Gelephu
Mindfulness City – INTERNATIONAL REALTIONS
NEWS: PM inaugurates the first International Global
Cooperative Conference in Delhi, says the current situation in the world can be
a big opportunity for cooperative movement.
WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?
- Introduction
to Gelephu Mindfulness City
- Visionary
Project: Gelephu Mindfulness City is being
pitched as Bhutan’s largest cooperative project. It is a 2,500 sq. km
“Zero Carbon” city initiative led by Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay.
- Support
from India: The project is significantly
backed by India, with gratitude expressed by Prime Minister Tobgay during
the “Global Conference of the International Cooperative Alliance.”
- Leadership
and Diplomatic Ties
- Relationship
Between Leaders: Prime Minister Modi referred to
Tshering Tobgay as his “younger brother,” while Tobgay called Modi his
“elder brother” and “mentor.” The exchange highlighted the close
diplomatic ties between India and Bhutan.
- Language
of Address: Parts of Prime Minister Tobgay’s
speech were delivered in Hindi, signaling cultural and diplomatic
alignment with India.
- Features
of the Mindfulness City
- Core
Principles: The city aims to be a hub of
knowledge, technology, and finance, grounded in mindfulness,
sustainability, and harmony.
- Citizen
Involvement: Every Bhutanese citizen is
envisioned as a shareholder and stakeholder, fostering a sense of
collective ownership and cooperative spirit.
- Bhutan's
Diplomatic Engagement with India
- High-Level
Visits: Since the city’s announcement in
December, Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck has visited India
twice to discuss development plans and seek investment.
- Targeted
Collaborations: The focus is on attracting Indian
private sector investment in infrastructure, particularly in hospitality,
education, IT, and wellness.
Global Conference of the International
Cooperative Alliance (ICA)
- Historic
Event in India
·
Inauguration by Prime Minister Modi:
The first-ever ICA Global Cooperative Conference held in India was inaugurated
by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
·
Dates and Venue:
The event takes place from November 25 to 30 at the Bharat Mandapam in New
Delhi, hosted by IFFCO in collaboration with ICA, AMUL, and KRIBHCO.
·
Attendance:
Nearly 3,000 delegates, including 1,000 from 100 different countries, are
participating.
- Prime
Minister Modi’s Address
·
Cooperative Expansion:
Modi highlighted India's achievement of over 800,000 cooperatives across the nation,
emphasizing the need for global financial institutions to support cooperative
movements worldwide.
·
Circular Economy Link:
He advocated linking cooperatives to the circular economy to enhance resilience
to climate change.
·
Promoting Start-ups:
Modi called for innovative strategies to support cooperative-based start-ups.
Themes and Goals of the ICA Conference
- Primary
Theme: “Cooperatives Build Prosperity for All”
·
Alignment with Indian Vision:
The conference’s theme aligns with India’s motto of “Sahkar Se Samriddhi”
(Prosperity through Cooperation).
·
Focus Areas:
Discussion topics include poverty alleviation, gender equality, and sustainable
economic growth in the context of cooperatives.
- UN
International Year of Cooperatives 2025
·
Launch by Prime Minister Modi:
The UN International Year of Cooperatives 2025 was launched at the conference,
highlighting the importance of cooperatives in sustainable development.
·
Focus of the Year:
The theme, “Cooperatives Build a Better World,” underscores their role in
promoting social inclusion, economic empowerment, and environmental
sustainability.
Highlights of the Inauguration and
Commemorations
- Special
Initiatives Launched
·
Commemorative Postal Stamp:
A postal stamp was released to symbolize India’s commitment to the cooperative
movement. The design features a lotus, representing peace, strength, and
growth, with five petals symbolizing the elements of nature.
·
Sectoral Representation:
The stamp highlights sectors like agriculture, dairy, fisheries, consumer
cooperatives, and housing, with a drone representing modern agricultural
technology.
- Cooperative
and Sustainable Development
·
Focus on UN SDGs:
Cooperatives are recognized as key players in achieving Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs), particularly in reducing inequality, promoting decent work, and
alleviating poverty.
·
Global Initiative for 2025:
The year 2025 will focus on showcasing the impact of cooperative enterprises in
tackling global challenges.
Impact and Implications of Cooperative
Movement
- Promoting
Global Cooperative Network
- Broad
Representation: The conference features
participants from over 100 countries, aiming to strengthen the global
cooperative movement and share best practices.
- Strategic
Cooperation: India’s hosting of the ICA
Conference demonstrates its leadership role in the cooperative sector and
its commitment to global economic cooperation.
- Economic
and Social Impact
- Prosperity
through Cooperation: The cooperative model is
being positioned as a sustainable pathway to prosperity for rural areas,
women, and farmers, aligning with India’s socio-economic goals.
- Technological
Integration: Modern technology and innovations
are integral to the future of cooperatives, as seen in the emphasis on
tech-enabled PACS and start-up support.
Geopolitical and Regional Significance
- Strengthening
India-Bhutan Relations
·
Strategic Partnership:
The Gelephu Mindfulness City project signifies a deepening of economic and
strategic ties between India and Bhutan, with India playing a major role in
Bhutan’s sustainable development.
·
Regional Stability:
The project also reinforces India’s influence in South Asia, enhancing regional
cooperation on sustainable urban development.
- Showcasing
Bhutan’s Cooperative Approach
·
Unique Cooperative Model:
Bhutan’s approach to the Gelephu City as a cooperative effort involving all
citizens presents a model of collective ownership that can inspire similar
initiatives in other regions.
·
International Visibility:
Bhutan’s presence at the ICA Conference and its collaboration with India
elevate its profile in the international cooperative community.