On Monday, February 10, World Farmers’ Organisation (WFO) President Arnold Puech d’Alissac joined the 63rd Session of the Commission for Social Development (CSocD63) Virtual Side Event, “UN Year of Cooperatives – Building Women’s Cooperative Leadership Networks through Capacity Building,” organised by WFO Member Indian Cooperative Network for Women (ICNW).

ICNW supports nearly 600,000 rural women across four southern Indian states, strengthening their leadership and economic independence—particularly in agriculture—through small-scale loans.

The event featured remarks from ICNW President Dr Nandini Azad, followed by interventions from high-level speakers and contributions by women leaders from local communities.

Cooperatives: A Powerful Tool for Social and Economic Development

Opening his speech, the WFO President emphasised that 2025, the United Nations International Year of Cooperatives, is a key opportunity to reflect on cooperation’s power and recognise cooperatives’ vital role in strengthening communities, fostering resilience, and driving sustainable development.

He stressed that cooperatives are democratic by nature, ensuring that every member has a voice in decision-making. They help farmers increase their returns and income by pooling resources to support collective arrangements and economic empowerment. They strengthen farmers’ position in the value chain and policy space while providing access to tools, knowledge, and markets.

Agricultural cooperatives exist in almost every country around the world. They are very well represented in both developed and emerging economies and contribute to food security and poverty reduction in different areas of the world. In Europe alone, over 23,000 agricultural cooperatives support 7 million farmer members and employ more than 600,000 workers. This model empowers farmers, allowing them to navigate challenges together rather than facing them alone and create lasting solutions for their communities.

However, as the WFO President noted, “Cooperatives are more than just business models. They are about people, empowering people, especially women.”

Unlocking Opportunities: How Cooperatives Empower Women in Agriculture

Women are the backbone of rural communities, yet they continue to face systemic barriers to equitable resources, leadership opportunities, and decision-making power.

The WFO President stressed that cooperatives play a crucial role in breaking down these barriers, creating spaces where women’s voices are heard and where they are supported in leadership roles.

“Investing in women’s empowerment isn’t just fair—it’s transformative. When women have opportunities, families are healthier. Communities grow stronger. And agriculture becomes more resilient,” the President emphasised.

From 2025 to 2026: A Call to Action for a Sustainable Future

In closing his speech, the WFO President stressed that the International Year of Cooperatives is not just a celebration—it is a call to action to ensure no one is left behind. He emphasised that this momentum must lay the foundation for the United Nations International Year of Women Farmers in 2026, urging a collective push for real change.

“Let us centre women’s leadership, honour their contributions, and dismantle the barriers holding them back. Together, we can create a future where women farmers have the power and opportunities they rightfully deserve to succeed,” he stated.

The WFO President concluded with a clear call to action: champion cooperatives, support women in agriculture, and work together to build stronger, more inclusive food systems.