eradicating Poverty (L-R) Jeyavathany Thillainadarasa, Upali Herath, Mounir Kleibo & Robby Tulus.

Asia-Pacific Cooperative Development Conference The Asia-Pacific Cooperative Development Conference (APCDC) was organized on the theme Building Multi- Stakeholder Partnerships on Sustainable Development at Hotel Galadari, Colombo (Sri Lanka) from 27-28 Feb 2018. It was co-organized by ICA-AP, ICA-EU Partnership and the Sri Lankan cooperative movement. The Conference was aimed at creating structured exchange and developing partnerships among cooperatives and stakeholders in the pursuit of Sustainable Development. It featured four thematic sessions on Eradicating Poverty: Opportunity, Protection and Empowerment; Building a more Sustainable Food System: Hunger, Food Security and Livelihoods; Improving Access to Basic Goods & Services: Economic, Social and Cultural aspects; Protecting the Environment: Concern for Community along with working sessions on the three Asia Pacific Strategic Development Priorities namely, SDGs; Youth Inclusion and Exploring 'Work' and 'Ownership' Structures in Cooperatives. The panels saw presentations from the ICA-AP membership, international agencies like the ILO, Agriterra, WeEffect, AFA, and government bodies like the Central Environment Authority and Department of Cooperatives of Sri Lanka. The round-table sessions took place on both days and followed the format of a few strategic presentations followed by a group discussion on the emerging themes. The event also saw the unveiling of Coop Radio, a unique initiative of the Sri Lanka cooperative movement.

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Kozhikode welcomes the International Conference on Cooperatives in the Changing World of Work More than 200 delegates met in Kozhikode, India for the International Conference on Cooperatives in the Changing World of Work (29 Apr - 1 May 2018).

Over three days, academicians, researchers, policy-makers and cooperators from across the world examined how cooperatives are evolving in the changing world of work.

Dr. Simel Esim, Head, ILO Coop Unit, addresses the audience.

Speaking at the opening, Dr. Thomas Isaac, Minister of Finance, Government of Kerala, said, “We can never say enough about how much the movement contributed to a better world of work. In fact, the cooperative movement has always been destined to remain a modern movement, always at the forefront of promising social and economic innovations and bringing positive changes in communities and societies across the world of work.”

The conference was opened by Ms. Reema Nanavaty, an Indian social worker, known for her yeoman services as the head of Self-Employed Women's Association of India. "The Global Commission on Future of Work of the International Labour Organisation, will be bringing out a very strategic and action oriented report on the Future of Work that aligns with the SDGs as ILO's centenary celebration", said Ms. Nanavaty who is a member of the Global Commission on the Future of Work. The event featured Dr. Simel Esim, Head of the ILO Cooperatives Unit in Geneva who gave a global outlook on economic, social, and environmental changes in the world of work, with a focus on the labour cooperative movement in India. Mr. Rameshan Paleri, Chairperson of the Uralungal Labour Contractor's Cooperative Society Ltd. discussed the contributions of labourers in creating their 93-year old legacy and successful diversification of the cooperative in recent times.

The participants and experts of the Conference contributed to the Common Minimum Understanding document to enhance the role of cooperatives and collectives, in meeting the challenges of the changing world of work, and in addressing the mega drivers of Future of Work viz. technology, demography, climate change and economic globalization.

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SPOTLIGHT JCCU's contribution to the SDGs At its 68th Annual General Assembly, the Japanese Consumers' Cooperative Union pledged to commit to the achievement of the SDGs. JCCU states that “We have been dedicating ourselves to the realization of a more humane lifestyle and sustainable society under the 'Ideal of Japanese Consumer Co-ops Movement for the 21st Century, adopted at the JCCU Annual General Assembly in 1997. The SDGs which aim to leave no one behind are consistent with our philosophy.

We declare that we will work both locally and

internationally to achieve the SDGs through seven actions.”

Eiichi Honda (L), President of JCCU, receiving a certificate of commendation.

Co-op Action Plan for SDGs 1.

Continue to review and improve the products and lifestyle for a sustainable production and consumption

2.

Spread the use of renewable energy and promote Global Warming Countermeasures

3.

Eliminate poverty and hunger from the world and promote support for children

4.

Promote activities to eliminate nuclear weapons and to achieve the world peace

5.

Promote gender equality and create an inclusive society

6.

Participate in creating a society where everyone can live with a sense of security

7.

Expand health promotion and promote welfare services and mutual help

Co-ops for 2030 is a campaign under the ICA-EU Partnership for cooperatives to learn more about the SDGs, commit to pledges to contribute to achieving the SDGs (often through initiatives that are already in place) and report their progress. JCCU has pledged on the platform for Japanese consumers' cooperatives to reduce the total carbon dioxide emissions by 40% compared to the level in 2013, to ensure thorough energy conservation measures, and to tackle the development of renewable energy supply. The Pledge would directly affect SDG targets 7.2 (Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix by 2030) and 13.1 (Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries).

