World Youth Skills Day 2026; July 15th.

 

FORUM: " Skills for a Shared future." World Youth Skills Day 2026. This year's theme will focus on how skills systems can empower young people to thrive as learners, workers, citizens and agents of change in an increasingly complex world. The celebration shines a spotlight on young people as changemakers and architects of a more inclusive, resilient and human-centered future.Nearly 40 per cent of skills workers rely on now could change or become outdated by 2030. Choosing a path for the future has never been easy, but for young people today, such rapid technological change as artificial intelligence (AI) is making it increasingly difficult to predict which skills will remain relevant in the years ahead. Highlighting the importance of equipping young people with what is needed for employment, decent work and entrepreneurship, the observance raises an important question related to its 2026 theme, Skills for the Shared Future: how can young people prepare for labour market needs that will continue to evolve throughout their lives? Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #15July, #WYSD, #Skillsforasharedfuture, #youthskills, #WorldYouthSkillsDay.

EVENTS: On July 15th, the celebration of the World Youth Skills Day 2026 will be held from 8:30 to 10:00 Eastern Time / 14:30 - 16:00 CEST at the ILO Office at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the UN and the Permanent Mission of Portugal to the UN, together with the International Labour Organization, UNESCO and the United Nations Youth Office will spotlight young people as key drivers of a more inclusive, resilient and human-centred future. The event will focus on strengthening education and training systems, expanding access to decent work and ensuring young people are equipped with the skills needed to thrive and lead in their communities. This event will bring together relevant stakeholders to advance efforts to strengthen education and training systems, enabling every young person to develop the skills to thrive, access decent work aligned with their aspirations, strengthen their communities and lead positive change for sustainable development. Register to participate and  Watch the livestream!

WEBINAR: At UNESCO-UNEVOC Office in Bonn, from 10:00 to12:30 Central European Summer Time (CEST) will held a virtual-event. Get the list of speakers, the Survey slides, and the opportunities for youth. Follow the UNESCO-UNEVOC 2026 World Youth Skills Day event live.

CAMPAIGN:  ''Youth voices Matter '' campaign. Share your videos about the future of skills

SURVEY: Youth future - skills survey. Answer the survey: What skills are most important for the future?

PHOTO COMPETITION: Skills in Action Photo Competition. Capture inspiring moments in TVET and submit them.

INTERVIEWS

“I think young people today need to be more open-minded, more flexible, more adaptable,” said Francesca Fanelli, senior associate director of graduate career development at Columbia University.

Amid helping students and recent graduates navigate today’s competitive and rapidly changing job market, she spoke with UN News about some of the best ways to rise to the challenge.

Skills for an uncertain future

The World Economic Forum estimates that nearly 40 per cent of the skills workers rely on now could change or become outdated by 2030, making adaptability and lifelong learning more important than ever.

The answer is not to search for an “AI-proof” career, Ms. Fanelli said.

While some students are reconsidering their career choices and showing greater interest in skilled trades, which are widely viewed as less vulnerable to automation, she cautioned against basing decisions primarily on assumptions about which jobs will be least affected by AI and technological change.

Instead, she advises young people to focus on their interests and strengths while building a broad “toolkit” of transferable skills that can serve them across different roles throughout their careers.

Rather than committing themselves to a single career path, Ms. Fanelli encourages students to explore opportunities across different industries and remain open to new directions as the world of work continues to evolve.

With AI, ‘you’re still the problem solver’

While the future of work may be difficult to predict, Ms. Fanelli believes one thing is already clear: knowing how to use AI effectively is becoming a valuable workplace skill.

“AI literacy is a skill now that employers look for,” she says. “They want to make sure that people entering their office know how to use the tool.”

This includes knowing how to ask the right questions and write clear prompts while taking responsibility for fact-checking the information AI produces and deciding how to apply it.

“You have to use it as an assistant rather than as a problem solver,” Ms. Fanelli says. “You’re still the problem solver.”

Making AI work for you

For job seekers, AI can be useful throughout the application process. Ms. Fanelli recommends using it to analyse job descriptions, identify the skills employers are seeking, tailor application materials and prepare for interviews. The quality of the results largely depends on the quality of the instructions provided, she noted.

At the same time, she stressed that every application should reflect the candidate’s own experience and personality.

“Make sure it’s in your voice, that there are no phrases that you would never find yourself saying,” she advises.

Turning skills into a job

Yet, learning to use AI is only one part of preparing for the job market. For many students and recent graduates, the process itself can feel deeply uncertain and overwhelming.

“The whole process, I think, feels really overwhelming,” Ms. Fanelli says. “Students are just feeling overwhelmed by the process and discouraged before they even start.”

Pointing to data showing that it takes job seekers in the United States an average of 6.6 months to secure employment, she said sustaining a search over such a long period requires an effective strategy and the resilience to cope with rejection and self-doubt.

Many graduates also find themselves caught in what she described as a frustrating paradox. Despite having strong academic qualifications, they often worry that they lack practical experience, leaving them feeling “both overqualified and underqualified”.

Feeling unqualified does not necessarily mean that graduates lack the skills employers need. Ms. Fanelli said many underestimate the value of the abilities they have already developed during their studies.

“Every job posting, I still see collaboration, communication, teamwork. You’re most likely developing those skills in your education. You just have to think about how you can communicate those skills to an employer in a way that they’ll understand,” she said.

Beyond a dream job

As young people prepare for an uncertain future, Ms. Fanelli encourages them not to put too much pressure on themselves to find the “perfect” career.

“The dream job might not be exactly what you think it is,” she said.

Rather than searching for a role that fulfils every expectation, she advises young people to look for work that offers a sense of fulfilment in at least one respect, while recognising that purpose can come from many different parts of life.

Family, friendships, community and personal interests can all be sources of meaning, she said, and work does not have to provide everything.

“A job sometimes is just for financial stability, and that’s okay.”.

PUBLICATION: A moment of choice:Harnessing artificial intelligence for decent work. From the ILO. Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming many aspects of our economies and societies. I see its applications expanding rapidly across the world of work, reshaping how work is organized, how value is created and how decisions are made. For the ILO and its constituents, this is a moment of both excitement and disquiet. On the one hand, AI can boost productivity and create new opportunities for workers and enterprises alike. It can also improve public services and labour administration, including by strengthening labour market governance and social protection systems. On the other hand, it raises profound concerns about rights, equality and social inclusion – and about social justice more broadly. Some voices have gone further, predicting a future marked by large-scale job scarcity, in which work becomes the exception rather than the norm. I do not dismiss these concerns. They reflect real anxieties about the pace and scale of technological change. But I also believe that they risk overshadowing what we know from experience. History has shown that technological change often goes hand in hand with market expansion and the creation of new jobs in roles that were previously unforeseen. It is clear that exposure to AI varies widely – across tasks, occupations and sectors, and depending on skills, gender, age and national context. These differences reflect the persistent digital divides. While some economies lead in AI investment and deployment, many low- and middle-income countries are experiencing its effects more indirectly, through broader processes of digitalization rather than large-scale AI development. For this reason, I am persuaded that technological change is not an irresistible force producing uniform outcomes. We are not powerless in the face of disruption. Policy choices, institutions and governance matter. Human intelligence matters. In adopting the ILO Centenary Declaration for the Future of Work (2019), we committed ourselves to a human-centred approach to shaping the future of work. In the context of AI, I believe that this means something very concrete: not assuming that technological progress will automatically advance decent work and social justice, but taking a proactive role in shaping its direction – by managing risks and harnessing opportunities in line with the ILO’s mandate. As the Declaration of Philadelphia reminds us, work is not only a source of income. It is also a foundation of dignity, autonomy and human development. How AI reshapes this meaning of work is therefore central to a human-centred future of work. For me, this reflection on harnessing AI for decent work is particularly timely. It takes place not only in a context of uncertainty about the future of work, but also amid strained multilateralism and democratic backsliding. As I have stressed in my previous reports to the International Labour Conference, work and democracy are in a symbiotic relationship. It is for this reason that a sober and evidence-informed examination of the implications of AI – and of the policy choices before us – is essential. I am confident that the ILO, with its tripartite structure and normative mandate, is uniquely placed to contribute to this examination. By bringing together governments, employers and workers, we can help shape a human-centred approach to AI – one that keeps people, rights and dignity at the core of this new chapter of technological progress. Gilbert F. Houngbo Director-General.  Read the full report!

World Population Day 2026; July 11th.

FORUM: “Realizing the hopes and aspirations of young people – today and for the future.” World Population Day 2026. This year's theme reflects a new report on the findings of the UNFPA Demographic Futures Survey, which asked more than 100,000 Internet-connected people aged 18 to 39 in 73 countries about their partnership, reproductive and life aspirations. Societies are “heading towards a demographic cliff”, according to some headlines. The “global baby bust” is the result of a “feminist revolt”, others speculate. Behind the hyperbole is a kernel of truth: Population data do show that around the world fertility rates are falling. Yet many of the attendant claims, from the threat of human extinction to the role of feminism – are rooted in myths and misogyny. 

Today, UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, which is the UN’s sexual and reproductive health agency, is releasing findings from its Demographic Futures Survey, one of the largest, most geographically comprehensive surveys to date exploring what young adults want for their reproductive futures. Over 108,000 Internet-connected young adults, aged 18 to 39 from 73 countries, were asked what they want when it comes to relationships, children and the future – and what they feel is standing in their way. These young adults, from every geographical region showed remarkable agreement over what is keeping them from forging partnerships and having children: money and housing. This finding, and many more, can help us put to rest some of the misconceptions surrounding fertility decline. Below, we start with five of the biggest.

1. Myth: Feminism is responsible for birth rate declines.


This claim has been repeated in headlines and hot takes around the world. Yet UNFPA has decades of evidence – from its work with health providers and survivors of gender-based violence, and from its data collection for the Sustainable Development Goals – showing that women are actually often unable to exercise agency over their bodies and reproduction. About a tenth of women are unable to make choices about contraception, a quarter are unable to make decisions about their own healthcare, and a quarter are unable to say no to sex. This information alone gives us reason to question the claim that global fertility decline is the fault of feminism or women’s empowerment.

Fact: Today, the Demographic Futures Survey brings us one of the most robust and current bodies of evidence on this topic – and it shows us that most people, men and women, want children.

 Two is the ideal number in most parts of the world, and in some regions, people on average want more than two. Women are not refusing to have children. They – and men, too – face obstacles to having them. And the most commonly cited obstacles are financial security, stable employment and housing. Furthermore, the survey found that attitudes around family-related choices are actually relatively consistent between men and women. While there are some differences – such as men being more likely than women to disapprove of parents divorcing while having young children, and all respondents being more disapproving of mothers with young children working full-time jobs compared to fathers of young children – these gaps tend to be minimal. On the other hand, women’s rating of barriers to childbearing was consistently higher; every single barrier to having children (financial concerns, infertility, chronic health issues, etc.) was considered more important by women than by men. Again, this suggests that declining fertility rates are not the “fault” of feminism or women’s attitudes, but the burdens that all young adults face, which are often disproportionately heavy for women.


2. Myth: Young people are rejecting marriage and parenthood.


From kitchen tables to think tanks to parliaments, many assume that young people are refusing both marriage and children. Solutions, the thinking goes, should involve promoting marriage and childbearing.

Fact: The Demographic Futures Survey shows us that marriage and parenthood are still widely held goals. Over two thirds of respondents see marriage as their ideal.

But the path to marriage and parenthood is challenging. Almost 80 per cent of respondents say partnership is an important precondition for becoming a parent, the survey finds. This mirrors what UNFPA has seen in its youth programmes: “Finding the right partner is important because I believe that raising a child should be a shared responsibility with emotional and financial support from both parents,” a young woman from India shared with us last year.

Yet not everyone is finding a partner. Out of all respondents aged 25 to 39, approximately one quarter say they want a partner but are currently single and not dating. Men were more likely to say this than women.

What are the biggest barriers to getting married or being in a stable, cohabiting relationship? The largest proportion of people, 57 per cent of respondents, cited economic and housing constraints.

3. Myth: “Collapsing” teen birth rates are a problem for societies.

This myth is often expressed in alarmist tones. Some even claim falling adolescent pregnancy rates threaten humanity with extinction. Is there any merit to this claim? No.

Fact: Adolescent fertility rates are declining – this is a public health success. It means more girls are able to complete school and avoid the health consequences of early pregnancy; many of them will still go on to become mothers.

Declining adolescent fertility has significantly contributed to overall global fertility declines, research shows. But that does not mean it is a problem, nor does it mean we should encourage more adolescent parenthood. After all, the goal should not be to change people’s minds about when and whether to become parents, but to create the conditions that enable them to responsibly realize their aspirations on their own terms. “Bringing a child into the world is only one step. The real challenge is raising them,” a young man in Paraguay told UNFPA.

Here is where data from the Demographic Futures Survey give critical insight. What is keeping people from having the children they want? Financial security, stable employment, and psychological and emotional readiness are the top three most important preconditions for parenthood, the survey finds. This offers specific areas, from education policies to community health services to job security and work protections, where policymakers can take action to meet people’s own stated needs.

4. Myth: Young adults are too selfish to have children.
5. Myth: People are not sufficiently incentivized to become parents.

These last two myths are linked. The first assumes that young adults are simply too focused on themselves – too busy having fun, perhaps – to undertake the hard but necessary work of parenting. The second assumes that the rewards of parenting should be material. If people do not require children for labour or eldercare, and if children are expected to simply consume their parents’ resources before moving away, the thinking goes, then people will naturally forgo parenthood. Both presume selfish motives for having or not having children.

Fact: The Demographic Futures Survey shows that the most common reason respondents gave to become a parent is the joy and happiness children bring.

Most of the survey respondents already have children, and the vast majority of those without children by ages 35 to 39 (79 per cent of men and 72 per cent of women) still want to become parents. Most people are not selfishly refusing to become parents, nor are they waiting for babies to promise a better return on investment. Among all respondents, of all ages, 80 per cent said the joy of parenthood is a key factor. Having children for utilitarian reasons, such as government encouragement or because children are needed for the future workforce, was the least motivating for prospective parents. Handwringing over the partnering and parenting choices of young people (especially young women) is an age-old pastime. But the survey released today offers a more productive and positive path forward for policymakers – one responding to people’s stated goals and concerns, one based on evidence instead of assumptions.

Follow the conversation with the hashtags #WorldPopulationDay; #11july, #sustainablefuture, #programmeofaction, #population, #LeaveNoOneBehind, #CountEveryone #megatrends, #icpd30.

EVENT: On Saturday, July 11th, a webinar to mark the World Population Day 2026 will be held. The report entitled "Lives, Choices and Futures." published on 7 July, just ahead of World Population Day – a timely opportunity to place evidence at the centre of global discussions on demographic change, reproductive rights and sustainable development. Register to participate and Watch the livestream!

Statement by UNFPA Executive Director on World Population Day 2026; July11th.


We are living through a time of profound demographic change. Some countries have historically large numbers of young people. Others are experiencing rapid population ageing. And many are navigating both. Societies and economies are being reshaped by intersecting crises, rising inequalities and disruptive technologies. At the same time, information and misinformation are redefining how we perceive the world around us.

How do young adults see their lives, ambitions and futures in a world of constant change? This is the question at the heart of UNFPA’s recent Demographic Futures Survey. The survey is one of the largest bodies of evidence to date on young people’s life goals with respect to relationships and families.

What we found is that most still hope for partnership and parenthood, yet many feel they may never see these dreams materialize. Today, fragile labour markets, widening inequalities and protracted conflict have left many young people struggling to imagine how they can build the families and futures they want.

Some people assume that younger generations have given up on marriage and children altogether. Our survey tells a different story. Most respondents say their ideal relationship involves marriage. Yet among those who want a partner, many are single and not dating. Economic and housing constraints were the most commonly cited barriers to partnership. Most of those surveyed also want children – and across most regions, two is the most common ideal family size. But many question whether they will have the stability and security to house and care for them.

In short, it is uncertainty, not unwillingness, that has young people questioning whether they can start the families they want.

In response to changing demographic trends, including ageing and low fertility, governments are exploring a wide range of policies. But policies will not succeed if they pressure people towards particular choices or fail to address the barriers young people themselves identify.

As one young community leader told us, “This isn’t just about choosing to have fewer children. It’s about having fewer choices.”

What young people are telling us is clear: They need a sense of security to plan for their future, and the agency to carry that plan out. The onus is on leaders everywhere to support these aspirations.

With smart, forward-looking investments in their rights and choices – from housing and healthcare to parental leave and childcare support, young people can exercise autonomy over their bodies and their lives and build the futures they want. They can realize the right to make the most intimate, consequential decisions of their lives.

The world today is full of opportunities, not only challenges. Communities and economies will innovate, develop resilience and thrive when young people can, too.

Young people – from North to South, from East to West – have spoken. It’s time to listen. And it is time to help create the conditions that allow them to make real choices, create the families they want and realize their hopes and aspirations.

Ms. Diene Keita, UNFPA Executive director.

PUBLICATION: What young adults want and what shapes their decisions about parenthood and relationships. Findings from the Demographic Futures Survey 2026.

Around the world, demographic change is prompting urgent debate about fertility, family life and the future. Lives, Choices and Futures, UNFPA’s report on the findings of the 2025-2026 Demographic Futures Survey brings together one of the most geographically diverse bodies of evidence on how young adults’ hopes and decisions about relationships, parenthood and the future take place in an uncertain world. Through the voices of over 108,000 Internet-connected people aged 18 to 39 across 73 countries, this report shows that many young people continue to value partnership and parenthood, but the conditions to realize these aspirations often feel out of reach.

The findings reveal:

• More than two thirds of respondents want to marry or live with a partner.
• Two children is the most commonly reported ideal family size in five out of seven regional groupings.
• Economic and housing constraints constitute the most common obstacles to forming partnerships.
• Financial security is the top consideration for entering a partnership (81%) and parenthood (88%).
• Young respondents also consider stable employment (87%) and emotional readiness (85%) as important preconditions for becoming parents.
• Two thirds feel somewhat or very positive about the future despite worries about conflict, economic insecurity and inequality.

While the data are weighted by age, sex and education level, these findings are not nationally representative and should not be interpreted as population-level estimates. Instead, they provide comparative insights into the views of Internet-connected young adults surveyed across regions. The data tells us what these young adults value, what they worry about, what they see as important for partnership and parenthood, and what conditions they report as shaping their choices. This report offers a flagship evidence base to inspire further research and shift policy and public debate. It moves the conversation away from panic, population targets and assumptions about young people’s choices. Instead it focuses on the social, economic and institutional conditions that enable young people to have the families they want and build the lives they aspire to lead. Lives, Choices and Futures provides vital evidence to inform global policy discussions on demographic change, reproductive rights and sustainable development. The findings affirm that long-term investments in young people and cross-sector policies on education, employment security, housing, reproductive health services, and social protection will help them contribute to societies that are innovative, resilient and economically robust. Read the full report!

Launch of the World Population Highlights 2026: Youth by the United Nations Population Division.

Young people are a vital driving force in all societies, contributing energy, innovation and creativity to national development and to the achievement of the Goals and targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Yet, many continue to face significant barriers that limit young people’s ability to realise their full potential and to participate meaningfully in society. The World Population Highlights 2026: Youth provides sound, comparable and timely data on global youth population trends, including changes in size and geographical distribution and key dimensions of youth well-being. The report identifies priority actions to reduce disparities, promote sustainable livelihoods, improve health outcomes — including sexual and reproductive health — and strengthen the protection of young people’s rights. The findings of this report can help policymakers, youth advocates and civil society to integrate population foresight into the formulation of policies and programmes and to ensure that demographic change contributes to a more equitable, inclusive, resilient and sustainable future for current and future generations. The report supports Youth2030, the United Nations system-wide youth strategy guiding global action with and for young people. Read full report the Ten Key Messages, get the social media cards and the SDG Blog: Demographic change and the transformative force of youth.

LIVESTREAM: United Nations Population Award 2026 Ceremony.

The aim of the UN Population Award Ceremony is to celebrate the achievements of laureates and their contributions to the development and/or implementation of solutions to issues and questions related to population and development.

The Secretary-General's message for the 2026 United Nations Population Award Ceremony, to be delivered by the Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Dr. Diene Keita

The United Nations General Assembly established the United Nations Population Award in resolution 36/201 on 17 December 1981. The Award is presented annually to an individual or individuals, or to an institution or institutions, or to any combination thereof, for the most outstanding contribution to the awareness of population questions or to their solutions.

Each year, the Committee for the United Nations Population Award honours an individual and/or institution in recognition of outstanding contributions to population and reproductive health questions and to their solutions. The Award was established by the General Assembly in 1981, in resolution 36/201, and was first presented in 1983. It consists of a gold medal, a diploma and a monetary prize.

The Committee for the United Nations Population Award is comprised of 10 UN Member States, with United Nations Secretary-General and UNFPA Executive Director serving as ex-officio members. Nominations for the award are accepted through 31 December of each year.View less
Related Sites and Documents: Website.

Watch the 2026 United Nations Population Awards Ceremony!

Meetings & Events

2026 International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the 1995 Genocide in Srebrenica.

EVENT: On Thursday, 9 July 2026 starting at 17:00 pm. EST at the United Nations Headquarters, the observance of the International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the 1995 Genocide in Srebrenica  will take place. Mr. Chaloka Beyani, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Special Advisor on the Prevention of Genocide will host the proceedings. The observance includes survivor testimony, remarks delivered by the Chef de Cabinet on behalf of the Secretary-General, remarks delivered by the President of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (via video) and the Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

World Rural Development Day 2026; July 6th.

FORUM: "Shine a lasting light on the deep challenges of rural poverty." World Rural Development Day 2026. An estimated 80% of the world's poorest people live in rural areas and earn less than $2.15 per day. More than one billion people face severe multidimensional poverty, with more than half of them children. Half of the rural population does not have health insurance (compared to 22% in urban areas). Family farmers produce 80% of the world's food. Women make up 43% of the agricultural workforce but have limited access to land, credit, and technology. Rural areas are on the climate frontline, suffering from droughts, floods, and extreme heat. By 2024, 83% of urban residents had internet access, compared to less than 50% of rural residents. The challenge of resilience for rural communities—particularly women, indigenous peoples, and youth, who face the disproportionate burden of poverty, hunger, and marginalization—is too often overlooked. Let's highlight the important role these groups play in agricultural development, food security, and ecosystem management, and call for their empowerment through access to land, decent work, and inclusion in decision-making. By supporting an integrated approach to rural development that embraces traditional knowledge, gender equality, and digital inclusion, the resolution envisions a future where rural prosperity is no longer an elusive ideal but a global shared outcome. Rural development is not just about geography. It is about poverty, equity, food security, and sustainability. To address these challenges, investments in rural areas and in the the future of rural non-farm economies are needed to ensure no one is left behind. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #developmentpartners #Ruralareas, #Ruraleconomies, #Familyfarming, #RuralDevelopment, #Ruralcommunities, #6July, #SDGs, #worldruraldevelopmentday.

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!

WEBINAR: The Outlook for Agriculture and Rural Development in the Americas.

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.

International Day of Cooperatives 2026; July 4th.

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.

The side event aims to:

• Showcase the contribution of cooperatives to transformative and localized SDG implementation, drawing on evidence from the 17 SDG Policy Briefs.
• Highlight the role of cooperatives as partners in achieving the SDGs under review at HLPF 2026, particularly through community-driven and locally owned solutions.
• Demonstrate how cooperatives contribute to peace, resilience, and social cohesion, in line with the 2026 International Day of Cooperatives theme.
• Promote policy dialogue and partnerships among governments, UN entities, financial institutions, and cooperative organizations to strengthen enabling ecosystems for cooperative development.
• Advance recognition of cooperatives as implementation partners in national and local SDG strategies, Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs), and broader sustainable development frameworks.

Draft Programme 

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 

12:40 – 12:45 Closing remarks and key takeaways

Related Sites and Documents: Concept note.

LIVESTREAM: Watch the Cooperatives as Drivers and Partners of Transformative and Localized SDG Action (HLPF 2026 Side Event)!

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.

"Cooperatives as Agents of Positive Peace" 

Why SDG 16 Matters?

 ● 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. 

HOW TO JOIN #CoopsDay 2026?

Take Coordinated Action to Amplify Impact 

1. Host a Local Event 

● Organise a ‘Peace Through Cooperation’ workshop or event and register it in the CoopsDay map 

● 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.

 ■ Hashtags: #CoopsDay #Coops4Peace #BuildingBridges ■ Tag: @ICAcoop: we’ll reshare! Let’s trend together! 

● 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.

COMMUNICATION MATERIALS: Get the 2026 Media Kit!

MATERIALS FOR ICA MEMBERS 

Ready-to-Use Resources Material Description Link

CoopsDay website - Official 2026 website and archive from 2021.

#CoopsDay 2026 Logo - Ready to use 2026 logo in EN ES FR(PNG/SVG). 

SDG 16 Brief - Full brief on cooperatives as agents of positive peace. 

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 

ICA Social Media Follow and tag @ICAcoop on Twitter,LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram. 

Case Studies - Real-world examples of cooperatives building peace (Rwanda, Colombia,Cyprus, etc.). 

Declarations - ICA Kigali Declaration on Positive Peace (2019) 

International Day of Parliamentarism 2026; June 30th.

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.

EVENT: IPU’s 137th anniversary. On or around Tuesday, June 30th; Join us in celebrating International Day of Parliamentarism 2026 and the IPU’s 137th anniversary. