Lalitpur, July 5, 2025 - Marking a momentous occasion in global and national cooperative history, Heifer International Nepal, in collaboration with the National Cooperative Federation of Nepal (NCF), organized a special celebration at Hotel Himalaya, Lalitpur to commemorate the United Nations’ International Year of Cooperatives 2025.
The event brought together cooperative leaders, policymakers, development partners, and grassroots community members from across the country to recognize the transformative role of cooperatives in fostering inclusive, equitable, and sustainable development in Nepal.
Held under the global theme “Cooperatives: Driving Inclusive and Sustainable Solutions for a Better World,” the gathering also marked three key milestones:
The 103rd International Day of Cooperatives,
The 31st UN International Day of Cooperatives, and
The 32nd National Cooperative Federation Day.
These milestones reaffirm the cooperative model’s critical contribution to community resilience, economic self-reliance, and social empowerment in Nepal and around the world.
A key highlight of the program was the keynote address by Dr. Tirtha Regmi, Country Director of Heifer International Nepal. In his powerful speech, Dr. Regmi emphasized the remarkable impact that Heifer-supported cooperatives have had on Nepal’s agricultural and rural economy.
“Heifer-supported cooperatives have successfully marketed over 300,000 to 400,000 goats annually, helping Nepal become increasingly self-reliant in goat farming,” said Dr. Regmi. “The dairy sector, too, has witnessed remarkable improvements, playing a vital role in national food security. We’re now in a position to export agricultural products, including organic-certified ginger, which is already being shipped to European markets.”
Dr. Regmi also addressed the broader socio-economic challenges faced by rural communities, especially the issue of youth outmigration. He highlighted how cooperatives are offering tangible alternatives by creating sustainable, homegrown employment opportunities in agriculture and entrepreneurship.
“By building local livelihoods, cooperatives are not just economic tools—they are engines of hope, dignity, and social transformation,” he said. “We are proud to stand beside them in this mission and remain committed to advancing their goals as they align directly with Nepal’s national development objectives.”
The event also featured inspiring stories from cooperative leaders across Nepal, including Nirmala Dangal, Chairperson of Shantikunja Social Entrepreneur Women’s Cooperative in Chitwan. Married at 17 and once a migrant worker, Dangal returned to Nepal and now leads a women-led cooperative of over 1,200 members, involved in enterprises ranging from dairy production to handicrafts. Her journey represents the empowerment potential of grassroots cooperatives, particularly for women.
As the world celebrates #IYC2025, this occasion in Nepal stands as a compelling reminder of the collective strength, resilience, and innovation that cooperatives contribute toward building a more just, inclusive, and sustainable future.
