International Year of Cooperatives 2025
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Following the success of the 2012 International Year of Cooperatives, on June 19 2024, the United Nations General Assembly officially proclaimed 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives (IYC) through Resolution A/RES/78/289 under the sponsorship of Mongolia and Kenya. This initiative underscores cooperatives’ vital role in advancing sustainable development, eradicating poverty, and fostering inclusive economic growth.
The theme of the year, “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.
Resolution A/RES/78/289 is available for download in all UN languages: العربية 中文 English Français Русский Español.
Objectives of the IYC 2025 are to:
Raise
Public Awareness
Highlight the contributions of cooperatives to sustainable development.
Promote Growth
and Development
Strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem and establishments for cooperatives.
Advocate for
Supportive Frameworks
Encourage the creation of enabling legal and policy environments for cooperatives globally.
Inspire
Leadership
Foster purposeful leadership and engage youth in the cooperative movement.
The values and principles of cooperatives make them directly relevant to sustainable development. Participatory decision-making, democratic control by members, equality, solidarity, cooperation and concern for the community are fundamental principles that underpin cooperatives and allow them to contribute to improving the world
H.E. Ms Paula Narváez
President of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
We call to cooperators worldwide to share their pride for what cooperatives are doing to build a better world, and to take advantage of the International Year of Cooperatives in 2025
Jeroen Douglas
Director General of the International Cooperative Alliance
The decision by the General Assembly could not be timelier. The innovative contributions of cooperatives for sustainable development will be crucial for accelerating progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals as we approach 2030
Li Junhua
Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs
This is the second time in history that the UN has dedicated an international year to cooperatives, and this is not a coincidence. Cooperatives are present in every aspect of our lives, and answering to each of the SDGs, everywhere
Ariel Guarco
President of the International Cooperative Alliance
Frequently Asked Questions
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.