International Cooperative Alliance (ICA)

The International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), established in 1895, is a non-governmental organization that unites, represents, and serves cooperatives worldwide. Based in Brussels, Belgium, ICA functions as the global apex body for the cooperative movement, representing approximately one billion cooperative members across about 3 million cooperatives globally. With over 300 member organizations from more than 100 countries, ICA serves as the custodian of the internationally recognized definition, values, and principles of cooperatives as outlined in the Statement on the Cooperative Identity. The organization provides a platform for knowledge exchange, expertise sharing, and coordinated action among cooperatives. ICA's structure includes a 20-member governing board, a General Assembly, four regional offices (Africa, Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Europe), eight sectoral organizations covering diverse economic sectors such as agriculture, banking, consumer goods, fisheries, health, housing, insurance, and industry & services, as well as thematic committees. Since 1946, ICA has held consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council, making it one of the first NGOs to achieve this recognition. Through its global presence and sector-specific expertise, ICA advocates for policy environments conducive to cooperative development while promoting cooperation as a sustainable business model that addresses economic, social, and environmental challenges worldwide.