FORUM: "Cooperatives: Driving Inclusive and Sustainable Solutions for a Better." International Day of Cooperatives 2025. Cooperatives operate in every sector of the economy worldwide—agriculture, finance, housing, health and care, education, energy, retail, industry and services —and have consistently demonstrated their ability to advance social justice, economic democracy, and ecological sustainability while offering efficient, innovative and inclusive solutions to community needs.
Today the global cooperative movement will be celebrating the International Day of Cooperatives (CoopsDay) by highlighting what can be achieved through the power of cooperation. Themed “Driving inclusive and sustainable solutions for a better world”, CoopsDay is an opportunity to raise awareness about cooperatives’ role in delivering evidence-based, people-centred solutions. This year’s CoopsDay is a special celebration due to 2025 being the second United Nations International Year of Cooperatives. Cooperatives are active in every sector of the economy, including agriculture, finance, retail, housing, healthcare, education, energy, industry and services. They employ 10% of the world’s population, providing decent employment and advancing social justice, economic democracy, and ecological sustainability. Their track record of promoting the economic and social development of all people, including marginalised groups, was recognised in the 2023 UN Secretary-General Report on Cooperatives in Social Development. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #coops4sdgs, #CoopsDay, #6july, #Sustainability, #Cooperatives.
EVENTS: In his message at the occasion of the International Year of Cooperatives 2025 launch, the Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted how “cooperatives are driving development across communities large and small, fighting poverty and social inclusion, strengthening food security, helping local entrepreneurs across international markets. Your united efforts are essential as our world confronts complex challenges and strives to achieve the sustainable development goals”.
ICA President Ariel Guarco says the day is one of the most important moments since the global movement began celebrating the International Day of Cooperatives over a century ago.
“Now is the time to strengthen that impact and expand the reach of our actions—actions rooted in the principles and values that unite us and guide our daily work toward the common good. Thanks to this identity, we remain strong around the world. And at the same time, we’re able to express cooperative principles in every region, culture, and country, adapting our values to each community's development strategy. In this way, we offer local solutions to global challenges—and we can truly live out our motto: that cooperatives build a better world,” he added.
The day also falls during the Festival of Co-operatives, which is currently being held in Manchester and Rochdale, UK, to celebrate the United Nations International Year of Cooperatives and the 130th anniversary of the ICA. The event, which includes the ICA General Assembly and the UK's national Co-op Congress, features a range of activities, including visits to FC United of Manchester, Hulme Community Garden Centre, Unicorn Grocery cooperative and the Rochdale Pioneers Museum, in the birthplace of the modern-day cooperative movement. The festival is hosted by The Co-operative Group and Co-operatives UK.
The Committee for the Promotion and Advancement of Cooperatives (COPAC) is pleased to announce the official theme for the 2025 International Day of Cooperatives (CoopsDay): “Cooperatives: Driving Inclusive and Sustainable Solutions for a Better World.”. To be celebrated on Saturday, 5 July 2025, this year’s CoopsDay will serve as a flagship moment within the United Nations International Year of Cooperatives (IYC2025)—a once-in-a-decade opportunity to spotlight the critical role of cooperatives in building more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable communities. As the world confronts intensifying economic and climate-related crises, persistent inequality, and fragile social protection systems, the 2025 CoopsDay theme calls attention to the powerful role of cooperatives in delivering evidence-based, people-centered solutions.
CoopsDay 2025 aligns with two major global policy processes:
The United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF), which will review progress on SDGs 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 5 (Gender Equality), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), 14 (Life Below Water), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals; and The Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2), which will focus on social inclusion, poverty eradication, and sustainable development.
In 2025, the celebration marks The 103rd International Cooperative Day, and The 31st UN International Day of Cooperatives. The theme is selected jointly by the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) and COPAC, in consultation with UN partners and the cooperative movement.
For media inquiries, interviews, or contributions to CoopsDay 2025:
📧 Email: copac@copac.coop
🌐 Website:
About CoopsDay 2025
ICA President Ariel Guarco says the day is one of the most important moments since the global movement began celebrating the International Day of Cooperatives over a century ago.
“Now is the time to strengthen that impact and expand the reach of our actions—actions rooted in the principles and values that unite us and guide our daily work toward the common good. Thanks to this identity, we remain strong around the world. And at the same time, we’re able to express cooperative principles in every region, culture, and country, adapting our values to each community's development strategy. In this way, we offer local solutions to global challenges—and we can truly live out our motto: that cooperatives build a better world,” he added.
