VAMNICOM, in collaboration with AARDO hosts international programmes as part of the International Year of Cooperatives - 2025

**Executive Summary** VAMNICOM, in collaboration with AARDO, hosted two international programmes for Asian and African Countries as part of the International Year of Cooperatives - 2025. The programmes, held between December 2nd and December 9th, 2025, focused on enhancing cooperatives and MSMEs, as well as the digitalization of cooperative and rural financing institutions. The event included delegates from 16 countries, including India. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Programmes Hosted:** * International Roundtable Meeting on Enhancing Contribution and Competitiveness of Cooperatives and MSMEs through Policy, Governance and Technology Intervention (December 2nd - 5th, 2025). * International Programme on Digitalization of Cooperative and Rural Financing Institutions (December 2nd - 9th, 2025). * **Key Objectives:** * Strengthening cooperatives and MSMEs through policy, governance, and technology interventions. * Digital transformation of cooperative and rural financing institutions. * Promote knowledge-sharing. * Build global partnerships. * Accelerate digitalization and competitiveness in the cooperative sector. * **Inaugural Session:** * Started with the Lighting of the Lamp and Presentation of Bouquets. * Welcome Address by Dr. Suva Kanta Mohanty, Director, VAMNICOM. * Dr. Sanjeeb Kumar Behera, Head of the IEC Division, AARDO, introduced the objectives and framework of the International Roundtable. * **Speakers:** * The session featured addresses by distinguished speakers, including H.E. Mr. Abdoulie Njai, Prof. (Dr.) Biswajit Das, Mr. Edward Mulbah, and Dr. (Fr.) Lijo Thomas. * The Welcome and Keynote Address was delivered by H.E. Dr. Manoj Nardeosingh, Secretary General, AARDO. * **Participants:** * Over 50 global delegates from 16 countries, including India. * **Closing Remarks:** * The session concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Dr. S. Dharmaraj, Registrar, VAMNICOM, followed by a Group Photograph and Networking. **Impact Analysis** **AARDO** * **Impact:** Strengthened collaborative efforts in advancing cooperative movements globally, reinforcing their commitment to inclusive development and rural empowerment. * **Action Required:** Continue to work with VAMNICOM and other international bodies to promote and facilitate knowledge sharing and best practices in the cooperative sector. **VAMNICOM** * **Impact:** Enhanced their role as a key player in hosting international programmes and facilitating discussions on critical issues facing the cooperative sector. * **Action Required:** Continue to collaborate with AARDO and other organizations to conduct similar programmes and promote the cooperative movement in the Asian and African regions. **Cooperative Sector** * **Impact:** Will be able to use the knowledge to help improve competitiveness and promote digitalization. * **Action Required:** Implementation of the digital transformation. **Participating Countries (including India, Eswatini, Gambia, Ghana, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Liberia, Malaysia, Mauritius, Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, Oman, Sri Lanka, and Zambia)** * **Impact:** Access to knowledge-sharing, networking opportunities, and best practices in cooperative development and digitalization, contributing to inclusive development and rural empowerment. * **Action Required:** Implement policies and initiatives that align with the outcomes of the programmes to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of cooperatives and rural financing institutions in their respective countries.

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