ICOOP2025 Opens with Global Call to Empower Communities and Transform Futures

Los Baños, Laguna (November 20, 2025). The 5th International Conference on Cooperatives (ICOOP2025) officially opened today, bringing together over 200 participants from across the Philippines and around the world for two days of dialogue, learning, and partnership-building.
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​Hosted by the Institute of Cooperatives and Bio-Enterprise Development (ICOPED) of the College of Economics and Management (CEM), University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), ICOOP2025 carries the theme “The Cooperative Advantage: Empowering Communities, Transforming Futures.”

UPLB Chancellor Camacho delivers his Opening Message.

The opening program featured messages from key university and cooperative leaders. UPLB Chancellor Jose V. Camacho Jr. delivered the Opening Message, describing ICOOP2025 as both “a celebration and a call to action,” in alignment with the United Nations International Year of Cooperatives 2025. Dean Maria Angeles O. Catelo of CEM gave the Welcome Remarks, emphasizing that cooperatives are “social institutions grounded in shared values, mutual trust, and collective growth.”

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ICA President Ariel Guarco congratulates ICOPED

Mr. Ariel Guarco, President of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), delivered an inspirational message encouraging participants to strengthen solidarity within the global cooperative movement. The Keynote Message was given by Mr. Andrew Allimadi, Coordinator of Cooperative Issues at the United Nations Secretariat, who highlighted the vital role of cooperatives as partners in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

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Day 1 also featured four plenary sessions led by global experts: Prof. Tim Mazzarol (University of Western Australia), Mr. Kelvin Sergeant (ILO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific), Dr. Jos Bijman (Wageningen University), and Dr. Witsanu Attavanich (Kasetsart University, Thailand).

​A lively panel discussion followed, bringing together Dr. Sara Elder, Cees van Rij, Mary Njoki Mbugua, Dr. Jack Hetherington, and Mr. Jun Virola, who shared insights on how cooperatives can scale success through innovation, inclusivity, and stronger partnerships.

Tomorrow, Day 2 will feature over 50 presentations from cooperators, academics, students, practitioners, and policymakers focusing on cooperative governance, youth engagement, sustainability, and digital transformation.

ICOOP2025 is made possible through the generous support of its partners and sponsors:

• Platinum Sponsors: CLIMBS Life and General Insurance Cooperative, Co-operative College of the Philippines, and the National Federation of Cooperative Primaries in the Philippines;
• Gold Sponsor: Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD);
• Silver Sponsors: Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC), Société de Coopération pour le Développement International (SOCODEVI),
• Bronze Sponsor: ACDI Multipurpose Cooperative; Asian Social Project Services Inc. (ASPSI); and
• Grant Partner: UP Office of International Linkages (UP OIL).

As ICOOP2025 continues on its second day, participants look forward to rich discussions, emerging collaborations, and new ideas that will further demonstrate the cooperative advantage in shaping sustainable, inclusive, and future-ready communities.

KQCustodio