EVENT: On July 6th; The celebration of the World Rural Development Day 2026 serves as a call-to-action for governments and organizations to focus on the lives and struggles of the world's rural peoples who work the soil, nourish the seas, and nurture the land as a prerequisite for achieving the broader goals of economic, social, and environmental sustainability and to invest in rural resilience, gender equality, and sustainable agricultural progress. Register to participate!
The general objective is to present the main messages, findings, and recommendations of the report Outlook for Agriculture and Rural Development in the Americas 2025–2026: A Perspective on Latin America and the Caribbean, highlighting that agriculture can strengthen its contribution to agrifood systems through productivity improvements driven by adequate financing and by policy, institutional, financial, and technological innovations.
FORUM: ''Cooperatives for a peaceful world." International Day of Cooperatives 2026. The theme also aligns with the ICA 2026 Global Conference theme, Building Bridges: Cooperative Contributions for a Peaceful World. At a time when many parts of the world are experiencing conflict, social fragmentation, rising inequalities, economic insecurity, and declining trust, there is a growing need to build bridges and support approaches that strengthen cohesion and rebuild connections across societies. The conference, which is taking place in Panama in September, will explore the contributions cooperatives make towards peace by building bridges between people, communities and ideas and creating inclusive spaces for participation. The role of cooperatives is underlined in the 2019 ICA Declaration on Positive Peace through Cooperatives, which calls on the cooperative movement to deepen its commitment and strengthen actions that advance peaceful and inclusive societies.The theme also resonates strongly with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), and the ICA and COPAC are developing a policy brief to highlight cooperatives’ contributions to peacebuilding as part of the IYC2025 SDG policy brief series. Let’s Make the International Day of Cooperatives 2026 Unforgettable by showing the world how cooperatives are building a peaceful world, one community at a time. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #coops4sdgs, #CoopsDay, #Sustainability, #Cooperatives.
EVENTS: On July 4th, Communities around the world are encouraged to take part in the celebration of the International Day of Cooperatives 2026 by organizing events, sharing stories, and promoting this year’s theme. The world needs positive peace and cooperatives are uniquely positioned to deliver it. Join us in building a peaceful world, one cooperative at a time. Explore the events map and Register to participate!
On Monday, 6 July 2026. from 11:30–12:45 EST organized by COPAC at the United Nations Headquarters, Conference Room 8 (CR-8) an In-person event entitled ''Cooperatives as Drivers and Partners of Transformative and Localized SDG Action'' will be held. Cooperatives are uniquely positioned to contribute to the 2030 agenda. As people-centered, democratically governed enterprises owned and controlled by their members, cooperatives operate across all sectors of the economy and provide practical solutions to local and global challenges.
The 2026 High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) convenes
under the theme “Transformative, equitable, innovative and coordinated actions for
the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals.” With only four years
remaining until the 2030 deadline, accelerating implementation requires development
approaches that are inclusive, locally rooted, scalable, and capable of delivering
integrated economic, social, and environmental outcomes.
Cooperatives are uniquely positioned to contribute to this agenda. As people-centered,
democratically governed enterprises owned and controlled by their members,
cooperatives operate across all sectors of the economy and provide practical solutions
to local and global challenges. By combining economic viability with social impact,
cooperatives strengthen communities, create decent work, reduce inequalities, foster
social cohesion, and contribute to sustainable and resilient development.
This side event is organized in conjunction with the 2026 UN International Day of Cooperatives, celebrated on 4 July under the theme “Cooperatives for a PeacefulWorld.” The theme highlights the contribution of cooperatives to peacebuilding through
social justice, economic inclusion, democratic participation, solidarity, and community
resilience. In a context marked by growing inequalities, conflicts, climate-related
challenges, and declining trust in institutions, cooperatives demonstrate how collective
action and shared ownership can contribute to more peaceful, inclusive, and
sustainable societies.
The event will also mark the launch of a series of 17 SDG Policy Briefs developed by the
global cooperative movement, showcasing evidence and case studies of cooperative
contributions across the Sustainable Development Goals. These briefs demonstrate
how cooperatives serve not only as contributors to sustainable development but also as
strategic partners for governments, UN agencies, development institutions, and local
communities in implementing the 2030 Agenda.
