Consumer Co-operatives Worldwide
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International Co-operative Alliance global conference with delegates gathered before a connected world map

Global Movement

Co-operatives around the world are organised in different structures. The International Co-operative Alliance (ICA), founded in 1895, is an independent, non-governmental organisation which unites, represents and serves co-operatives worldwide. It is the largest non-governmental organisation in the world.

Founded in 1895 — the ICA connects co-operatives worldwide through regional offices and sectoral organisations.

How the movement is organised

The Alliance has three components: a Global Office in Brussels, 4 Regional Offices and 8 sectoral organisations.

The Atomium in BrusselsGlobal OfficeBrussels
Connected world map representing the four ICA regions4 Regional Offices
People connecting wooden gears8 Sectoral Organisations

ICA Regional Offices

The regional structure helps co-operatives collaborate and be represented across the world.

EuropeCooperatives EuropeAmericasCooperatives of the AmericasAsia-PacificICA Asia-PacificAfricaICA Africa

ICA Sectoral Organisations

Sectoral organisations connect co-operatives active in different areas of economic and social life.

CCWConsumer Co-operatives Worldwide(CCW)International Co-operative Agricultural Organisation(ICAO)International Co-operative Banking Association(ICBA)International Co-operative Fisheries Organisation(ICFO)International Health Co-operative Organisation(IHCO)Co-operative Housing International(CHI)International Co-operative and Mutual Insurance Federation(ICMIF)International Organisation of Industrial and Service Cooperatives(CICOPA)

Why this matters

This global structure allows co-operatives to collaborate across regions and sectors, share expertise, and advocate together for a fairer, more sustainable world.

  • Global representation
  • Regional coordination
  • Sector-specific co-operation
  • Shared advocacy and knowledge exchange
World map connecting co-operative sectors across regions
Connected through the global co-operative movement.

Explore more about consumer co-operatives

Co-operative IdentityHistoryAbout CCW