NCUI Felicitates Me as ICA Youth Committee President

During the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the National Cooperative Union of India (NCUI) held on Saturday in New Delhi, I was graciously felicitated for being elected as the President of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) Youth Committee.

I am honored to have made history as the first Indian to hold this prestigious position.

The ICA Youth Committee

The ICA Youth Committee is a global thematic body of the International Cooperative Alliance that represents young cooperative leaders across the world. Through this platform, I am working to strengthen youth participation in cooperatives by ensuring their voices are heard in policymaking, promoting cooperative entrepreneurship, and nurturing leadership through toolkits, youth forums, and exchange programs.

I have taken over this role from Ana Aguirre from Spain, who served as the inaugural President under the current structure. After she stepped down earlier this year, elections were held during the ICA meeting in Manchester, where I was elected.

International Year of Cooperatives 2025

My election comes at a significant moment, as the United Nations has declared 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives. This recognition highlights the need for strong youth leadership in tackling global challenges such as climate change, economic inequality, and sustainable livelihoods—responsibilities I am committed to advancing.

During the felicitation at the AGM, NCUI leaders expressed their pride and emphasized that this marks a new milestone for India in the global cooperative movement.

- Harsh M. Sanghani