At the Global ESG Conclave 2025 in Pune, Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas Athawale, presented a detailed plan to harness the cooperative sector to propel India towards its vision of becoming a fully developed nation by 2047. The event, organized by the World Cooperation Economic Forum (WCopEF) in collaboration with Sri Balaji University, served as a platform to discuss sustainable development goals and the role of cooperative initiatives in achieving them.
In his keynote address at the Global ESG Conclave 2025, the Minister emphasized the need to harness the potential of individuals, communities, and various sectors to achieve India’s centenary independence vision. Stressing the role of cooperatives in this endeavor, he outlined proposals to establish 500 Cooperative Startups, 500 Campus Cooperatives, a Cooperative Commodities Exchange, and Cooperative Economic Zones.
Cooperative Startups to Empower Aspirational Districts
The plan includes the creation of 500 Cooperative Startups aimed at addressing challenges in aspirational districts. These initiatives would leverage local resources, talents and ideas to boost economic activity in underdeveloped regions. By doing so, the program seeks to generate employment opportunities, reduce socio-economic disparities, and contribute to more equitable development across the country.
Campus Cooperatives to Nurture Youth Innovation
Another major aspect of the strategy is the establishment of 500 Campus Cooperatives. These youth-focused institutions would be located on university and college campuses, fostering innovation in technology, digital services, green energy and sustainability. They are envisioned as platforms for experimentation and collaboration, empowering students to develop and launch entrepreneurial ventures that address current economic and environmental challenges.
Cooperative Commodities Exchange for Fair Trade
The proposal includes a Cooperative Commodities Exchange to benefit farmers and small-scale producers. This exchange would create a transparent marketplace that ensures fair pricing, bridging the gap between rural producers and urban buyers. By empowering small producers and improving access to markets, the initiative aims to enhance the economic viability of rural agricultural sectors.
Cooperative Economic Zones for Inclusive Growth
Specialized Cooperative Economic Zones are also part of the outlined vision. These zones would focus on industries driven by cooperatives, fostering sustainable practices and rural-urban integration. The zones aim to stimulate job creation and act as engines of inclusive growth, addressing economic and environmental goals simultaneously. Through these initiatives, the cooperative sector is positioned as a cornerstone in India’s pursuit of development by 2047, underscoring its potential to drive innovation, inclusivity and sustainability.
Global ESG Conclave Emphasizing SSE model
The Global ESG Conclave also underscored the importance of integrating sustainability into economic strategies through the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) model. The SSE approach prioritizes social welfare and environmental sustainability alongside economic growth. The World Cooperation Economic Forum is championing this model, encouraging cooperative-led initiatives that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 10 (reducing inequality), which focuses on reducing inequalities.
An example of such efforts is the Coopathon4SDG10 initiative, which brings together cooperatives, entrepreneurs, and youth leaders to develop innovative solutions for creating inclusive economic opportunities. This platform fosters collaboration and problem-solving to address systemic inequalities while ensuring sustainable development.
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Global Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange
The highlight of the Global ESG Conclave was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP) and the World Cooperation Economic Forum. This agreement aims to strengthen agricultural cooperatives, empower rural communities and facilitate knowledge sharing across the Asia-Pacific region. The collaboration reflects a commitment to building resilient rural economies through cooperative mechanisms.
“Envisioning a fully developed nation by the 100th year of our independence, it is crucial that every individual, every community, and every sector realizes its full potential. To achieve this ambitious goal, the cooperative sector must play a significant role.”
Dileep Sanghani, Chairman of IFFCO and President of the National Cooperative Union of India, spoke on the critical role of cooperatives in addressing global issues such as climate change. He emphasized that cooperative frameworks are uniquely positioned to promote sustainability while driving economic growth. Similarly, Binod Anand, Co-Founder of the World Cooperation Economic Forum, highlighted the need to integrate ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) principles into leadership and decision-making processes. He stressed the importance of preparing the next generation to adopt sustainable practices and tackle the pressing challenges of the future.
Cooperative Sector as a Pillar of National Development
The proposals and discussions at the Global ESG Conclave 2025 underscored the pivotal role of the cooperative sector in India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047. By focusing on innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity, the outlined initiatives aim to harness the collective strength of communities and institutions to address systemic challenges and create equitable economic opportunities.
Through initiatives like Coopathon4SDG10, the Social and Solidarity Economy model, and strategic partnerships with organizations like CIRDAP, the World Cooperation Economic Forum continues to drive the cooperative movement forward. The collective efforts of stakeholders at the conclave highlight the potential of the cooperative sector to serve as a catalyst for India’s aspirations, bridging the gap between ambition and achievement.