The Closing Ceremony of IYC2025 took place on 4 November from11.30 to 12.45 at the Qatar National Convention Centre, Doha, alongside the Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2). Themed around the cooperative contribution to social justice, decent work, and sustainable development, the event will feature opening statements and keynote speeches by Heads of State and senior UN representatives, followed by the launch of the CM50 Manifesto and Commitment Plan by ICA President Ariel Guarco. A roundtable of cooperative leaders from key sectors—including agriculture, finance, housing, health, insurance, fisheries, consumer, and worker cooperatives—will showcase the movement’s global impact and innovation.
Visitors to the Summit were also invited to explore the IYC exhibition booth (#28.S, Exhibition Hall 6), presented by COPAC, which highlights how cooperatives contribute to the SDGs and drive inclusive and sustainable development worldwide.
The United Nations commemorated the 2025 International Day of Cooperatives with a high-level celebration at its New York Headquarters, recognizing the pivotal role of cooperatives in building more inclusive, democratic, and sustainable societies. Held during the International Year of Cooperatives 2025, the event convened global leaders under the theme: “Driving Inclusive and Sustainable Solutions For A Better World”.
The opening segment was moderated by the COPAC Chair and featured high-level statements from:
Charles Katoanga, Director of UN DESA’s Division for Inclusive Social Development, who called cooperatives “people-centred, democratic organizations” that embody the vision of the Copenhagen Declaration and offer tangible solutions for equity, participation, and human dignity.
E. Ankhbayar Nyamdorj, Permanent Representative of Mongolia, who highlighted Asia-Pacific’s dynamic cooperative landscape and Mongolia’s national initiatives, including a multibillion-dollar loan programme to strengthen rural cooperatives.
E. Ekitela Lokaale, Permanent Representative of Kenya (represented by Deputy Permanent Representative Jabesh Morani), who emphasized the role of cooperatives in Kenya’s economy—contributing 45% of the national GDP—and called for a stronger global enabling environment.
Dynishal Gross, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Small Business Services, who showcased New York City’s public investment in cooperatives, noting that the city now hosts the largest number of worker cooperatives in the United States thanks to the Worker Cooperative Business Development Initiative.
The event included two thematic panels. The first highlighted how financial cooperatives are embedding impact across climate resilience, community inclusion, and member empowerment—from Vancouver’s Vancity to Ireland’s credit union networks. The second explored how municipal governments and civil society are fostering worker cooperatives, using New York City as a leading example of inclusive policy innovation. International perspectives were also spotlighted, including a compelling presentation by João Martins of UNI CAFES (Brazil), who shared how family farming cooperatives in Brazil are advancing climate justice, food security, and rural transformation.
The celebration underscored that cooperatives are not peripheral actors—but essential engines of social progress and sustainable development. As the world prepares for the Second World Summit for Social Development (4–6 November 2025, Doha), the cooperative model continues to prove that economic success can be rooted in solidarity, dignity, and inclusion.
“This is an important moment for cooperatives to demonstrate their unique value in accelerating social development”, said Mr. Katoanga. “Let us together support and leverage the cooperative model to build a more just, inclusive, and sustainable world for generations to come.”
As part of the 2025 High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) and the celebrations of the UN International Year of Cooperatives (IYC2025), the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), in collaboration with the UN Committee for the Promotion and Advancement of Cooperatives (COPAC), hosted a Voluntary National Review (VNR) Lab at the UN Headquarters in New York on 15 July 2025. The session, titled “Are Cooperatives Fit for Purpose? IYC2025 and the Road to Doha”, brought together Member States, UN agencies, cooperative leaders, and development stakeholders to explore the role of cooperatives in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their engagement in national development and VNR processes.
The VNR Lab served as a strategic space to discuss how the cooperative model contributes to the SDGs, particularly in the context of national reporting and follow-up processes. It also aimed to build momentum toward the Second World Social Summit (WSS) to be held in Doha, Qatar, in November 2025, where the cooperative movement will present a global commitment plan to support the SDGs in the final stretch to 2030.
