The ICA-AP regional office organised an online consultation of regional thematic and sectoral committees on 14 July 2021. The consultation was planned in the context of this year's theme for International Day of Cooperatives (IDC) – Rebuild Better Together.
The consultation was attended by Office Bearers and Secretaries of nine Committees (agriculture, credit and banking, consumer, education, forestry, research, trade, women, and youth). Mr. Balasubramanian Iyer, Regional Director, ICA-AP in his welcome address thanked the Committee Office Bearers and Secretaries for joining the consultation and their active work. The opening remarks were delivered by Mr. Li Chunsheng, Chairperson, ICA-AP Regional Board. Mr. Li noted that the theme of this year’s International Day of Cooperatives ‘Rebuild Better Together’, is relevant as the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has thrown light on the importance of solidarity more than ever. He commended the RO for organising the consultation with Committees to know more about their activities and challenges. He underscored the need for deeper solidarity, resilience and collaboration between Committees and cooperators in the region to continue making difference and contributing towards just recovery post COVID-19.
The Committee Office Bearers presented an overview of their structure, activities, and challenges. Most common challenges related to membership: increase membership in unrepresented member countries of ICA-AP, limited involvement of members in Committee activities, limited communication between members and Office Bearers; and need for enhanced visibility of activities and impact of Committees. The need to integrate youth and women in activities and governance of Committees was also discussed. There was a suggestion to better align the annual activities and budget of the Regional Office and Committees.
