On 19 August 1895 cooperators from 13 countries came together for the first International Cooperative Congress in London, where they established the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA).
“We have met here today, the representatives of different organisations, widely removed in language, but clearly united in aspirations, to take such counsel together to see how far the cooperative principle can be applied to industrial enterprise in our respective countries,” Congress President Earl Grey said at the time.
“Cooperatives already existed all over the world and the cooperative leaders at the time wanted to bring all of them together,” said ICA Director General Jeroen Douglas. “They wanted to be united in diversity and have a clear space for education and communication for the entire movement. And they also wanted the ICA to act as the custodian of the cooperative identity and encourage trade among co-ops,” he added.
Since 1895, the ICA has served as a forum to boost cooperation between cooperatives, while acting as the global custodian of the Cooperative Identity and advocating for the interests and success of cooperatives. Today, it represents 316 member organisations from 106 countries.
And with 2025 being the second United Nations International Year of Cooperatives, the ICA intends to keep building on this rich legacy, providing a global voice and knowledge platform, expertise and co-ordinated action. Recent initiatives include the launch of CM50, a platform bringing together CEOs of some of the largest cooperatives in the world, who are working on a statement to be presented at the UN’s Second World Social Summit in Doha, Qatar in November this year.
“I believe the future is bright. We are building a better world together,” said Mr Douglas.
To better showcase the global movement’s rich heritage, the ICA also launched a Cooperative Cultural Heritage Working Group (CCHWG), which is currently developing international standards of cooperative heritage and a world map of cooperative cultural heritage sites. The Organization of Brazilian Cooperatives (OCB) is one of the members of the working group.
“Celebrating the 130th anniversary of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) means recognising the strength of a global movement built on solidarity, cooperation, and mutual trust among people,” said Márcio Lopes de Freitas, the President of OCB.
“At OCB, we are proud to contribute to this journey, especially through the CCHWG, which rescues and values the historical and symbolic landmarks of our cooperative identity. In such a significant year as 2025, declared for the second time by the United Nations as the International Year of Cooperatives, we are honoured to collaborate on the launch of the first digital map of cooperative heritage, scheduled to be released in November in Brasilia, Brazil. This initiative represents not only a tribute to our history, but also a commitment to the future, projecting the importance of cooperatives for future generations and reinforcing its role in the sustainable development of the planet,” he added.
India's National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) is another members of the newsly established CCHWG.
"This is not just an anniversary, but a proud moment in history — a story of ordinary people who, through unity, trust and shared vision, achieved extraordinary results," said Rohit Gupta, NCDC's Deputy Managing Director.
"India, with its timeless ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the world is one family — stands as a shining example of how cooperatives empower farmers, uplift rural communities, and bring dignity and prosperity to millions.
"I am especially proud that, as part of the Cultural Cooperative Heritage Working Group, we are working to put cultural cooperatives on the world heritage map — a recognition that will showcase to the world the true, timeless values of cooperation. This is not just about preserving the past, but about building a brighter future — where humanity thrives together," he added.
Photo: CCHWG meeting in Rochdale in June 2025