Opening and Framing the Dialogue
Opening the session, Mr Andrew Allimadi, Chair of COPAC and representative of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), highlighted the timeliness of the event in light of IYC2025 and the forthcoming WSS, urging participants to recognise cooperatives not just as contributors to development but as key partners in shaping and implementing national SDGs agendas.
The keynote address was delivered by H.E. Ms Ulziibayar Vangansuren, Deputy Permanent Representative of Mongolia to the United Nations. Mongolia, one of the strongest advocates for cooperatives within the UN system, reaffirmed its longstanding commitment to cooperative development both nationally and globally. Ambassador Vangansuren presented Mongolia’s experience with initiatives such as the “New Cooperative – Wealthy Herder” programme, designed to support rural livelihoods, and emphasised the need to create enabling legal and policy frameworks for cooperatives. She reiterated Mongolia’s support for the inclusion of cooperatives in the Political Declaration of the World Social Summit and called on other Member States to support this advocacy.
Policy Dialogue: National Experiences in VNRs
The event, moderated by Joseph Njuguna, ICA Policy Director, featured an engaging policy dialogue with Member States who shared their experiences in integrating cooperatives into their VNRs:
Japan (represented by Ms. Mariko Komatsu): Japan’s 2025 VNR included more than 60 references to cooperatives, demonstrating their integration across eight SDGs (Goals 1, 3, 5, 8, 11, 12, 13, and 17). Ms Komatsu highlighted the VNR consultation process and how various stakeholders, including representatives from cooperatives, were included in the process. The report further highlights initiatives such as community health watch systems operated by consumer co-ops, partnerships with over 1,300 municipalities, and strong legal support for cooperative development. Japan’s comprehensive approach stands out as a best practice model for other nations.
Chile (Mr Andrés Diaz, Permanent Mission of Chile to the UN): Noted cooperatives’ role in inclusive growth and the importance of government–cooperative partnerships in national planning and SDG 17 implementation.
Guatemala (Mr Helmer Herrera, INACOP): Shared how cooperatives were engaged in SDGs 5 and 17 via multi-stakeholder consultations. Emphasised gender equality and partnerships as central outcomes.
Lesotho (Mr Notsi Mokheseng, Cooperative Commissioner): Highlighted how cooperatives are aligned with all SDGs under review in Lesotho, particularly through their support to community-based economic activities and alignment with national development strategies.
Panel Discussion: Cooperatives in Action on Key SDGs under review
A technical panel showcased real-world examples of cooperative contributions to specific SDGs under review in 2025:
SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being: Dr Carlos Zarco (International Health Cooperative Organisation, Spain) illustrated how health cooperatives are bridging service gaps, particularly in remote or underserved communities.
SDG 5 – Gender Equality: Dr Mallika Kumar (India) and Ms Pauline Effa (Cameroon) shared how cooperatives are empowering women through leadership opportunities, financial inclusion, and community organising.
SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth: Mr Esteban Kelly (U.S. Federation of Worker Cooperatives) presented the worker cooperative model as a proven strategy for job creation, income equality, and inclusive entrepreneurship.
SDG 14 – Life Below Water: Mr Gabriele Verginelli (Legacoop, Italy) discussed the role of fishery cooperatives in protecting marine ecosystems while securing livelihoods for small-scale fishers.
SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: Dr Rose Karimi (ICA Africa) and Mr Danilo Salerno (ICA Americas) described the growing number of regional partnerships that foster South–South cooperation and proposed stronger integration of cooperatives in UN country frameworks and SDG financing platforms.
Japan’s 2025 VNR: A Model of Cooperative Integration
2025 Japan’s VNR Report emerged as a model for cooperative engagement, with over 60 references to cooperatives, systematically linking them to a wide range of SDGs, providing concrete examples of policy integration, partnership building, and impact monitoring. Its approach demonstrated how cooperatives are embedded into national and local SDG implementation strategies through partnerships with more than 1,300 municipalities and extensive citizen engagement. The VNR also highlighted measurable outcomes such as health monitoring by consumer cooperatives and the mobilisation of cooperative finance.