JCCU was awarded the Deputy Chief of the SDGs Promotion Headquarters (Chief Cabinet Secretary) Prize at the second Japan SDGs Award in December 2018. The "Japan SDGs Award" is an award system established in 2017 by a Cabinet body, the SDGs Promotion Headquarters, headed by the Prime Minister as one of its initiatives to achieve the goals of the SDGs in Japan. The award honors companies and organizations that make excellent efforts toward achieving the SDGs and serves as an encouragement for companies and organizations in Japan to undertake SDGs initiatives. Two important efforts were recognized by this award; one was the development and supply of CO·OP Brand Products by adopting the concept of ethical consumption, and second was JCCU's efforts (as a national federation of consumer cooperatives) to support its member co-ops nationwide in their initiatives for achieving SDGs through their business and activities.

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NEW MEMBERS Joined in 2018

Aurora Integrated Multipurpose Cooperative (AIMCOOP), the Philippines AIMCOOP is a savings and loan cooperative. AIMCOOP focuses on savings mobilization and capital build-up for its members through high rates of return on interest and savings and time deposits. AIMCOOP is dedicated to poverty elimination and elimination of capitalism. They have 80 offices serving almost 1 million members nationwide. They have an online banking system and ATM's nation.

Central Union of State Rural Production Cooperatives of Iran (CURPC) CURPC aims to empower the rural production cooperatives in terms of autonomy and independence nationwide. The goal of CURPC is to support members of rural production cooperatives to modify the structure of the farming system, increase productivity in production, optimal allocation and usage of resources, promoting quality and quantity of agricultural crops, the development of agro-processing industries Jordan Cooperative Corporation (JCC), Jordan The Jordan Cooperative Corporation (JCC) is an independent organisation formed by the government which supervises the cooperative sector (societies and unions) and works to raise the economic, social, cultural and local communities. They promote self-reliance to achieve the social and economic benefits of cooperatives. Established in 1959, JCC joined ICA in April 2018 and has a membership of 1605 cooperatives.

Rah-e-Roshd Cooperative Educational Complex (CRC), Iran In 1983, Rah-e-Roshd educational complex started its activities as a kindergarten. It was co-founded by teachers, most women. Ten years later, they converted to a teacher's cooperative as it would serve their ideals better. Some university professors with ideas in learning methods became members later.

They have 2,000 students, 620 employees (140 are members) and recently united all related educational co-ops into an alliance.

Union of Housing Cooperatives in Palestine (PUHC) PUHC seeks to support the collective efforts of individuals and/or groups from the middle to low-income strata to obtain decent housing. Its members are voluntarily linked as cooperative housing associations. The Federation aspires to contribute to guaranteeing the right of Palestinians to live decently and to strengthen the ability of Palestinians to maintain their land by enabling them to build on all Palestinian territories.

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The Income for the Asia PaciďŹ c region in 2018 came from three sourcesSubscription redistribution, Meeting revenue and Administrative contribution for projects. The total income for the region was $433,854 of which $387,274 was subscription, $30,000 was Administrative and $16,580 was Meeting income. The expenditures were mainly towards personnel, travel, external services, projects, and general operations.

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ANNEXURE II 2018 Calendar of Events S. No. Activity Title

Partners

Location

Period

1.

Follow-up Guidance and Survey of Ex-participants of the ICAJAPAN Training Courses to India

IDACA, Japan

New Delhi and Bangalore, (India)

February 12-17, 2018

2.

Asia-Pacific Cooperative Development Conference

ICA-EU Partnership, National Cooperative Council, Consumer Cooperative Federation, SANASA Federation, Kotikawatta Thrift & Credit Cooperative and National Institute of Cooperative Development

Colombo, Sri Lanka

February 27-28, 2018

3.

ICA-JAPAN Training Course on "Fostering and Improving Management of Agricultural Cooperatives

IDACA, Japan; Cooperative College of Malaysia

Malaysia and Japan

February 12 March 29, 2018

4.

Follow-up guidance and survey of ex-participants of the ICAJAPAN training course to Lao PDR

IDACA, Japan

LAO PDR

February 18-23, 2018

5.

ICA-AP & ACFSMC Regional Workshop on “Re-Work, Re-Imagine and Re- Shape: Advancing Women CEOs in Cooperatives”

ICA-EU Partnership, ACFSMC, China; ICA-AP Committee on Women

Guiyang, China

April 17-19, 2018

6.

Joint ICA-AP Consumer Committee and MBO Sustainable Development Goals Seminar 2018

ICA-AP Malaysia Business Office (MBO), JCCU, ANGKASA, ICA-AP Consumer Committee

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

April 24-25, 2018

7.

International Conference on Cooperatives in the Changing World of Work

ICA-EU Partnership, Uralungal Labour Contractor's Cooperative Society Ltd., IIM Kozhikode

Kerala, India

April 29 - May 1, 2018

8.

Coopathon

ICA-EU Partnership, IIM Kozhikode, Kerala Startup Mission and UL Technology Solutions

Kerala, India

April 29 - May 1, 2018

9.

ICA-AP-NACF Joint Workshop on Cooperative Systems

National Agricultural Cooperative Federation

Seoul, Korea

May 15-18, 2018

10.

ICA-AP and KFCC Workshop on Sustainable Development Partnership of Credit and Banking Cooperatives (WSDP)

Korean Federation of Community Credit Coops

Seoul and Jeju, Korea

June 18-23, 2018

International Co-operative Alliance Asia and Pacific

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S. No. Activity Title

Partners

Location

Period

11.

