On Wednesday, the UN General Assembly proclaimed 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives (IYC2025), celebrating under the theme “Cooperatives Build a Better World.”
This theme underscores the enduring global impact of cooperatives and emphasizes their vital role in tackling various global challenges. It also highlights how cooperatives significantly contribute to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
National Committees to Coordinate and prepare for IYC2025
In its resolution, the UN General Assembly outlines recommendations for celebrating IYC2025 and encourages all UN Member States, the United Nations System, and relevant stakeholders to use this occasion to promote cooperatives’ contributions to social and economic development. The Assembly specifically invites Member States to consider establishing national committees to coordinate and prepare for IYC2025 activities.
Contribution of Cooperatives to Sustainable Development
“The General Assembly’s decision is exceptionally timely. The innovative contributions of cooperatives to sustainable development will be crucial for accelerating progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals as 2030 approaches,” said Li Junhua, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. “The second International Year of Cooperatives presents an opportunity to mobilize all stakeholders to support and expand cooperatives globally, reinforcing their contributions to a better world.”
Soft Launch of IYC2025
A soft launch of IYC2025 is scheduled for 9 July 2024 during the UN High-level Political Forum at the UN Headquarters in New York. This hybrid event will be hosted by the Committee for the Promotion and Advancement of Cooperatives (COPAC) in collaboration with the Permanent Mission of Mongolia to the United Nations. Organizers will unveil the IYC2025 theme, event roadmap, and communications materials, coinciding with the International Day of Cooperatives, celebrated annually on the first Saturday of July.
Official Launch of the International Year of Cooperatives
The official launch of IYC2025 will occur in New Delhi, India, during the ICA Global Cooperative Conference and General Assembly from 25-30 November 2024, attended by global leaders aiming to inspire cooperators worldwide. This event will kick off a year-long celebration of cooperatives’ societal impact, reflecting on achievements and actions to strengthen the cooperative movement and improve lives globally.
Key objectives for IYC2025:
- Governments creating an enabling environment for cooperatives.
- Cooperatives promoting public awareness, developing new leaders, and leveraging cooperation.
- Institutions and development agencies promoting cooperatives through education, capacity strengthening, and facilitating international collaboration.
- The public understanding the cooperative identity and supporting cooperative initiatives.
The First International Year of Cooperatives:
The United Nations General Assembly first declared the International Year of Cooperatives in 2012 to highlight cooperatives’ contributions to socio-economic development, particularly their impact on poverty reduction, employment generation, and social integration. The inaugural event, celebrated under the theme “Cooperative Enterprises Build a Better World,” encouraged the growth and establishment of cooperatives globally.
Cooperatives: The Member Driven Organizations
Cooperatives are business enterprises owned and controlled by their members, setting them apart from other businesses. This member-driven nature ensures that decisions in cooperatives balance profit pursuits with the needs and interests of members and their communities. Cooperatives exist in various forms and sectors, sharing unique principles that align with their member-driven ethos.