The Japanese government has not only recognised the scale and scope of its cooperative movement but also demonstrated how this sector can be mobilised to advance national development goals in a measurable and inclusive way. Japan also underscored its commitment to strengthening legal frameworks and is exploring the adoption of a Basic Law on the SDGs to institutionalize cross-sectoral alignment.
At the 2025 High-Level Political Forum (HLPF), 35 countries submitted their Voluntary National Review (VNR) reports, and cooperatives were recognised in 19 of these reports, a promising sign that their contributions are increasingly being acknowledged in national SDG implementation. However, this recognition remains partial as many VNRs still lack detailed strategies for supporting or scaling cooperative initiatives. Most notably, cooperatives are underrepresented in SDG planning, budgeting processes, and monitoring frameworks. This underscores the importance of advocacy to ensure that cooperatives are not only visible but are also actively involved in shaping development priorities at every level, given their important contribution to sustainable development.
Recommendations and Reflections
The session concluded with a number of strategic recommendations to enhance cooperative engagement in SDG implementation:
Governments are encouraged to formally include cooperatives in national SDG coordination mechanisms and policy frameworks.
Cooperatives are urged to proactively engage with relevant ministries, national development plans, and UN Country Teams.
Donor agencies and the UN system are called upon to recognize, support, and fund cooperative-led development initiatives.
Participants collectively advocated for explicit recognition of cooperatives in the Political Declaration of the World Social Summit, especially in relation to poverty eradication, decent work, gender equality, and social protection.
In her closing remarks, Ms Michelle Lau-Burke from the International Trade Centre (ITC) underscored the critical role of cooperatives as economic actors, service providers, and social anchors in times of crisis. She commended ICA and COPAC for creating a timely and inclusive dialogue platform and encouraged greater engagement between cooperatives and global development partners.
The ICA emphasised that with over 3 million cooperatives serving 1 billion members globally, the movement has the scale, experience, and values-based orientation necessary to advance the SDGs and build more resilient societies.
Looking Ahead to Doha
The VNR Lab served as a significant milestone during IYC2025, reinforcing the importance of cooperatives in the SDG ecosystem. It demonstrated that cooperatives not only support delivery of national development goals, but also provide scalable, inclusive, and community-driven solutions.
The ICA, together with COPAC and Member States, will host the official closing event of the International Year of Cooperatives at the World Social Summit in Doha. This event will launch a global commitment plan developed by the ICA and its Cooperative and Mutual 50 (CM50) leadership group, outlining the cooperative movement’s strategic contribution to the SDGs in the critical final years to 2030.
Member States and partners are warmly invited to join this event and collaborate with the cooperative movement to realise the promise of inclusive, sustainable, and people-centred development.
The Special Accreditation process for the Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2) is officially open!
Cooperatives and other organizations that are not accredited to ECOSOC must apply for Special Accreditation to participate in the Summit and its related events. Accreditation granted for other UN conferences does not transfer to WSSD2.
Key Information
Application period: Monday, 28 April – Friday, 13 June 2025
Who must apply? All cooperatives, social and solidarity economy (SSE) entities, civil society organizations, private sector companies, foundations, academia, and other stakeholders not already accredited to ECOSOC.
Who does NOT need to apply?
Member States
UN system organizations and specialized agencies
UN Secretariat
Organizations with ECOSOC consultative status
Intergovernmental organizations with observer status at the UN General Assembly
A signed letter on official letterhead requesting accreditation
Proof of the organization’s legal status (e.g., incorporation certificate)
A report outlining relevant activities over the past 12 months
Applications will be reviewed by the United Nations Non-Governmental Liaison Service (UN-NGLS) and submitted for approval through the Office of the President of the General Assembly (OPGA). Organizations will be notified once the process concludes.
