The 2018 edition of the Social Co-operative International School was held at Naples, Italy from 25th to the 28th October 2018. This was attended by 49 delegates from 14 countries. From the Asia-Pacific Region, India, Korea and Sri Lanka participated and actively contributed to the discussion on the related issues. The Korean delegation was lead by Mr. Sung Suyong, Chairman of the Busan Economic Federation of Social Co-operatives, who made a detailed presentation on their activities and programmes. He introduced the history, mission, goal and activities of the Social Co-operatives in Busan. He spoke about community projects and creating job opportunities.

The Indian delegation consisted of Mr. T.T. Adhikari and Mr. Surender Kumar Garg Managing Director and Secretary respectively of Delhi State Consumers’ Co-operative Federation Ltd. In his presentation, Mr. Adhikari, while highlighting the important aspects of the Indian economy, size and status of Indian co-operative movement, presented an over view of the social sector development in India. He stated that the Government of India has various planned schemes & activities like Skill India, and Digital India, for improvement of human resources and developmental activities for disadvantaged and marginalised classes, children, people with disabilities, minority community, senior citizens, tribal and women population, and health care services, some of which are handled by the co-operative societies.

In the co-operative sector in India, some of the specialized societies are working for fishermen community, dairy farmers, agriculture credit in the rural areas in the country aiming at facilitating their livelihood, and improving social status.