Kerala’s ULCCS Showcases Cooperative Development Model at UN, Draws Global Interest

Kerala-based Uralungal Labour Contract Co-operative Society (ULCCS), one of India’s oldest and most successful labour cooperatives, has gained international recognition after presenting its community-led development model at the United Nations headquarters in New York.

The worker-owned cooperative participated as a panellist at the International Symposium on Cooperative Financial Institutions held on May 28 and 29. The global event brought together policymakers, cooperative leaders, financial institutions and development experts from several countries to discuss the role of cooperatives in driving sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

The symposium was jointly organised by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the International Cooperative Banking Association and the International Cooperative Alliance.

Representing ULCCS, Kishor Kumar TK, Chief Project Coordinator of the organisation and Vice Chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture and Environment under the International Cooperative Alliance Asia and Pacific, highlighted the cooperative’s remarkable journey spanning more than a century.

He explained how ULCCS successfully transformed itself from a labour cooperative focused on infrastructure projects into a diversified development institution. Today, the organisation operates across sectors including information technology, tourism, arts and crafts, skill development and advanced technology adoption while continuing to uphold cooperative values and community participation.

According to ULCCS, sustainable development becomes meaningful only when communities actively participate in the growth process. The cooperative model has enabled the organisation to create long-term economic opportunities while promoting social inclusion and community empowerment.

The presentation generated significant interest among delegates from different countries. Several representatives expressed interest in studying the ULCCS model and exploring ways to adapt its principles within their own regional and national development frameworks.

Officials from ULCCS said the opportunity to present at the United Nations reinforces the growing relevance of cooperative institutions in addressing economic challenges, creating employment opportunities and promoting inclusive growth. The recognition also highlights Kerala’s contribution to cooperative development and demonstrates how community-driven initiatives can deliver sustainable results on a global scale.

The event further strengthened ULCCS’s position as a model cooperative institution and showcased India’s cooperative success story before an international audience.