Please note: Special accreditation only allows organizations to access the registration process. Individuals must be associated with an accredited organization to attend, and separate participant registration will open later.
Why It Matters
The Second World Summit for Social Development will be a key milestone in advancing inclusive, sustainable societies. As we celebrate the International Year of Cooperatives 2025, it is crucial that cooperatives and SSE entities make their voices heard at the global level.
We encourage all eligible organizations to apply and share this information widely to ensure strong cooperative and SSE participation at WSSD2!
Building on the Transforming our World SDG brief series published between 2018 and 2020, the new briefs respond to the rapidly evolving global landscape and the urgent need to accelerate SDG implementation. Since the earlier series, global crises, including COVID-19, the intensifying climate emergency, and geopolitical and economic disruptions, have underscored the resilience and counter-cyclicality of cooperatives as sustainable, people-centered enterprises. The updated briefs provide renewed background context, present new case studies from across sectors and regions, and offer expanded recommendations for policymakers, cooperative networks, donors, and development partners to strengthen the role of cooperatives in advancing a just, inclusive, and sustainable recovery.
Each brief highlights cooperative contributions to sustainable development, identifies structural barriers and emerging opportunities, and offers forward-looking recommendations to strengthen the enabling environment for cooperatives. Regional case studies illustrate innovative cooperative solutions delivering measurable impacts across diverse contexts.
The SDG brief series also supports preparations for the Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2), to be held in Doha in November 2025. WSSD2 will also feature the official closing of the International Year of Cooperatives 2025, providing a global platform to recognize cooperatives’ essential contributions to building more equitable, inclusive, and resilient societies.
About COPAC
The Committee for the Promotion and Advancement of Cooperatives (COPAC) is a global multi-stakeholder partnership working to promote cooperatives as key contributors to sustainable development. COPAC members include the International Labour Organization (ILO), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD), International Trade Centre (ITC), and International Cooperative Alliance (ICA).
About the International Year of Cooperatives 2025
The International Year of Cooperatives 2025 (IYC 2025) was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly to highlight the contribution of cooperatives to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and to encourage greater recognition and support for the cooperative model. Under the theme Cooperatives Build a Better World, IYC 2025 celebrates the impact of cooperatives in fostering inclusive, resilient, and sustainable societies.
For the first time, the 63rd session of the United Nations Commission for Social Development (CSocD63), held from 5 to 14 February 2025, featured a dedicated session on the role of cooperatives and the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE). The multi-stakeholder panel, Promoting Solidarity and Social Cohesion through Cooperatives and the Social and Solidarity Economy as a Path to Achieving the SDGs, highlighted the continued expansion of cooperatives and SSE enterprises, reinforcing their contributions to national efforts toward sustainable development. Moderated by Konstantinos Papadakis, Principal Social Affairs Officer, UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), the panel featured distinguished speakers including representatives of Mongolia, Paraguay and France.
H.E. Carlos Jorge Paris Ferraro, Vice Minister of Social Policies from Paraguay, highlighted the deep historical roots of social and solidarity economy (SSE) values in Paraguay, particularly within indigenous communities. Today, the SSE spans multiple sectors, contributing approximately 12% of the national GDP. In 2024, the Ministry of Social Development established a dedicated SSE department to support sectoral growth and foster partnerships with academia.
Ankhbayar Nyamdorj, Permanent Representative of Mongolia to the UN, underscored Mongolia’s long-standing commitment to the cooperative movement at the international level, dating back to 1969 as the main sponsor of UNGA resolutions on cooperatives and the SSE. He referenced a forthcoming ILO assessment on Mongolia and outlined recent policy initiatives, including the creation of the National Committee on the Intersectoral Cohesion of the New Cooperative Movement under the Deputy Prime Minister. Mongolia has also invested over $200 million in loans benefiting more than 20,000 herders, alongside ongoing capacity-building programs and information campaigns. Looking ahead, he emphasized the importance of regional engagement, youth involvement, and exploring public-private partnerships.
