In late April 2024, the serene shores of the Dead Sea in Jordan played host to a groundbreaking event: the 11th Asia-Pacific Cooperative Ministers’ Conference (APCMC). Organized by the ICA-AP in collaboration with the Jordan Cooperative Corporation and Jordan’s Ministry of Agriculture, this quadrennial gathering marked the first time APCMC convened in the MENA region.
The event was successfully managed and executed by XPro Conference, whose expertise in large-scale international events ensured a seamless experience for over 300 participants.
Theme and Focus
Under the theme “Partnerships between Governments and Cooperatives for Cooperative Resilience, Sustainable Development & Inclusive Growth in Asia Pacific & MENA Region,” the conference spotlighted a vision of inclusive and sustainable socioeconomic development across two critical global regions.
Who Took Part
The conference brought together around 300 participants including cooperative leaders, ministers, and civil society representatives from 28 countries. High-level attendance included officials from 17 national governments, international agencies like the ILO, FAO, and the African-Asian Rural Development Organization.
Conference Highlights
- Opening & Sessions: The event featured opening addresses by notable figures, including Dr. Chandrapal Singh Yadav (ICA-AP Chairperson) and Jordan’s Director General Abdelfattah Al-Shalabi, who emphasized Jordan’s hospitality and regional significance.
- Strategic Dialogues: Participants exchanged insights on cooperative identity, resilience, and cooperation policies aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 1, 5, 8, 13).
- Jordan Declaration: The conference concluded with the adoption of the “Jordan Declaration,” a commitment to elevate government-cooperative collaboration, integrate cooperatives into national development strategies, and champion cooperative contributions to the SDGs.
Regional Solidarity & Commitment
Significant emphasis was placed on supporting Gaza’s cooperative sector amid ongoing conflict—underscoring the role of cooperatives in promoting social justice and solidarity. The declaration also urged inclusion of women, youth, and marginalized communities in cooperative governance, reinforcing the movement’s people-centric and democratic ethos.
Why APCMC 2024 Matters
- Historic Milestone: Hosting the first APCMC in the MENA region expanded the global cooperative conversation beyond Asia-Pacific.
- Tangible Action: The comprehensive Jordan Declaration charts a clear path for governments and cooperatives to foster impactful, inclusive partnerships.
- Expert Event Management: The flawless organization by XPro Conference set a benchmark for international conference standards in Jordan.
- Values in Practice: Embracing diversity, solidarity, and sustainability, the conference exemplified the cooperative movement’s commitment to addressing global challenges—from poverty and inequality to climate resilience.
In conclusion, APCMC 2024 in Jordan was more than a meeting—it was a symbol of cooperative potential. With XPro Conference ensuring smooth coordination and impactful delivery, and with governments and cooperatives working hand-in-hand, the event set a strong foundation for resilient growth, equity, and shared prosperity across Asia-Pacific and MENA.