In the past month, several of the ICA sectoral organisations held their annual meetings. These meetings represent the moment for members to evaluate the actions taken within the past year and to set the steps for the year in course.
International Cooperative Agricultural Organisation (ICAO)
On 26 June, the International Cooperative Agricultural Organisation (ICAO) held the Executive Committee’s and the General Meeting in Brussels. ICAO members representing agricultural cooperatives from around the world approved the 2023 ICAO work plan and budget, including ICAO-FAO Joint Workshop, NACF Korea Scholarship Program, and Secondment to the ICAO Secretariat.
The ICAO Secretariat presented the “ICAO With” app, which is a new communication platform for members. Through this app, members can promote their products and services directly to other members and can communicate in real-time by utilizing the chat feature. The ICAO With app is available on Google Play Store and will soon be available on Apple App Store.
International Fish Cooperative Organisation (ICFO)
The International Fish Cooperative Organisation (ICFO) met on 26 June in Brussels. A total of 7 cooperative members from 6 different countries attended the meeting.
ICFO Secretary General, Mr. Kim Chang Woo, reported on ICFO's 2022 accounts and activities, including the support offered to members affected by COVID-19 lockdown measures, a scholarship programme and the publication of a book on Fishery cooperatives. Looking at 2023, it was requested to support the Korean city of Busan to host the World EXPO 2030
Finally, ICFO members approved that President Mr. No Dong Jin, newly elected as the president of Korea National Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives, holds ICFO Chairmanship until December 2025.
International Cooperative Bank Association (ICBA)
On 26 June, the International Cooperative Bank Association (ICBA) held its board meeting after having celebrated, in 2022, its 100th anniversary. The board comprising 8 persons from all ICA regions discussed their focus on specialised research, the upcoming ICBA General Assembly and collaborations with the ICA global office. Mr. Bhima Subrahmanyam, President of ICBA, presided over the meeting, and gracing the meeting were also new members ELGA from Honduras and CRESOL from Brazil. Prof. Hans Groeneveld from Rabobank Cooperative attended the meeting in the capacity of special invitee for research and thought leadership.
International Organisation of Industrial and Service Cooperatives (CICOPA)
On 23 June, CICOPA held its Congress online. For the occasion, members elected a new board and re-elected President, Iñigo Albizuri, attending now his second mandate. During the Congress, CICOPA welcomed two new members, workers.coop from the UK and the National Auditing Union of social cooperatives (OZRSS) from Poland. CICOPA now represents 52 members in 36 countries. See the Congress highlights.