Pacific Forum on Development of Cooperatives

ICA-EU Partnership, Office of the Registrar of Cooperatives and Business Development Services (ORCBDS), Government of the Republic of Vanuatu

Port Vila, Vanuatu

July 5-6, 2018

12.

International School Cooperative Seminar on 'Youth Empowerment Through Cooperatives for a Better World'

ANGKASA

Penang, Malaysia

July 22-26, 2018

13.

2nd ICA-JAPAN Training Course on “Empowering Women in Business and Management of Agricultural Cooperatives”

Cooperative League of Thailand (CLT), IDACA, Japan

Thailand and Japan

July 19 August 11, 2018

14.

ICA-AP Training Program for Managers of Consumer Co-ops, Summer 2018

JCCU, Co-opdeli Consumers' Cooperative Union and Miyagi Co-op

Japan

July 16- 29, 2018

15.

Capacity Building Seminar on Multilateral Advocacy for Development of Cooperatives in ASEAN

ICA-EU Partnership, DEKOPIN, ACO

Jakarta, Indonesia

July 24-26, 2018

16.

ICA-ACFSMC Workshop on Advancing E-commerce in Cooperatives: Theory and Practice

ACFSMC

Hangzhou, China

August 26-31, 2018

17.

Asia Pacific Cooperative Youth Summit 2.0

ICA-EU Partnership, Lamac Multipurpose Cooperative, VICTO National, National Confederation of Coops Inc. Philippine Cooperative Center (PCC), Federation of Peoples' Sustainable Development CoopFPSDC, MASS-SPECC Coop Development Center, Aurora Integrated Multipurpose Cooperative

Cebu, The Philippines

August 18-21, 2018

18.

Second International Forum on Development of Cooperatives in Central Asia

ICA-EU Partnership, Cooperative Union of Kyrgyzstan, Consumer Cooperatives Worldwide

Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

September 1112, 2018

19.

2nd ICA-Japan Training Course on “Fostering Agricultural Cooperatives to Build Food Value Chain”

IDACA, Japan

Japan

September 27 October 18, 2018

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S. No. Activity Title

Partners

Location

Period

20.

18th ICA Asia-Pacific Regional Workshop on “Management of Consumer Cooperatives”

ICA-AP Consumer Committee, Saigon Union of Trading Cooperatives (Saigon Co.op), Vietnam

Vietnam

October 8-10, 2018

21.

13th ICA-AP Regional Assembly, 10th Cooperative Forum & 10th Women's Forum

Iran Chamber of Cooperatives and ICA members in Iran

Tehran, Iran

November 26-30, 2018

22.

ICA-AP Training Program for Managers of Consumer Cooperatives

ICA-AP Consumer Committee, Co-opdeli Consumers' Cooperative Union and Co-op Kobe

Japan

November 12- 25, 2018

23.

ICA-AP & COOPFED Workshop on Development of Consumer Cooperatives

ICA-AP Consumer Committee, Sri Lanka Consumer Cooperative Societies Federation Limited

Colombo, Sri Lanka

December 11-12, 2018

24.

Workshop on Future of Cooperative Business in the Digital World

ACFSMC, ANGKASA

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

December 9- 11, 2018

25.

Workshop on Data Collection and Monitoring: Tracking progress on gender equality in cooperatives

ICA-AP Committee on Women, ANGKASA

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

December 7-8, 2018

26.

Workshop on Capacity Building and Case Studies for Poverty Alleviation through Cooperatives

ACFSMC

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

December 10-15, 2018

International Co-operative Alliance Asia and Pacific

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ANNEXURE III Members of the Regional Board Mr. Li Chunsheng Chairperson, Vice President All China Federation of Supply & Marketing Cooperatives, Dr. Chandra Pal Singh Yadav Vice Chairperson, President National Cooperative Union of India

Dato Hj. Abdul Fattah Hj. Abdullah President ANGKASA, Malaysia Mr. Keshav Prasad Badal Chairman National Cooperative Federation of Nepal

Ms. Chitose Arai Vice Chairperson, Vice President Japanese Consumers' Cooperative Union

Atty. Adolfo A. IbaĂąez Vice Chair National Confederation of Cooperatives, the Philippines

Mr. H.A.M. Nurdin Halid President DEKOPIN, Indonesia

Mr. Kwek Kok Kwong Chairman Singapore National Cooperative Federation

Mr. Alireza Gharagozlou Vice President, Economic and International Affairs Iran Chamber of Cooperatives

Mr. W. Lalith A. Peiris President National Cooperative Council of Sri Lanka

Mr. Byeong Won Kim Chairman National Agricultural Cooperative Federation, Korea

Mr. Ahsan Ali Thakur Chairperson, ICA-AP Committee on Youth Karachi Coop Housing Societies Union Ltd., Pakistan Dr. Nandini Azad Chairperson, ICA-AP Committee on Women & President, Indian Cooperative Network for Women