The day also falls during the Festival of Co-operatives, which is currently being held in Manchester and Rochdale, UK, to celebrate the United Nations International Year of Cooperatives and the 130th anniversary of the ICA. The event, which includes the ICA General Assembly and the UK's national Co-op Congress, features a range of activities, including visits to FC United of Manchester, Hulme Community Garden Centre, Unicorn Grocery cooperative and the Rochdale Pioneers Museum, in the birthplace of the modern-day cooperative movement. The festival is hosted by The Co-operative Group and Co-operatives UK.
The Committee for the Promotion and Advancement of Cooperatives (COPAC) is pleased to announce the official theme for the 2025 International Day of Cooperatives (CoopsDay): “Cooperatives: Driving Inclusive and Sustainable Solutions for a Better World.”. To be celebrated on Saturday, 5 July 2025, this year’s CoopsDay will serve as a flagship moment within the United Nations International Year of Cooperatives (IYC2025)—a once-in-a-decade opportunity to spotlight the critical role of cooperatives in building more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable communities. As the world confronts intensifying economic and climate-related crises, persistent inequality, and fragile social protection systems, the 2025 CoopsDay theme calls attention to the powerful role of cooperatives in delivering evidence-based, people-centered solutions.
CoopsDay 2025 aligns with two major global policy processes:
The United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF), which will review progress on SDGs 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 5 (Gender Equality), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), 14 (Life Below Water), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals; and The Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2), which will focus on social inclusion, poverty eradication, and sustainable development.
In 2025, the celebration marks The 103rd International Cooperative Day, and The 31st UN International Day of Cooperatives. The theme is selected jointly by the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) and COPAC, in consultation with UN partners and the cooperative movement.
For media inquiries, interviews, or contributions to CoopsDay 2025:
📧 Email: copac@copac.coop
🌐 Website:
About CoopsDay 2025Message from the ICA President Ariel Guarco for the 103rd International Day of Cooperatives.
Dear cooperative friends,
This is not just another day. On July 5, we will celebrate our Day in the International Year of Cooperatives.
I believe this is one of the most important moments since we first began celebrating the International Day of Cooperatives over a century ago.
We are gaining greater prominence on the global stage, as reflected in the recognition from the United Nations and other international organizations of our cooperative socio-business model.
That’s why we also have the responsibility to turn this global recognition into concrete, sustainable, and inclusive solutions in every place where we are present.
Surely, this is already happening in every community where there is a cooperative.
Now is the time to strengthen that impact and expand the reach of our actions—actions rooted in the principles and values that unite us and guide our daily work toward the common good.
Thanks to this identity, we remain strong around the world. And at the same time, we’re able to express cooperative principles in every geography, culture, and country, adapting our values to each community's development strategy.
In this way, we offer local solutions to global challenges—and we can truly live out our motto: that cooperatives build a better world.
We’re not doing it alone. We invite others—economic, social, political actors from both the public and private sectors—to join us in building a future that is prosperous, inclusive, and peaceful.
That’s why, this July 5, we open the doors of our cooperatives and celebrate together with our members, neighbors, and communities.
Together, we proudly say: Happy International Day of Cooperatives!
Let’s keep building inclusive and sustainable solutions for a better world!
Watch the full video here.
OTHER STATEMENTS:
Get Involved!
About the United Nations International Year of Cooperatives 2025
On 19 June 2024, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives. The text recommends ways to celebrate and encourages all Member States, the United Nations, and relevant stakeholders to leverage this event to promote cooperatives’ contribution to social and economic development. Among others, Member States are also invited to consider establishing national committees to coordinate and prepare for all IYC 2025 activities.
Dear cooperative friends,
This is not just another day. On July 5, we will celebrate our Day in the International Year of Cooperatives.
I believe this is one of the most important moments since we first began celebrating the International Day of Cooperatives over a century ago.
We are gaining greater prominence on the global stage, as reflected in the recognition from the United Nations and other international organizations of our cooperative socio-business model.
That’s why we also have the responsibility to turn this global recognition into concrete, sustainable, and inclusive solutions in every place where we are present.
Surely, this is already happening in every community where there is a cooperative.
