The Karachi Cooperative Housing Societies Union Ltd got affiliation and became a member of the International Cooperative Alliance in 2007. Found in 1985, the International Cooperative Alliance is an independent non-government organization, which unites and represents cooperatives worldwide. It is one of the largest non-governmental organizations in the world.

International Cooperative Alliance members are national and international cooperative organizations in all sectors of activity including agriculture, banking, fisheries, health, housing, industry, insurance, tourism and consumer cooperatives. International Cooperative Alliance has 224 member organizations from 55 countries, representing more than 800 million individuals worldwide.

International Cooperative Alliance’s priorities and activities focus on promoting and defending the cooperative identity. It creates awareness about cooperatives. It helps individuals, government authorities and regional and international institutions to understand the cooperative model of enterprise. International Cooperative Alliance provides its members with key information and contacts. It ensures the sharing of information through its publication. International Cooperative Alliance provides technical assistance to cooperative through its development program. It promotes capacity building and financial support. International Cooperative Alliance is voice of the cooperative movement.

The General Assembly is the highest policy making body of International Cooperative Alliance, bringing together representatives from all member organization every two years. There are four Regional Assemblies for Africa, America, Asia and Europe. The Regional Assemblies meet every second year, alternating with General Assembly.

The headquarters of International Cooperative Alliance have been at Geneva (Switzerland), which is now moved to Brussels (Belgium). The Karachi Cooperative Housing Societies Union Ltd has privilege and honour of being the only member of ICA from Pakistan.

Mr. Ariel Guarco

President

International Cooperative Alliance

Dr. Chandrapal Singh Yadav

President

ICA Asia Pacific Region