36 | Annual Activities Report, 2018

International Co-operative Alliance Asia and PaciďŹ c

ANNEXURE IV Members of Sectoral and Thematic Committees

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

Name of the Committee Title

Name & Organization

Committee on Agriculture

Chairperson

Mr. Srinivasa Gowda, IFFCO, India

Vice Chairperson

Dato' Kamarudin Ismail, ANGKASA, Malaysia

Secretary

Mr. Ashok Taneja, ICA-AP

Chairperson

Mr. Amano Haruyoshi, JCCU, Japan

Vice Chairperson

Mr. Poh Leong Sim, NTUC Fairprice, Singapore

Vice Chairperson

Mr. Pathirana Dayaratna Samarasingha Karanagala, COOPFED, Sri Lanka

Secretary

Mr. Sungjoon Kang, ICA-AP MBO

Chairperson

Prof. Akira Kurimoto, CCI, Japan

Vice Chairperson

Dr. T. Paranjothi, Vaikunth Metha VMNICM, India

Vice Chairperson

Mr. Min Raj Kadel, NCF, Nepal

Secretary

Mr. Mohit Dave, ICA-AP

Chairperson

Mr. P. Shivadasan Nair, NACARD, India

Vice Chairperson

Ms. Divina C. Quemi, NATCCO, The Philippines

Secretary

Mr. K. Kukreja, ICA-AP

Chairperson

Mr. Seok Hyung, Lee, NFCFK, Republic of Korea

Vice Chairperson

Mr. S.P. Singh, IFFDC, India

Secretary

Mr. Ashok Taneja, ICA-AP

Chairperson

Dr. Nandini Azad, NCUI, India

Vice Chairperson

Ms. Chitose Arai, JCCU, Japan

Secretary

Ms. Anam Mittra, ICA-AP

Chairperson

Mr. R.P. Singh, IFFCO, India

Vice Chairperson

Vacant

Secretary

Mr. K. Sethumadhavan, ICA-AP

Chairperson

Dr. Mohd. Azlan Yahya, ANGKASA, Malaysia

Vice Chairperson

Prof. Motoo Furuta, NFUCA, Japan

Vice Chairperson

Ms. Indira Panta, NCBL, Nepal

Secretary

Mr. P. Santosh Kumar, ICA-AP

Co-Secretary

Dr. Y. Dongre

Co-Secretary

Ms. Zeniada Diola

Chairperson

Mr. Ahsan Ali Thakur, KCHSU, Pakistan

Vice Chairperson

Mr. Udaya Prabath, COOPFED, Sri Lanka

Secretary

Mr. P. Santosh Kumar, ICA-AP

Co-Secretary

Ms. Anis Sadah

Committee on Consumer

Committee on Cooperative Research

Committee on Credit and Banking

Committee on Forestry

Committee on Women

Committee on Human Resource Development

Committee on Cooperatives in Educational Institutions

Committee on Youth Cooperation

International Co-operative Alliance Asia and PaciďŹ c

37 | Annual Activities Report, 2018

ANNEXURE V ICA-AP Members - 2018 AUSTRALIA 01

Mr. Greg Wall Chief Executive Officer Capricorn Society Limited (CSL) 28, Troode Street, West Perth, WA-6005, Australia.

02

Mr. Jimmy Wilson Chief Executive Officer Cooperative Bulk Handling Ltd. (CBH Group) 30 Delhi Street, West Perth WA-6005, Australia.

03

Ms. Melina Morrison Chief Executive Officer Business Council of Cooperatives and Mutuals (BCCM) Level 8, 9 Hunter Street Sydney NSW-2001, Australia.

09

Ms. Ren Guangji Secretary General International Committee for the Promotion of Chinese Industrial Co-operatives (ICCIC) Apt. 805, Building 3, Jilijiayuan, No. 20, Shaoyaoju, Chao Yang District, Beijing-100029, China.

10

Ms. Lilian Zhang Manager Heilongjiang Guhe Cooperative Association (GUHE) Guhe Building, No.216 Zhongshan Road Nangang District, Harbin, China.

FIJI 11

BANGLADESH 04

05

Mr. Rafiqul Islam Director (International) Bangladesh Jatiya Samabaya Union (BJSU) 9/D, Motijheel Commercial Area, 7th Floor Dhaka -1000, Bangladesh.

Mr. Mohiuddin Ahmed Chairperson Bangladesh Samabaya Bank Limited (BSBL) 9-D, Motijheel Commercial Area Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh.

INDIA 12

Dr. Chandra Pal Singh Yadav President National Cooperative Union of India (NCUI) 3, Siri Institutional Area, Khelgaon Marg, New Delhi-110016.

13

Dr. U.S. Awasthi Managing Director Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Ltd. (IFFCO) "IFFCO SADAN", C-1, District Center, Saket New Delhi-110017.

14

Dr. Sukesh Zamwar Chief Managing Director Buldana Urban Cooperative Credit Society (BUCCS) Sahakar Setu, Hutatma Gore Path, Buldana-443001, Maharashtra.

15

Dr. Bhagwati Prasad Vice Chairperson Cooperative House Building & Finance Corporation Ltd-CHBFC (Sahakari Awas-Nirman Evam Vitt Nigam Ltd.) 6, Sarojini Naidu Marg, Lucknow-226001.

16

Mr. Guru Prasad Tripathi Chairman Indian Farm Forestry Development Coop Ltd. (IFFDC) FMDI, IFFCO Colony, Sector-17-B, Gurgaon-122001.

BHUTAN 06

Mr. Ugyen Penjore Director General (Registrar of Cooperatives) Department of Agricultural Marketing & Coops (DAMC) Ministry of Agriculture and Forests Thongsal Lam, Thimphu, Bhutan.

