Global Cooperative ObservatoryWCM 2025

How We Work · Organisational Structure

Governance & Structure

The International Co-operative Alliance is led by its General Assembly, Board of Directors and President, with a Secretariat that carries out its day-to-day work; beneath these sit four regional organisations, eight sectoral organisations, and a number of thematic committees and networks, together forming the governance system of the global cooperative movement.

Governing Bodies

General AssemblyGeneral Assembly

The Alliance's highest governing body, comprising all member organisations; it decides the statutes, strategy and major matters.

Board of DirectorsBoard of Directors

The governing body elected by the General Assembly, including the President, vice-presidents and treasurer, responsible for delivering strategy and oversight.

PresidentPresident

The Alliance's leadership office, representing the ICA and chairing the Board of Directors.

Secretariat / Director-GeneralSecretariat / Director-General

The executive body based in Brussels, responsible for day-to-day operations, member services and external coordination.

Regional & Sectoral OrganisationsRegional & Sectoral Organisations

Four regional organisations and eight sectoral organisations form the Alliance's regional and sectoral governance network.

Thematic Committees & Networks

Committees and networks working on cross-cutting issues. Names follow the official site; the list is expanded progressively.

Gender Equality CommitteeGender Equality Committee

Advances gender equality within cooperatives and strengthens women's participation and leadership.

ICA Youth Network / ICYCICA Youth Network / ICYC

Connects young cooperators worldwide and promotes youth participation in the cooperative movement.

Committee on Co-operative Research (CCR)Committee on Co-operative Research (CCR)

Advances cooperative research, evidence and measurement methods.

Co-operative Law CommitteeCo-operative Law Committee

Follows the legal status and legislative environment of cooperatives across countries.

ICA Communications NetworkICA Communications Network

Coordinates communications and branding for the global cooperative movement, including the .coop domain and the COOP mark.