Morocco is taking part in the 2024 Global Cooperative Conference, held by the International Cooperative Alliance, which opened on Sunday in New Delhi, India.
Inaugurated by India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the conference is bringing together global leaders to discuss the pivotal role of cooperatives in fostering prosperity and inclusion worldwide. Representing Morocco at this biennial conference is Aicha Rfaai, the Director General of the Office for Cooperative Development.
This year’s theme, “Cooperatives Build Prosperity for All,” underscores the significance of cooperatives in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The five-day conference also marks the launch of the United Nations’ International Year of Cooperatives for 2025.
In an interview with the Moroccan News Agency (MAP), Rfaai said that Morocco’s participation signals its commitment to enhancing the role of cooperatives in generating wealth and social resilience. “Through our ambitious initiatives, Morocco continues to establish itself as a key player in cooperative development in Africa and beyond,” she stated.
Morocco’s cooperative tradition spans multiple sectors including agriculture, handicrafts, and services, and is recognized to be dynamic and growing.
The country currently has 58,566 active cooperatives that contribute significantly to its economy. Rfaai also said the Office for Cooperative Development is a central entity in supporting cooperatives both domestically and internationally.
The conference is expected to address key topics including “Empowerment Policies and Entrepreneurial Ecosystems,” “Enriching Cooperative Leadership,” “Reaffirming Cooperative Identity,” and “Shaping the Cooperative Future.” Parallel events will include the International Cooperative Alliance’s General Assembly, the 17th regional assembly for Africa, and various forums on cooperative entrepreneurship and healthcare.
The opening session of the conference featured high-level participation, including Bhutan’s Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay and Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica. The conference is a significant platform for sharing knowledge, experiences, and coordinated action to advance the global cooperative movement.
In 2025, the International Year of Cooperatives will be celebrated under the theme “Cooperatives Build a Better World,” focusing on the positive contributions of cooperatives to sustainable development and their transformative impact on communities worldwide.