CHINA 07

Mr. Li Chunsheng Vice President All China Federation of Supply & Marketing Coops (ACFSMC) 45, Fu Xing Men Nei Street Beijing-100801, China.

08

Mr. Wang Benhe Director General International Cooperation Department All China Federation of Handicraft & Industrial Coops (ACFHIC), No. 22-B, Fu Wai Dajie Beijing-100833, China.

38 | Annual Activities Report, 2018

Mr. Yogeshwar Krishna Chairman Nasinu Land Purchase & Housing Cooperative Ltd. (NLPHCL) 68-A, Suva Street, Suva, Fiji.

International Co-operative Alliance Asia and Pacific

INDONESIA 17

Mr. N. Sambasiva Rao Managing Director Krishak Bharati Cooperative Ltd. (KRIBHCO) KRIBHCO Bhawan, A-10, Sector-1, Noida201301.

18

Mr. Sanjeev Kumar Chadha Managing Director National Agricultural Coop Marketing Federation of India "NAFED House", Ring Road, Ashram Chowk New Delhi-110014.

19

20

Mr. K. K. Ravindran Managing Director National Cooperative Agriculture and Rural Development Banks' Federation Ltd (NAFCARD) 701, A-Wing, BSEL Tech Park Vashi, Navi Mumbai-400703.

Mr. Kamal Chowdhery Managing Director National Cooperative Consumers' Federation Ltd. (NCCF) NCUI Complex, 3, Siri Institutional Area, New Delhi-110016.

21

Mr. Sundeep Kumar Nayak Managing Director National Coop Development Corporation (NCDC) 4, Siri Institutional Area, Khelgaon Marg, New Delhi-110016.

22

Mr. B.K. Mishra Managing Director National Federation of Fishers Coops Ltd (FISHCOPFED) 7-A, Sarita Vihar Institutional Area, New Delhi-110076.

23

Mr. Bhima Subrahmanyam Managing Director National Federation of State Coop Banks Ltd. (NAFSCOB) J.K. Chamber, 5th Floor, Plot No. 76, Sector 17 Vashi, Navi Mumbai-400703.

24

Mr. T.C. Gautam General Manager National Federation of Farmers Procurement, Processing Retailing Coops of India Limited (NACOF) Block-A, 25/17-A, 1st Floor, Sujan Singh Building Middle Circle, Connaught Place, New Delhi-110001.

International Co-operative Alliance Asia and Pacific

25

Mr. Neddy Rafinaldi Secretary General DEKOPIN (The Indonesian Coop Council) Jl. Raya Pasar Minggu No.97-B Jakarta Selatan-12520, Indonesia

IRAN 26

Mr. Bahman Abdollahi President Iran Chamber of Cooperatives (ICC) No.83, Sehpabod Gharany Avenue Tehran, Iran.

27

Mr. H. Shirzad Chairman of the Board & Managing Director Central Organization for Rural Cooperatives (CORC) No. 1813, Vail-e-Asr-Avenue P.O. Box 14155-6569, Tehran-1594811169, Iran.

28

Mr. Yadollah Keshavarz Managing Director Central Union of Rural & Agricultural Coops of Iran (CURACI), 514, North Felestin Street Tehran-1415735691, Iran.

29

Mr. Sharafi Alireza Managing Director Iran Oilseeds & Vegetable Oil Processing Factories Cooperative (FARDA Coop) 25 Golriz St. (Unit 5), Gha'em Magham-e Farahani Ave. Tehran-1588643117, Iran.

30

Mr. Mohammad Reza Rezaeinejad President Pishgaman Cooperative Union (PCU) Pishgaman Building, No. 14, Ordibenesht Street Parkway, Tehran, Iran.

31

Mr. Rahmatolah Banar Chairperson Supervision and Coordination Central Union of Rural and Agricultural Cooperatives (SCURA) No. 518, North Felestin Avenue, Tehran, Iran.

32

Mr. Faiiaz Qaed Head of International Division Tose'e Ta'avon Bank (T.T. Bank) No.271, Next to LG Company, Before Alborz St., Mirdamad Blv. 1918934351-Tehran, Iran.

33

Ms. Anahita Eslahpazir Chief Executive Officer Rah-e-roshd Cooperative Educational Complex (RCEC) 21 Mahestan Street, Iran Zamin Avenue, Ghods Shahrak Tehran-1465834411, Iran.

34

Mr. Mohammad Reza Razzaghi Managing Director Central Union of state Rural Production Coops of Iran (CURPC), No.8, Sarbedaran Ave., Shahid Sadr Ave. Valli-e-Asr St., Tehran, Iran 39 | Annual Activities Report, 2018

JAPAN 35

Mr. Toru Nakaya President Central Union of Agricultural Coops (JA-ZENCHU) 1-3-1, Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-6837, Japan.

36

Mr. Eiichi Honda President Japanese Consumers' Cooperative Union (JCCU) Coop Plaza, 3-29-8, Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-8913, Japan.

37

38

Mr. Ryuki Wakabayashi Chairperson IE-NO-HIKARI Association (Association for Education & Publications on Agril Coops) 11, Funagawara-cho, Ichigaya Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo-162 8448, Japan.

