Did you know? There are approximately 3 million cooperatives worldwide, representing at least 1.2 billion members.
Celebrating the
International Year
of Cooperatives
Building a Better World Together!
Did you know? There are approximately 3 million cooperatives worldwide, representing at least 1.2 billion members.
Building a Better World Together!
On June 19, 2024, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives, underscoring the vital role cooperatives play in sustainable development. This year’s theme “Cooperatives Build a Better World” underscores the enduring global impact of cooperatives, positioning them as essential solutions to today’s global challenges. It highlights their contributions to sustainable development across social, economic, and environmental dimensions, showing how cooperatives are key drivers in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. The theme also emphasizes the unique ability of cooperatives to foster inclusive growth and strengthen community resilience.
The Committee for the Promotion and Advancement of Cooperatives (COPAC), a multi-stakeholder partnership uniting UN agencies and the International Cooperative Alliance, serves as the host of the International Year by championing and supporting people-centered and self-sustaining cooperative enterprises as leaders in sustainable development.
Did you know? Cooperatives span diverse sectors, including agriculture, banking, consumer, energy, fisheries, health, housing, insurance, and industry & services
Highlight the contributions of cooperatives to sustainable development.
Strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem and establishments for cooperatives.
Encourage the creation of enabling legal and policy environments for cooperatives globally.
Foster purposeful leadership and engage youth in the cooperative movement.
Gilbert F. Houngbo
H.E. Ms Paula Narváez
Jeroen Douglas
Li Junhua
Ariel Guarco
The International Cooperative Alliance unites, represents and serves cooperatives worldwide. Founded in 1895, tt is the apex body representing cooperatives, which are estimated to be around 3 million worldwide, providing a global voice and forum for knowledge, expertise and co-ordinated action for and about cooperatives
Visit the ICA Website
Throughout the year, we will work together to raise awareness about the cooperative enterprise model. The UN General Assembly encourages establishing national coordination mechanisms for IYC activities, ensuring that global messages reach stakeholders at all levels.
Spread the Word! Use the official logo, visual identity, and hashtags (#iyc2025 #coopsyear #cooperativesbuildabetterworld) to highlight activities. Help us maximize the impact of IYC2025!
The International Year of Cooperatives 2025 is a United Nations initiative that recognizes and celebrates the essential role cooperatives play in sustainable development. This year-long celebration focuses on how cooperatives contribute to poverty reduction, economic resilience, and inclusive growth around the world
There are many ways to participate in the IYC 2025! You can attend or organize events, spread awareness about cooperatives in your community, use the official IYC 2025 logo, or become a partner or patron to support the cause. Visit our 'Get Involved' section to learn more.
Non-UN organizations can apply to use the IYC 2025 logo for promotional or fundraising activities. Just review the logo guidelines and submit an online application with a signed waiver. Approval usually takes one to two weeks. Once approved, you’ll get a link to download the logo. The logo is available in multiple languages, including the six UN official ones. For additional language needs, contact copac@copac.coop.
National mechanisms, such as committees, are structures established to coordinate and harmonize activities for the IYC2025 at the country level. They bring together diverse stakeholders—governments, cooperatives, civil society, academia, and the private sector—to raise awareness, promote cooperative growth, and advocate for supportive policies that align with the goals of the IYC2025. For more information view the guidelines.