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

Ministry of Cooperation VAMNICOM, in collaboration with AARDO hosts international programmes as part of the International Year of Cooperatives - 2025 प्रव तथ: 04 DEC 2025 1:46PM by PIB Mumbai Pune, 4 Dec 2025 VAMNICOM, in collaboration with AARDO, hosted two international programmes as part of the International Year of Cooperatives - 2025 for the Asian and African Countries. The first programme held was an International Roundtable Meeting on Enhancing Contribution and Competitiveness of Cooperatives and MSMEs through Policy, Governance and Technology Intervention. (2nd – 5th December 2025) & another was an international programme on Digitalization of Cooperative and Rural Financing Institutions (2nd – 9th December 2025).

The inaugural session commenced with the Lighting of the Lamp and Presentation of Bouquets, setting a dignified tone for the event. This was followed by the Welcome Address by Dr. Suva Kanta Mohanty, Director, VAMNICOM, who greeted all dignitaries and participants. Dr. Sanjeeb Kumar Behera, Head of the IEC Division, AARDO, introduced the objectives and framework of the International Roundtable.

The session featured insightful addresses by distinguished speakers, including H.E.

Mr. Abdoulie Njai, Member of Parliament, Gambia National Assembly; Prof. (Dr.) Biswajit Das, KIIT School of Management, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar; Mr.

Edward Mulbah, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Liberia; and Dr. (Fr.) Lijo Thomas, Director, Christ University. The event’s Welcome and Keynote Addresswas delivered by H.E. Dr. Manoj Nardeosingh, Secretary General, AARDO, who emphasized the significance of collaborative efforts in strengthening cooperatives globally.

Bringing together over 50 global delegates from 16 countries including India, the programmes focused on ‘Strengthening cooperatives and MSMEs through policy, governance and technology interventions’ and ‘Digital transformation of cooperative and rural financing institutions.’ Distinguished leaders and policymakers from AARDO, India, Eswatini, Gambia, Ghana, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Liberia, Malaysia, Mauritius, Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, Oman, Sri Lanka, and Zambia, joined the event, reaffirming collective commitment to inclusive development and rural empowerment.

The initiatives aimed to promote knowledge-sharing, build global partnerships, and accelerate digitalization and competitiveness in the cooperative sector advancing the global cooperative movement in 2025 and beyond.

The session concluded with the Vote of Thanks proposed by Dr. S. Dharmaraj, Registrar, VAMNICOM, followed by a Group Photograph and Networking, marking a successful and engaging beginning to the international programmes.

*** Harshal Akude/Parshuram Kor

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