Mr. Kazuhiko Ozeki Dy. General Manager Research and Study Department Japan Cooperative Insurance Association Inc. (JCIA) Lilac Sanei Building, Ground Floor, 12-5, Yotsuyasanei-Cho Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo-160 0008, Japan.

39

Mr. Nobuhiro Furumura President & Chief Executive Officer Japanese Workers' Cooperative Union (JWCU) 1-44-3, 7th Floor, Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku Tokyo 170-0013, Japan. cc: Mr. Osamu Nakano, Chief of Int'l Relations Office

40

Mr. Hiroki Tokubo Managing Director Japanese Health and Welfare Coop Federation (HeW Coop) Sanken Building, 4th floor 3-25-1, Hyakunin-cho, Shinjuku-ku Tokyo-169-0073, Japan.

41

Ms. Hiroyuki Ootani Planning & International Department National Association of Labour Banks (NALB) 2-5-15, Kanda-Surugadai, 2-Chome, Chiyoda-Ku Tokyo-1010062, Japan.

42

Mr. Shuuichirou Ookawara President of General Planning Division National Federation of Agricultural Cooperative Associations (ZEN-NOH), 3-1, Otemachi, 1-chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-6832, Japan.

40 | Annual Activities Report, 2018

43

Mr. Hiroshi Kishi President National Federation of Fisheries Cooperative Association (JF-ZENGYOREN), Coop Building, 7th Floor, 1-1-12, Uchikanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-8503, Japan.

44

Mr. Jiro Muramatsu President National Federation of Forest Owners' Cooperative Associations (ZENMORI-REN), Coop Building, 8th Floor, 1-1-12 Unchikanda, Chiyoda-ku Tokyo -101, Japan.

45

Mr. Maita Shinichi General Director & Chief Executive Officer National Federation of University Coop Associations (NFUCA) Daigaku Seikyo Kaikan Building, 3-30-22, Wada, Suginami-ku Tokyo 166-8532, Japan.

46

Mr. Hiroshi Nakaseko President National Federation of Workers and Consumers Insurance Cooperatives (ZENROSAI) 2-12-10, Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 151-8571, Japan.

47

Mr. Hiroko Kowada Manager, General Affairs Department National Mutual Insurance Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives (ZENKYOREN), JA Kyosai Building, 2-7-9, Hirakawa-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8630, Japan.

48

Mr. Hiroki Sakaue Managing Director The Japan Agricultural News (Nihon-NogyoShimbun) 23-3, Ichibancho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8409, Japan.

49

Mr. Toshihide Sunanaga Senior Manager Coordination Division The Norinchukin Bank (Central Coop Bank for Agriculture & Forestry) 1-13-2, Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8420, Japan.

50

Mr. Kenki Maeda General Manager Department for Cooperation among Cooperatives Japan Cooperative Alliance (JCA) 11, Funagawara-machi, Shinjuku-ku Tokyo-162-0826, Japan.

International Co-operative Alliance Asia and Pacific

51

Mr. Kyouhei Ueda Joint Management Department Information and Communication Division Public Relations Group Japan Coop Insurance Consumers' Coop Federation (JCIF) 4-1-13 Sendagaya, Shibuya Tokyo 151-0051, Japan.

JORDAN 52

Eng. Awni Shedaifat General Manager Jordan Cooperative Corporation (JCC) AlShareef Al-Radi Street Jabal Al-Waibdeh Area Amman-Aloun, Jordan.

60

Mr. Younsik Kim Chairman and President National Credit Union Federation of Korea (NACUFOK) 745, Hanbatdaero, Seogu, Daejeon Metropolitan City 35209, Republic of Korea.

61

Mr. Seok Hyung Lee President & Chairperson National Forestry Cooperatives Federation (NFCF) 166 Seokchonhosu-ro, Songpa-Gu-05601, Seoul, Republic of Korea.

62

Mr. Kangtae Park President Korea Federation of Worker Cooperatives (KFWC) 62, Janghan-ro, 8th Floor, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul-02636, Republic of Korea.

KAZAKHSTAN 53

Mr. Khasbulat Ashlyayev Chairman of the Board Union of Consumer Cooperation of the Rep. of Kazakhstan (UCCRK), 102, Bogenbai Batyr Street Almaty-050010, Kazakhstan.

KUWAIT 63

KOREA 54

Mr. Byeong Won Kim Chairperson National Agricultural Cooperative Federation (NACF) 16 Saemunanro, Jung-ku Seoul-04516, Republic of Korea.

KYRGYZSTAN 64

55

Ms. Inja Park Chairperson iCOOP Yeongdeungpo-ro 62-gil 1, Yeongdeungpo-gu Seoul-150840, Republic of Korea.

56

Mr. Keum-Ja Lee President Dure Consumers' Cooperative Union (DCCU) 4th Floor, KT Telecop Building, 291 Gamasan-ro, Guro-gu Seoul 252-704, Rep. of Korea.

57

58

59

Mr. Cha Hoon Park Chairman and President Korean Federation of Community Credit Coops (KFCCC) 20, Bongeunsaro 114-gil, Gangnam-gu Seoul-06172, Republic of Korea.

Mr. Im-Kweon Kim Chairperson and President Korean National Federation of Fisheries Coops (KNFFC) 62 Ogeum-ro, Songpa-ku Seoul-138-730, Republic of Korea.