Maxime Baduel, Ministerial Delegate for the Social and Solidarity Economy from France, emphasized the SSE’s role in addressing global challenges. He reaffirmed the significance of SSE resolutions in defining the sector at the international level and reinforcing its contribution to sustainable development. He also noted the EU’s regional agenda for SSE development. In France, the SSE accounts for 10% of GDP, 14% of private employment, and engages 22 million volunteers. He stressed that the SSE does not aim to replace public or private initiatives but serves as a vital grassroots force and a resource for public action.
During the interactive debate, government representatives and other stakeholders discussed practical strategies such as developing supportive legal frameworks, promoting comprehensive and internationally comparable statistics for the SSE, integrating SSE principles into educational curricula and research agendas, and enhancing the participation of SSE actors in national and global policymaking. The insights and recommendations emerging from this forum will inform broader global discussions at the 2025 High-Level Political Forum and help shape a renewed consensus at the upcoming Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha.
The International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), a COPAC member, was represented at the session by its Director of Policy, Joseph Njuguna, who emphasized the essential role of cooperatives in advancing social justice, empowering communities, and reducing inequalities. Mr. Njuguna highlighted ICA’s efforts to mobilize cooperative leaders through a Global Cooperative Charter and Commitment Plan and the IYC National Mechanisms which demonstrate how cooperatives can collaborate with governments, the UN, and other stakeholders to implement social policies, reduce inequalities, and strengthen economic democracy—contributing to accelerating the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
“The International Year of Cooperatives (IYC2025) is a testament of the UN’s and global recognition of cooperatives’ critical role in sustainable development, social inclusion, and economic resilience. We look forward to deepening partnerships with the UN, governments, and key stakeholders to expand the impact of cooperatives, particularly through national mechanisms supporting the IYC2025 initiatives.”
Joseph Njuguna, Director of Policy, ICA).
In closing the discussion, Konstantinos Papadakis (Principal Social Affairs Officer, UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, UN DESA), emphasized the importance of specific legal frameworks for fostering the growth of this SSE sector, the development of comprehensive, internationally comparable statistics on SEE, education and capacity-building supporting the SSE, and engagement of SSE actors in national policymaking processes, as critical to its success. Finally, he noted the important link between cooperatives and SSE enterprises to the forthcoming United Nations Social Summit. “As we are heading towards the Second World Social Summit in Doha, actions to promote the SSE and cooperatives will be key to addressing gaps in the implementation of the 1995 Copenhagen Declaration, but also in aligning our efforts with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”
As part of the ICA Global Conference held in New Delhi, India, the session on Institutional Support for Cooperative Development brought together leading experts from international organizations to discuss how policy, law, and institutional collaboration can create enabling environments for cooperatives. The panel was a key segment of the broader discussion on “Enabling Policy and Entrepreneurial Ecosystems,” a critical theme of the conference aimed at advancing cooperative resilience and growth in the face of global challenges. Moderated by Professor Hagen Henry, Chairperson of the ICA Cooperative Law Committee, it featured panelists representing major institutional actors and COPAC members: ILO, UN DESA, FAO, and ITC. The discussion focused on the role of institutional frameworks in fostering sustainable cooperative ecosystems and explored synergies between cooperative movements and international policy initiatives.
The session emphasized the importance of policy and legal frameworks, institutional collaboration, and practical mechanisms that ensure cooperatives thrive within entrepreneurial ecosystems. Discussions underscored the need for robust institutional support to enable cooperatives to respond to global challenges and contribute to inclusive, sustainable development.
Ms Yang emphasized how cooperatives can capitalize on the International Year of Cooperatives in 2025 by engaging in key processes throughout the year, such as the World Social Summit, the Commission for Social Development, and the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF).
