Rohit Kumar Rawat, currently pursuing PhD at the School of Economics, University of Hyderabad, under the guidance of Professor Jajati Keshari Parida and Professor K. Laxminarayan participated in youth from around the world at the 2024 Global Cooperative Conference organized by the United Nations.
The conference was held from November 25-30, 2024, at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, India. It was inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji. It marked the official launch of the United Nations International Year of Cooperatives 2025 (IYC). The theme, “Cooperatives Build Prosperity for All,” aligns with the Indian Government’s vision of “Sahkar Se Samriddhi.” Notably, the inaugural event was also graced by the presence of Shri Amit Shah, the Union Minister of Cooperation. His presence underscored the significance of the cooperative movement in India.
Rohit attended different session of the ICA Global Cooperative Conference and also participated in the Coopathon (participants under 32-year-old) as a Young Scholar Initiative (YSI) member, a unique event designed to foster dialogue, knowledge sharing, and innovation among cooperatives. Over two days, as a team worked together to understand and addressed various cooperative challenges.
Takeaways from the conference for Rohit:
1. Collaborative problem-solving: The Coopathon experience demonstrated the power of collective decision-making and teamwork in tackling complex issues.
2. Innovative thinking: The event encouraged creativity and out-of-the-box thinking, leading to the development of innovative solutions and prototypes.
3. Global connections: Interacting with participants from around the world helped me understand diverse cooperative models and forge lasting connections with fellow cooperators.
4. Youth-led initiatives: The Coopathon’s “for youth by youth” approach showcased the potential of young people in driving cooperative innovation and growth.
5. Practical tools and knowledge: The event provided valuable insights and tangible tools that can be applied in real-world cooperative settings.
Rohit says, “Overall, the Coopathon was an enriching experience that broadened my understanding of cooperatives, fostered connections with like-minded individuals, and equipped me with practical knowledge and innovative ideas”.
Rohit is grateful to the Young Scholars Initiative (YSI) and the Institute for New Economic Thinking (New York) for their generous support of a travel stipend which enabled him to attend the conference.