• Representatives from multiple countries express interest in studying and adapting the ULCCS model for sustainable economic development and employment generation

India: Uralungal Labour Contract Co-operative Society (ULCCS), one of the world’s leading cooperative enterprises, showcased its community-led development model at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. ULCCS participated as a panellist at the International Symposium on Cooperative Financial Institutions held on May 28-29, 2026. The symposium was jointly organized by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), the International Cooperative Banking Association (ICBA), and the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA). Held under the theme “Fuelling Inclusive and Equitable Growth,” the event brought together policymakers, cooperative leaders, financial institutions, and development experts from across the world.

Representing ULCCS, Mr. Kishor Kumar T K, Chief Project Coordinator of ULCCS and Vice Chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture and Environment (ICAE) under the International Cooperative Alliance Asia and Pacific (ICA-AP), shared the organization’s journey of transforming a labour cooperative into a diversified development institution. During his address, he highlighted how ULCCS has successfully responded to social, economic, and global transformations by converting challenges into opportunities for employment generation and inclusive growth. He explained how the organization has expanded beyond infrastructure into sectors such as Information Technology, tourism, arts and crafts, skill development, and advanced technology adoption, while remaining firmly rooted in cooperative values.

Showcasing initiatives such as UL CyberPark, Kerala Arts & Crafts Village, Sargaalaya Arts & Crafts Village, and the Indian Institute of Infrastructure and Construction, Mr. Kishor Kumar highlighted how these projects have created sustainable livelihood opportunities for youth, artisans, skilled workers, and rural communities. He also emphasized the importance of inter-cooperation, decentralized development, community ownership, and cooperative consortium financing in strengthening regional economies.

Mr. Kishor Kumar T K, Chief Project Coordinator of ULCCS “ULCCS has always believed that development becomes truly sustainable when communities are at the centre of the process. Our journey demonstrates how cooperative values, combined with innovation and partnerships, can foster lasting economic opportunities while promoting social inclusion. The interest shown by international delegates reaffirms the relevance of the cooperative model in addressing today’s development challenges.” He also shared the organization’s journey of transforming a labour cooperative into a diversified development institution. During his address, he highlighted how ULCCS has successfully responded to social, economic, and global transformations by converting challenges into opportunities for employment generation and inclusive growth..

The discussion generated considerable interest among delegates from various countries, with several expressing interest in studying and adapting elements of the ULCCS model within their own regional contexts. ULCCS officials stated that the opportunity to present at the United Nations further reinforces the role of cooperatives as powerful instruments for inclusive economic development, employment generation and community empowerment. They added that as governments and institutions worldwide seek sustainable and people-centric development solutions, the ULCCS experience offers a practical example of how cooperative enterprises can drive economic progress while ensuring social equity and community participation.