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:
- Opportunities for stakeholders and partners to connect and collaborate
- 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.