“Our work at UN DESA and COPAC focuses on advocating for cooperatives within the UN system. We try to raise awareness and advocate for cooperative issues in the General Assembly and similar bodies, but to do so, we need a consolidation of evidence and empirical data.”
Ms Simel Esim, Manager of the ILO Cooperative, Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) Unit, highlighted the organization’s long-standing support for cooperative development. She stressed the need for policy uptake and buy-in, urging a focus on implementation mechanisms and connecting established cooperative sectors with emerging ones, including those led by youth and women. Ms Esim also drew attention to the ILO’s 2022 International Labour Standards recommendation, adopted by over 120 countries, and the ongoing work to operationalize UN and ILO resolutions on the SSE.
Ms Cécile Berranger, Rural Institutions and Services Specialist at the FAO, spoke to the challenges smallholder farmers, women, and youth face due to climate change and economic marginalization. She emphasized the empowering role of cooperatives in building resilience and reducing inequalities. She called for capacity building at the grassroots level, referencing training tools like My.COOP for agricultural cooperative management, developed by the ILO and FAO in partnership with other institutions, alongside improved access to finance, education, and collaborative opportunities.
Dr Ashish Shah, Director of the Division of Country Programmes at the International Trade Centre (ITC), contextualized the panel within global crises – the 4Cs: COVID-19, climate change, the cost-of-living crisis, and conflict. He positioned cooperatives as a transformative solution, offering innovation, collaboration, and advocacy as pathways to sustainability and resilience. Dr. Shah highlighted the significance of the International Year of Cooperatives 2025 (IYC 2025) in driving these initiatives forward.
Panel Outcomes:
The session identified key areas for institutional collaboration and innovation, including:
The importance of aligning cooperative development strategies with broader policy goals like the SDGs and the IYC 2025.
Strengthening multi-stakeholder engagement and leveraging synergies between institutional actors, such as government agencies, international organizations, and cooperative movements.
Building capacity at all levels to ensure policies translate into tangible outcomes for cooperatives and their members.
Panelists collectively agreed on the need to reduce over-reliance on the state by harnessing broader ecosystems, including private sector actors and NGOs, to enhance resilience and mitigate political risks. This session was one of many with COPAC members’ participation throughout the week. For further updates follow COPAC on LinkedIn and X.
The UN International Year of Cooperatives (IYC) 2025, themed “Cooperatives Build a Better World,” was officially launched on 25th November 2024 during the ICA Global Conference in New Delhi, India. It was inaugurated by India’s Prime Minister, Hon. Narendra Modi, who delivered a keynote address highlighting the important role cooperatives play globally and thanked the UN for declaring 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives. marking a historic milestone in advancing the global cooperative movement. The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, addressed the conference through a video message, underscoring the pivotal role of cooperatives in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He highlighted their significance in the context of the upcoming Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2), scheduled for November 2025 in Qatar.
The launch event featured other high-level speakers, including the Prime Minister of Bhutan, H.E. Dasho Tshering Tobgay; the Deputy Prime Minister of Fiji, Hon. Manoa Kamikamica; the UN Resident Coordinator in India, Mr. Shombi Sharp; and the ICA President, Dr. Ariel Guarco. Each emphasized the transformative potential of cooperatives in fostering inclusive economic growth, social equity, environmental sustainability, and overall sustainable development.
India, with its long-standing legacy of cooperative innovation, served as a fitting venue for this global launch, reaffirming the critical contributions of cooperatives to building a more equitable and sustainable world.
Objectives of IYC2025
Proclaimed by the United Nations, IYC 2025 aims to:
Raise Awareness: Showcase the transformative power of cooperatives in fostering sustainable development.
Strengthen Policies: Advocate for policies and legal frameworks that create an enabling environment for cooperative growth.
Build Partnerships: Foster collaborations across sectors and regions to amplify the impact of cooperatives.