Mr. Khaled Alotaibi Chairman Union of Consumer Cooperative Societies (UCCS) Hawally, Bloc 97, Othman Street 4th Ring Road, P.O. Box 1836 Safat-13019, Kuwait.

Ms. Nazik Beishenaly Chairperson Cooperatives Union of Kyrgyzstan (CUK) Chuy 207, Cab 212 Bishkek-720001, Kyrgyzstan.

MALAYSIA 65

Haji Nasir Khan Yahaya Group Chief Executive Officer Malaysian National Cooperative Movement (ANGKASA), Wisma Ungku A. Aziz, Jalan SS 6/1, Kelana Jaya 47301 Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.

66

Datuk B. Sahadevan Managing Director National Land Finance Cooperative Society Ltd. (NLFCS) 10th Floor, Wisma Tun Sambanthan, 2 Jalan Sulaiman Kuala Lumpur-50000, Malaysia.

67

Mr. Ariffin Mamat Director General Cooperative College of Malaysia (CCM) 103 Jalan Templer, 46700 Petaling Jaya Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.

Ms. Jin-Ah Kim President Korea Federation of University Cooperative (KFUC) 2nd Floor, 36, Dongsomun-ro 3-gil, Seongbuk-gu Seoul-02833, Republic of Korea.

International Co-operative Alliance Asia and Pacific

41 | Annual Activities Report, 2018

MALDIVES

NEW ZEALAND

68

77

Mr. Abdulla Shakir Secretary General Maldives Fishermen's Association (MFA) 4th Floor, Gaadhoo Building, Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Male-20012, Republic of Maldives.

Mr. Craig Presland Chief Executive Officer Cooperative Business New Zealand (CBNZ) Level 3, 25 Teed Street, New Market Auckland-1149, New Zealand.

MONGOLIA

PAKISTAN

69

78

70

Mr. Nyamaa Enkhbold President Mongolian National Cooperative Alliance (MNCA) N Tower Building, Door No.904, 8th Khoroo, Sukhbaatar District, Ulaanbaatar City, Mongolia.

Mr. Eldev-Ochir Lkhagvaa President National Association of Mongolian Agricultural Coops-NAMAC Peace Avenue 18A/1 Ulaanbaatar-49, Mongolia.

Mr. Mohammad Sharif Bhaiji Managing Director Karachi Coop Housing Societies Union Ltd. (KCHSU) SNPA-15, Shaheed-E-Millat Road Karachi-74800, Pakistan.

PALESTINE 79

Mr. Mahmoud Hussein Chairperson of the Board Economic & Social Development Center of Palestine (ESDC) Al-Bireh-Al-Balou, Opposite Ministry of Women's Affairs Post Box 4518, West Bank, Palestine.

80

Mr. Jamal Alnimer Chairman Palestinian Agricultural Cooperative Union (PACU) Al-Bireh, Nablus Street Across the Netherlands Embassy, Palestine.

81

Mr. Izzidean Abu Taha Chairman Union of Housing Cooperatives in Palestine (PUHC) Al Balo - Al Bireh, Ministry of Interior Street Al-Boraq Bldg (2nd Floor) Ramallah-00970, Palestine.

MYANMAR 71

Mr. Khin Maung Aye Chairman Central Cooperative Society Limited (CCS) Cooperative Business Center, 4th floor of Building-B Junction of Sayasan & New University Avenue Road Bahan Township, Yangon, Myanmar.

NEPAL 72

Mr. Keshav Prasad Badal Chairperson National Cooperative Federation of Nepal (NCFN) Harihar Bhawan Pulchowk, Lalitpur, Nepal.

PAPUA NEW GUINEA 82

73

Mr. Rudra Bhattarai General Manager Nepal Agricultural Coop Central Federation (NACCF) Kupandole Height, Lalitpur, Nepal.

74

Mr. K.B. Upreti Chairman National Cooperative Bank Limited (NCBL) Kupandol, Lalitpur, Nepal.

75

Mr. Daksha Paudel Subhas Co-chairman National Cooperative Development Board (NCDB) Pulchowk, Lalitpur, Nepal.

76

Mr. Surendra Bhandari Chairman Nepal Multipurpose Central Coop Union Ltd. (NEMCCU) Bagmati Zone, Kusunti-13, Lalitpur, Nepal.

42 | Annual Activities Report, 2018

Mr. Stephen Sallun Registrar Office of Cooperative Societies (OCS-PNG) Boroko, National Capital District Papua New Guinea.

THE PHILIPPINES 83

Ms. Sylvia O. Paraguya Chief Executive Officer National Confederation of Coops Inc. (NATCCO) 227 J.P. Rizal Street, Project-4 Quezon City-1109, Philippines.

84

Managing Director Philippine Cooperative Center (PCC) 90 Balete Drive Extension, Brgy. Kristong Hari Quezon City, Philippines.

85

Mr. Audie Joseph Samson Chief Executive Officer VICTO National Coop Federation & Development Center (VICTO National) 59 1st Street, Beverly Hills, Lahug Cebu City, Philippines.

Mr. Jose C. Detablan, Deputy CEO International Co-operative Alliance Asia and Pacific

SRI LANKA 86

Ms. Christie Rowena C. Plantilla Chief Executive Officer Federation of Peoples' Sustainable Development Coop-FPSDC Rm.7A Future Point Plaza 3, 111 Panay Avenue Quezon City-1103, Philippines.