Now is the time to strengthen that impact and expand the reach of our actions—actions rooted in the principles and values that unite us and guide our daily work toward the common good.
Thanks to this identity, we remain strong around the world. And at the same time, we’re able to express cooperative principles in every geography, culture, and country, adapting our values to each community's development strategy.
In this way, we offer local solutions to global challenges—and we can truly live out our motto: that cooperatives build a better world.
We’re not doing it alone. We invite others—economic, social, political actors from both the public and private sectors—to join us in building a future that is prosperous, inclusive, and peaceful.
That’s why, this July 5, we open the doors of our cooperatives and celebrate together with our members, neighbors, and communities.
Together, we proudly say: Happy International Day of Cooperatives!
Let’s keep building inclusive and sustainable solutions for a better world!
Watch the full video here.
OTHER STATEMENTS:
“This year’s theme speaks to both the identity and urgency of the cooperative model. In a time of global uncertainty, cooperatives are proving that development can be democratic, inclusive, and grounded in solidarity. CoopsDay 2025, celebrated during the International Year of Cooperatives, is a powerful opportunity to amplify that message to the world." (Wenyan Yang, COPAC Chair)
"Across the globe, cooperatives are demonstrating that a values-driven enterprise approach can deliver real and lasting solutions. International Day of Cooperatives 2025 is a moment to recognize this collective strength and reaffirm our dedication to an inclusive and sustainable path forward.” (Jeroen Douglas, Director General of the International Cooperative Alliance)
"Across the globe, cooperatives are demonstrating that a values-driven enterprise approach can deliver real and lasting solutions. International Day of Cooperatives 2025 is a moment to recognize this collective strength and reaffirm our dedication to an inclusive and sustainable path forward.” (Jeroen Douglas, Director General of the International Cooperative Alliance)
Get Involved!
As part of IYC2025, CoopsDay offers a platform for cooperatives to increase visibility, forge partnerships, and engage new audiences. A refreshed CoopsDay logo—aligned with the IYC visual identity—has been released for use in promotional materials.
Cooperatives and partners are encouraged to:
Visit the updated CoopsDay website:About CoopsDay 2025
Utilize the updated CoopsDay logo and Media Kit logo:
International Day of Cooperatives 2025
Submit or view events on the IYC events platform:
Events Portal – Events Portal
Share your cooperative story:
Home.
Cooperatives and partners are encouraged to:
Visit the updated CoopsDay website:
About CoopsDay 2025Utilize the updated CoopsDay logo and Media Kit logo:
International Day of Cooperatives 2025Submit or view events on the IYC events platform:
Events Portal – Events PortalShare your cooperative story:
Home.About the United Nations International Year of Cooperatives 2025
On 19 June 2024, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives. The text recommends ways to celebrate and encourages all Member States, the United Nations, and relevant stakeholders to leverage this event to promote cooperatives’ contribution to social and economic development. Among others, Member States are also invited to consider establishing national committees to coordinate and prepare for all IYC 2025 activities.
About the International Day of Cooperatives
The International Day of Cooperatives has been celebrated globally by the International Cooperative Alliance since 1923 and was officially recognized by the United Nations in 1995. It is held every year on the first Saturday of July to increase awareness of cooperatives’ contributions to development and peace.
The International Day of Cooperatives has been celebrated globally by the International Cooperative Alliance since 1923 and was officially recognized by the United Nations in 1995. It is held every year on the first Saturday of July to increase awareness of cooperatives’ contributions to development and peace.
About The COPAC
The Committee for the Promotion and Advancement of Cooperatives (COPAC) is a multi-stakeholder partnership that promotes and supports people-centered and self-sustaining cooperative enterprises as key actors in sustainable development.
COPAC’s membership includes the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Trade Centre (ITC), the United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD), and the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA).
Together, COPAC works to ensure cooperatives are recognized in global policy processes and supported through enabling environments—particularly in advancing decent work, inclusive economies, gender equality, sustainable food systems, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The Committee for the Promotion and Advancement of Cooperatives (COPAC) is a multi-stakeholder partnership that promotes and supports people-centered and self-sustaining cooperative enterprises as key actors in sustainable development.
COPAC’s membership includes the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Trade Centre (ITC), the United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD), and the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA).
Together, COPAC works to ensure cooperatives are recognized in global policy processes and supported through enabling environments—particularly in advancing decent work, inclusive economies, gender equality, sustainable food systems, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