Key UN agencies who are also members of COPAC were present at the launch event and shared their commitments to advancing the cooperative agenda globally, led by the International Labour Organization (ILO), the International Trade Centre (ITC), the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), and the UN Research Insitute for Social Development (UNRISD). Each message reinforced the shared commitment to advancing the cooperative model as a solution to global challenges.
Key highlights of the event
Opening speeches: High-level dignitaries and cooperative leaders shared their vision for IYC 2025, highlighting the role of cooperatives in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Interactive panels: Sessions featured insights from global cooperative experts and practitioners, addressing key sectors such as agriculture, finance, care, and climate resilience.
Commitments for action: Stakeholders pledged to support the cooperative movement through new policies, partnerships, and capacity-building initiatives.
Communication to amplify IYC 2025
To maximize engagement and visibility, the International Year of Cooperatives 2025 is supported by dedicated communication tools and platforms:
Logo: A vibrant, newly designed logo symbolizes the spirit of cooperation and sustainability. The logo is available for use by cooperatives and organizations worldwide, with guidelines ensuring consistent and effective branding.
Website: A newly launched interactive website, serves as the central hub for all IYC activities. The site provides:
History of the IYC, the cooperative movement and the supporting partners
Information on events and campaigns. Share your events here to be featured on the IYC website:
National Mechanisms: The UN General Assembly in its resolution that proclaimed 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives encourages establishing national coordination mechanisms for IYC activities, to ensure that global messages reach stakeholders at all levels and to support the coordination of activities at local, national, and regional levels. Here are the guidelines for creating national committees: https://2025.coop/national-mechanisms/
Get involved
COPAC invites governments, cooperatives, international organizations, and civil society to actively engage in IYC 2025 by raising awareness, using the logo, hosting events, and more.
To follow along with updates throughout the IYC, visit the official website: https://2025.coop/
Together, we can leverage the power of cooperation to build a fairer, more sustainable world.
The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) and the Committee for the Promotion and Advancement of Cooperatives (COPAC) held a soft launch event for the 2025 International Year of Cooperatives on July 9 at the UN Headquarters in New York. The event brought together representatives from various countries, cooperative organizations, and UN agencies to discuss the role of cooperatives in sustainable development and the plans for celebrating the International Year.
The event highlighted the diverse contributions of cooperatives across sectors, including agriculture, finance, housing, healthcare, and renewable energy. Representatives from different regions shared their plans for establishing national committees, engaging with governments, and promoting cooperatives through various activities and initiatives during the International Year.
The event began with opening remarks from representatives of the United Nations, including Simael Isham from the International Labour Organization (ILO), and keynote addresses from ambassadors and representatives of Mongolia, Kenya, India, and the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA). They emphasized the importance of cooperatives in building a better world, addressing global challenges, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The speakers highlighted the contributions of cooperatives in various sectors and called for increased support and recognition for the cooperative movement.
John Wilmoth, Director of the UNDESA Division for Inclusive Development, discussed the role of cooperatives in supporting the implementation of the SDGs, particularly in reaching marginalized groups such as persons with disabilities, youth, and indigenous peoples. He emphasized the need for cooperatives to engage in outreach and community engagement to raise awareness and extend their impact.
Representatives from various cooperative organizations and countries shared their plans for celebrating the International Year of Cooperatives in 2025. These included establishing national committees, organizing awareness campaigns, advocating for supportive policies and legal frameworks, promoting cooperatives in education and among youth, and hosting regional and international events. The global launch of the International Year is scheduled for November 2024 in New Delhi, India, hosted by IFFCO.
Representatives from cooperative organizations in different regions, including Latin America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North America, shared their perspectives and plans for the International Year. They highlighted the challenges faced by cooperatives, such as lack of awareness and legal barriers, and discussed strategies to address these challenges. The importance of engaging youth, promoting education, and leveraging technology was emphasized. For more information about the soft launch event for the 2025 International Year of Cooperatives, please visit: https://social.desa.un.org/issues/cooperatives/events/international-day-of-cooperatives-9-july-2024