93

Mr. W. Lalith A. Peiris President National Cooperative Council of Sri Lanka (NCCSL) "Cooperative House", 455 Galle Road, Colombo-00300, Sri Lanka.

87

Ms. Bernadette O. Toledo Chief Executive Officer MASS-SPECC Coop Development Center (MASS-SPECC) Tiano Yacapin Streets, Misamis Oriental Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines.

94

Mr. A.B. Sumith Nishantha Chief Executive Officer Federation of Thrift & Credit Coop Societies (SANASA) 45/90, Nawala Road, Narahenpita, Colombo-5, Sri Lanka.

88

Mr. Roberto T. Poblete Chairman Union of Legitimate Service Contracting Coops (ULSCC) 905 Aurota Blvd. Cor. Harvard Street, Cubao, Quezon City, Philippines.

95

Mr. D.S.K. Pathirana Chief Executive Officer & General Manager Sri Lanka Consumer Cooperative Societies Federation Ltd. (COOPFED), No. 11, Saunders Place, Colombo-12, Sri Lanka.

89

Mr. Orlando R. Ravanera Chairperson Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) 827 Aurora Boulevard, Service Road, Brgy.

Immaculate Conception, 1111-Cubao Quezon City, Philippines.

96

Mr. Sarath Vidana Pathirana Chairperson Kotikawatta Thrift and Credit Coop Society Ltd-KTCCS 230/A, Avissawella Road Kitakawatta, Angoda, Sri Lanka.

90

Mr. Ryan M. Huesca Chief Operating Officer Aurora Integrated Multipurpose Cooperative (AIMCoop) AIMCoop Tower Building, Burgos Street, Poblacion Aurora-7020, Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines.

97

Mr. Lalith Gangewatta Chairman National Institute of Cooperative Development (NICD) Polgolla, Kandy, Sri Lanka.

THAILAND SAUDI ARABIA 91

Mr. Abdullah bin Saeed Kedman Chairperson Cooperative Societies Council (CSC) King Fahad Street Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

SINGAPORE 92

Ms. Dolly Goh Chief Executive Officer Singapore National Cooperative Federation Ltd. (SNCF) 510 Thomson Road, #12-02, SLF Building, Singapore-298135.

International Co-operative Alliance Asia and Pacific

98

Mr. Poramate Intarachumnum Chairman Cooperative League of Thailand (CLT) 13, Pichai Road, Dusit Bangkok-10300, Thailand.

99

Ms. Elenita V. San Roque Chief Executive Officer Association of Asian Confederation of Credit Unions (ACCU) 8th Floor, U-Tower Building No. 411, Srinakarin Road, Suanluang Bangakok-10250, Thailand.

TIMOR LESTE 100 Mr. Elizario Ferreira President National Confederation of Coops of Timor Leste (CNCTL) Rua Marconi, Fatuhada Dili-670, Timor Leste.

43 | Annual Activities Report, 2018

U.A.E 101 Mr. Juned Hashmi Mohammed Abdul Division Head Sharjah Cooperative Society (SCS) Yarmukh Street (Al Wahda Road) Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.

VANUATU 102 Mr. Joseph Ridley Acting Director/Registrar Office of Registrar of Cooperatives and Business Development Services (ORCBDS) Monfort Street, George Pompidou, PMB-9032 Port Vila, Vanuatu.

VIETNAM 103 Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Bao President Vietnam Cooperative Alliance (VCA) Duong Dinh Nghe Street Yen Hoa Ward, Cau Giay District Hanoi, Vietnam.

104 Mr. Nguyen Tien Quan Chairperson Vietnam National Industrial, Handicraft and Commercial Coop Enterprises Association (ViCCA) No.149, Giang Vo Street, Dong Da District Hanoi City-10000, Vietnam.

44 | Annual Activities Report, 2018

International Co-operative Alliance Asia and Pacific

Disclaimer "The content of the articles carrying information about the activities conducted under the ‘ICA-EU Partnership on Development: People Centred Businesses in Action', are the sole responsibility of the ICA-AP and can in no way be taken to reect the views of the European Union."

Cooperatives are people-centred enterprises owned, controlled and run by and for their members to realise their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations.

Cooperative Principles The cooperative principles are guidelines by which cooperatives put their values into practice.

1. Voluntary and Open Membership Cooperatives are voluntary organisations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.

2. Democratic Member Control Cooperatives are democratic organisations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions. Men and women serving as elected representatives are accountable to the membership. In primary cooperatives members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote) and cooperatives at other levels are also organised in a democratic manner.

3. Member Economic Participation Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the cooperative. Members usually receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of membership. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing their cooperative, possibly by setting up reserves, part of which at least would be indivisible; beneďŹ ting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.

4. Autonomy and Independence Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organisations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements with other organisations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control by their members and maintain their cooperative autonomy.

5. Education, Training, and Information Cooperatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers, and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their co-operatives. They inform the general public - particularly young people and opinion leaders - about the nature and beneďŹ ts of cooperation.

6. Cooperation among Cooperatives Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.

7. Concern for Community Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their members.

International Co-operative Alliance Asia and PaciďŹ c

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