Promote policy dialogue and partnershipsamong governments, UN entities, financial institutions, and cooperative organizations to strengthen enabling ecosystems for cooperative development.
11:30 – 11:35
Welcome and opening remarks
Moderator – Andrew Allimadi – Social Affairs Office - UNDESA
• H.E. Mr. Ankhbayar Nyamdorj, Permanent Representative of Mongolia to the UN
(tbc)
• H.E. Ambassador Michael Imran Kanu, Permanent Representative of Sierra
Leone to the UN (tbc)
11:35 – 11:50
Present the 17 SDG Policy Briefs and key findings
- Dr. Ilcheong Yi - COPAC Chair and Head of Partnerships & Senior Research
Coordinator at UNRISD
- Joseph Njuguna – Director of Policy at the International Cooperative Alliance
11:50 – 12:25
Multi-stakeholder Panel Discussion: Building Partnerships for Transformative and
Localized SDG Action
- Natalie Petrulla - Senior Manager, Programs and Strategic Partnership, Fairtrade
International (tbc)
- Douglas O’Brien – President and CEO, NCBA Clusa (tbc)
- UN representative
- Government representative
12:25 – 12:40
Interactive discussion and audience engagement
STATEMENTS: “Cooperatives have long contributed not only to the absence of conflict, but to the presence of justice, inclusion, and trust; the essential foundations of positive peace. Across sectors and regions, cooperatives contribute to peaceful societies by strengthening local economies, expanding access to vital services, promoting democratic participation, creating opportunities for all and fostering trust and solidarity.” Mr. Jeroen Douglas, ICA Director General.
Key Messages:
Peace is more than the absence of conflict. It’s the presence of justice, inclusion, trust, and cooperation: values cooperatives embody every day.
Cooperatives are schools of democracy: Through one member, one vote, we teach participation, deliberation, and collective responsibility, strengthening the habits of open, resilient societies.
We bridge divides: From Cyprus to Colombia, cooperatives bring together divided communities, reintegrate former combatants, and rebuild trust post-conflict.
We address root causes of conflict: By sharing ownership, creating livelihoods, and strengthening local institutions, cooperatives tackle inequality and exclusion,key drivers of instability.
SDG 16 is at the heart of our 2026 campaign. Cooperatives are ‘local infrastructure for peace’, advancing justice, accountability, and inclusive institutions.
● The 2025 Global Progress Report on SDG 16 reveals a reality: violence is rising,
justice is uneven, and trust in institutions is eroding.
○ 120 million people are displaced (double 2015 levels).
○ 502 human rights defenders were killed in 2024.
○ Conflict-related deaths are at their highest since WWII.
● Positive peace (Johan Galtung) = absence of violence + presence of justice,
inclusion, and cooperation: the foundation of cooperative values.
How Cooperatives Advance SDG 16?
SDG 16 Target & Cooperative Contribution
Target 16.1: Reduce violence
Cooperatives rebuild trust in post-conflict zones (e.g., Rwanda,
Colombia, Cyprus).
Target 16.3: Access to justice
Social cooperatives integrate marginalized groups, expanding
economic and legal inclusion.
Target 16.5: Reduce
corruption
Democratic governance and transparency in cooperatives
combat corruption.
16.6: Effective
institutions
Cooperatives act as local infrastructure for peace, filling
gaps where states struggle.
Target 16.7: Inclusive
decision-making
One member, one vote ensures equitable participation in
economic and social life.
Deep Dive
● Cooperatives as Schools of Democracy: Members practice participation,
deliberation, and collective responsibility, strengthening civic culture.
● Bridging Divides: Bicommunal cooperatives in Cyprus and worker cooperatives in
Colombia reintegrate divided communities.
● Economic Inclusion: Cooperatives address root causes of conflict (inequality,
exclusion) by sharing ownership and creating livelihoods.
● Cultural Heritage: The ICA Cooperative Cultural Heritage Programme preserves
democratic traditions that sustain social trust and peaceful coexistence.
● Partner with local peacebuilders (NGOs, schools, governments)
● Tell us how your cooperative is a school of democracy
(mechanisms, initiatives, etc.), send it to media@ica.coop
Example (from the SDG brief): In Rwanda, the Umugenge Cooperative
used mushroom farming to rebuild trust post-genocide. Tell us your story
2. Amplify the Message
● Social media storm: On 4 July, flood platforms with your stories of
how cooperatives build peace.
● Op-eds/letters: Pitch to local media and share it with us!
● Internal Campaigns: Share the SDG 16 brief with members and host a
discussion on cooperatives as ‘local infrastructure for peace’.
3. Advocate for Policy Change
● Engage policymakers with our SDG 16 brief. Ask: ‘How can cooperatives be recognised as peacebuilders in national strategies?’
● Take a picture with the poster: it is a call for peace from the cooperative movement. Share it on social media + tag @ICAcoop: we’ll reshare!
● Promote the ICA Cooperative Cultural Heritage (CCH) Programme to preserve democratic traditions.
4. Join the ICA Global Conference in Panama
● Register now for the ICA Global Conference, ‘Building Bridges: Cooperative Contributions for a Peaceful World,’ happening this September in Panama. This is your chance to deep dive into the
theme, share your experiences, and connect with global leaders in the cooperative movement. Let’s make #CoopsDay 2026 the starting point for a year of impactful action.
SOCIAL MEDIA MESSAGES
Ready-to-Post Messages for #CoopsDay 2026
Message 1: The Power of Cooperatives Text: "Peace isn’t just the absence of war, it’s the presence of justice, inclusion, and cooperation. 🕊️ Cooperatives embody these values every day. On #CoopsDay 2026, we celebrate how #Coops4Peace build a better world. #CoopsDay #BuildingBridges
Message 2: Schools of Democracy
Text: "One member, one vote isn’t just governance, it’s practice for a fairer society.
Cooperatives are schools of democracy, teaching participation, trust, and collective
responsibility. How does your cooperative build peace? Share your story! #CoopsDay
#Coops4Peace"
Message 3: Bridging Divides
Text: "In Cyprus, bicommunal cooperatives bring Greek and Turkish Cypriots together. In
Colombia, worker cooperatives reintegrate former combatants. Cooperatives bridge divides
and rebuild trust. How is your cooperative fostering peace? #CoopsDay #Coops4Peace
Message 4: Addressing Root Causes
Text: "Inequality and exclusion fuel conflict. Cooperatives tackle both by sharing
ownership, creating livelihoods, and strengthening local institutions. This
#CoopsDay, let’s celebrate cooperatives as ‘local infrastructure for peace’. #SDG16
#Coops4Peace" Visual: Infographic on how cooperatives address SDG 16 targets.
Hashtags: #CoopsDay #SDG16 #Coops4Peace
Message 5: Call to Action
Text: "The world needs positive peace and #cooperatives are uniquely positioned to deliver
it. On 4 July, join the global #CoopsDay movement! Host an event, share your story, or
advocate for policy change. Together, we build peace. #CoopsDay #BuildPeaceTogether"
Final Notes for ICA Members
● Customize messages with your cooperative’s story, photos, or local examples.
● Tag @ICAcoop and use the official hashtags to connect with the global movement.
● Engage your community: Encourage members, partners, and local leaders to
share their own messages.
● Track impact: Use the #CoopsDay map to see how your actions contribute to the
global campaign.
Global
#CoopsDay Map - Register your event and see what others
are doing worldwide. Send us: 1) Name
of organisation 2) address/location of
event 3) 1 hi-res image 4) A block of text
describing the event/occasion (max 400
words) 5) A link to website or
event/social media page
media@ica.coop
FORUM: "Bring Human Rights into Focus.'' International Day of Parliamentarism 2026. The IPU was founded on 30 June 1889 by a small group of parliamentarians who believed that parliamentary dialogue and diplomacy were a better way of settling differences than war. 137 years later, the IPU is the parliament of parliaments, a thriving international organization made up of 183 national parliaments and open to all 44,000 parliamentarians in the world. The IPU's 2026 campaign asks parliaments worldwide to showcase initiatives that advance human rights and complete its 10-action list.#Parliamentarians, #30june, #ParliamentarismDay.
CAMPAIGN: This year, in line with the IPU's theme of the year, we are encouraging you to join our new campaign Bring human rights into focus.
Share what your parliament is doing to bring human rights into focus including which of the 10 campaign actions you have undertaken.
Organize an event or parliamentary debate to celebrate the day, focusing on human rights and the campaign’s objectives.
Nominate a fellow parliamentarian for the 2026 Cremer-Passy Prize in recognition of their outstanding efforts to shine a light on human rights. Deadline 30 June. Discover the IPU’s work on Human rights
EVENT: Asteroid Day returns to Luxembourg on 26 and 27 June 2026 with a public programme dedicated to space, asteroids, science and inspiring encounters. This year’s programme will invite audiences to discover the night sky, meet space experts and astronauts, and explore how the study of asteroids helps us better understand our Solar System and our planet. The events are open to the public and hosted in Luxembourg, with the Asteroid Day Festival taking place at Cercle Cité. Selected sessions will also be live-streamed on Asteroid Day’s digital platforms. Join us for Astronomer for a Night on 26 June and the Asteroid Day Festival on June 27th.
The 2026 Asteroid Day Festival in Luxembourg.
Join us to celebrate the International Asteroid Day with astronauts and leading experts in the space industry as they discuss key topics in space science — from space for Earth, asteroids, comets and planetary defence to unconventional careers in the space sector and beyond!
In 2029, the world will turn its eyes to the sky. The passage of asteroid Apophis at around 30,000 kilometres from Earth, together with the United Nations’ proclamation of the International Year of Asteroid Awareness and Planetary Defence, will mark a rare moment in human history, not only an astronomical spectacle, but also an invitation to reflect on our vulnerability in the cosmos, and on how far we have come in learning to protect our planet.
Asteroid Day is an opportunity to celebrate and reflect on the role of asteroids in Earth’s history – and few experiences make this more tangible than visiting impact craters, true open-air classrooms and laboratories. These geological formations, created by cosmic collisions, are scattered across the planet and, in many cases, are protected areas or tourist destinations with educational infrastructure.
Among the most emblematic examples is Meteor Crater in the Arizona desert, USA, also known as Barringer Crater. This well-preserved site offers guided walks along the crater rim, a visitor centre with an interactive museum, and interpretive tours explaining how the formation was created and the role of asteroids in Earth’s geology. The site often organises special Asteroid Day activities, combining lectures, astronomical observing sessions, and other educational programmes.
Asteroid Day is celebrated each year around the world, and in 2025, a trip to Barringer Crater in the USA was one of its most iconic experiences (Meteor Crater Space Museum – AD2025).
In South Africa, the Vredefort Dome, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, represents the largest and oldest known astrobleme on Earth, dating back more than two billion years. Although the structure is vast and heavily eroded, the region hosts both tourism and scientific activities, including interpretive excursions and guided walks that explore the evidence of the impact and its importance for planetary geology. The inauguration of a visitor centre is planned to further enhance the educational experience.
The Vredefort Dome: a magnificent view and an unforgettable open-air lesson about one of Earth’s oldest impact events (2Summers).
In Europe, places such as the RiesKraterMuseum in Germany and Meteorittparken Gardnos in Norway offer educational experiences centered on the impact craters of their regions. At the first, visitors can explore scientific exhibits, meteorites, impact rocks, and even a lunar sample brought back by one of the Apollo missions. At the Norwegian park, visitors can walk along interpretive trails inside the crater, observe outcrops of rocks formed by the impact, and follow educational panels explaining the geology of the event.
The RiesKrater Museum in Nördlingen, Germany (left), and Meteorittparken Gardnos in Nesbyen, Norway (right), are two excellent places in Europe to learn about Earth’s dramatic geological history.
In India, one of the most well-known impact structures is the Lonar Crater, which contains Lonar Lake, considered the only impact lake formed in basaltic rock in the world. The area allows for interpretive trails around the crater and down into the interior of the structure, giving visitors the opportunity to observe its unique geology and the landscape shaped by the impact.
The stunning Lonar Lake Crater in Maharashtra, India, attracts visitors and researchers alike (Incredible India).
Other craters scattered across different continents, even without formal infrastructure, can inspire educational expeditions and field research. Examples include the Roter Kamm crater in Namibia, the Shoemaker crater in Australia, and other formations visible in aerial or satellite imagery.
Roter Kamm in the Namib Desert (left) and the Shoemaker Impact Structure in Australia (right): two remarkable places where unforgettable experiences await (Bernhard Edmaier Photography / Gateway to Astronaut Photography of Earth).
Beyond tourism, these craters can also serve as bases for scientific expeditions and outreach projects. Groups of researchers, universities, and science enthusiasts often organise field campaigns to study the geology of these sites, document their features, and produce educational materials. These natural environments also inspire digital content—such as documentaries, educational series, podcasts and scientific exploration videos— helping to bring knowledge about cosmic impacts to a broader audience.
Expedition and workshop at the Vista Alegre crater (left), and a scene from the documentary about the Colônia crater (right), both in Brazil (GEAstro – Federal Technological University of Paraná / Echomundi – Embu-Guaçu City Hall – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJVAOFRA-ZA).
Here is a list of proposed activities to celebrate Asteroid Day at these special locations:
Thematic guided tours with geologists and astronomers, highlighting shock structures and evidence of impact.
Field workshops focused on identifying impact minerals and conducting scientific documentation such as photography and mapping.
Night-time astronomical observing near the craters, connecting terrestrial craters with lunar craters.
Outdoor lectures about asteroid monitoring and the prevention of cosmic hazards.
For those who do not have access to a site that can be visited in person, there are equally enriching alternatives, such as exploring craters using Google Earth or interactive mapping applications to locate and study impact craters around the planet. This lesson lists some of the most notable craters and their locations.
If that is not feasible, a night of lunar watching can be organised, highlighting its dozens of well-preserved craters—true natural laboratories of impact processes, visible with binoculars or telescopes.
FORUM: "Empowering MSMEs through Innovation and Sustainable Industrial Development." Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) Day 2026. MSMEs are the backbone of economies worldwide, representing more than 90 per cent of businesses and contributing significantly to employment, livelihoods and economic growth. As the world confronts intersecting economic, social, environmental and technological challenges, empowering MSMEs through innovation and sustainable industrial development is essential to building resilient economies, advancing Sustainable Development Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and accelerating progress across the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises are key sources of jobs, income, and local growth—especially for women, young people, and vulnerable groups. Their size and flexibility help build strong, fair, and sustainable communities. However, many of these businesses face serious challenges. They often struggle to get loans, deal with poor infrastructure, and work under tough conditions. Many operate informally, which limits their access to funding, legal rights, and government support. Today’s global challenges—like political tensions, climate change, and digital shifts—make it even harder for them to survive. Supply chain issues, higher costs, and uncertain markets have left many at risk. A huge global funding gap remains, despite clear opportunities to grow. At the same time, rapid advances in digital technologies, artificial intelligence and green innovation offer unprecedented opportunities for MSMEs to increase productivity, improve resilience, access new markets and support sustainable industrial development. Ensuring that MSMEs can benefit from these transformations—and are not left behind by them—requires targeted investments, supportive policies and strengthened partnerships. To help these businesses succeed, better policies and more accessible funding are crucial. Support for skills training, innovation, and fairer rules can also make a big difference. Since many operate outside the formal system, making it easier to register, access benefits, and follow labor laws will help create better jobs and stronger economies. MSMEs are powerful engines of innovation, job creation and sustainable development. By expanding access to technology, digital infrastructure, affordable finance and market opportunities, governments and partners can help MSMEs drive inclusive growth, strengthen resilience and contribute to sustainable industrial development.Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #smallbusinesses, #27June, #MSMEday, #MSMEs.
Today we celebrate the critical role played by micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises — lifting up communities, sustaining families and driving economic progress. As engines of job-creation, they are critical to every country’s future, including as the best providers of employment pathways for youth.
But these businesses face big challenges — from difficulty accessing funds to scale-up operations, to the transformative effects of artificial intelligence on current business models, to steep tariffs and rising inflation.
Global instability is also taking a toll. The conflict in the Middle East has disrupted trade routes and supply chains, increased energy prices, and sent costs skyrocketing.
Governments and businesses need to work together to build resilience against global shocks, diversify export markets, tap into new sources of inputs and raw materials, and scale-up skills development to support entrepreneurs — especially women and youth.
Financial systems should be strengthened so businesses can access affordable credit and reduce borrowing costs.
And as this year’s theme reminds us, we need to help businesses harness the power of innovation and digital technology to compete and succeed in global markets.
Above all, in a world of increasing uncertainty, it’s time to put peace first, and enable global markets and transportation systems to operate efficiently and safely.
Together, we can ensure that micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises remain engines of prosperity and opportunity for generations to come.
On July 6th, 2026 from10:00 - 11:15 EDT in Conference F at the United Nations Secretariat,a High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development Side Event entitled ''Empowering Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) through Innovation and Sustainable Industrial Development'' will be held. The sub-themes:
• MSMEs in a Challenging World • Innovation, Technology and Sustainable Industrial Development • Bridging the Digital and Technology Divide • Access to Affordable Finance and Market Opportunities
On Thursday Jun 25th, 2026, from 09:30 to 12:30 from the UNIDO, a hybrid-event via Microsoft Teams | and a in-person event in the Conference room 4, C-Building, 7th floor, at rhe Vienna International Centre (VIC), Wagramer Straße 5, 1220 Vienna, Austrian will be held. The UN MSME Day 2026 Celebration will bring together high-level government officials, senior representatives of international and regional organizations, development finance institutions, private sector leaders, and development partners engaged in MSME development and sustainable industrialization.
The UN MSME Day 2026 Celebration aims to:
Recognize and celebrate the critical role of MSMEs;
Present UNIDO flagship initiatives, such as the ONE World Sustainability Awards;
Facilitate the signing of partnership agreements and the announcement of new projects;
Showcase experiences and impact through the voices of UNIDO beneficiaries;
Present international best practices in MSME support, including experiences from the China International Small and Medium Enterprises Fair (CISMEF) and the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC); and
Promote high-level dialogue on the role of MSMEs as drivers of sustainable industrial development.
Registration: ONLINE PARTICIPATION
REGISTER HERE TO RECEIVE A MICROSOFT TEAMS LINK IN-PERSON PARTICIPATION: REGISTER HERE Related Documents: MSME day celebration
For further information, please contact: Raymond TAVARES, Chief, MSME Development and Job Creation Unit Division of MSME Competitiveness, Quality and Job Creation (TCS/SME)
Giorgi TODUA, Industrial Development Expert Division of MSME Competitiveness, Quality and Job Creation (TCS/SME)
LIVESTREAM: (Part 1) International Forum on Micro, Small and Medium Sized Enterprises.
On June 26th from 13:00 to 23:59pm CEST at the ECOSOC Chamber will be held the International Forum on the occasion of Micro Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (MSME) Day 2026.The International Forum on Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) Day 2026 brings together entrepreneurs, policymakers, scholars, business leaders, youth, and international organizations to celebrate the vital role of MSMEs in economic growth, innovation, job creation, and sustainable development. Held in collaboration with Member States, the International Council for Small Business (ICSB), and global stakeholders, the Forum will explore the theme, "Human-Centered Entrepreneurship in an AI-Driven Future: Economic Empowerment for the Next Generation of MSMEs," highlighting innovative growth, inclusive prosperity, and youth empowerment while examining how the next generation of MSMEs can thrive and lead in an increasingly dynamic, technology-driven, and interconnected global economy. Watch (Part 1) International Forum on Micro, Small and Medium Sized Enterprises
(Part 2) International Forum on Micro, Small and Medium Sized Enterprises.
