Uralungal Labour Contract Co-operative Society (ULCCS) showcased its community-led development model at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, where it participated as a panellist at the International Symposium on Cooperative Financial Institutions held on 28–29 May 2026.

Jointly organised by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), the International Cooperative Banking Association (ICBA), and the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), the symposium was held under the theme ‘Fuelling Inclusive and Equitable Growth’ and brought together policymakers, cooperative leaders, financial institutions and development experts from around the world.

Representing ULCCS, 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), outlined the organisation’s transformation from a labour cooperative into a diversified development institution. He highlighted its expansion into sectors such as information technology, tourism, arts and crafts, skill development and advanced technologies while retaining its cooperative ethos.

Highlighting initiatives including UL CyberPark, Kerala Arts & Crafts Village, Sargaalaya Arts & Crafts Village, and the Indian Institute of Infrastructure and Construction, he explained how these projects have generated livelihood opportunities for youth, artisans, skilled workers and rural communities. He also stressed the importance of inter-cooperation, decentralised development, community ownership and cooperative consortium financing in strengthening regional economies.

“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.”

The presentation drew interest from delegates representing several countries, with many expressing a willingness to study and adapt aspects of the ULCCS model in their own regions. According to ULCCS, the engagement reflects the growing recognition of cooperatives as effective instruments for inclusive economic development, employment generation and community empowerment. The organisation noted that its experience offers a practical example of how cooperative enterprises can support economic progress while promoting social equity and community participation.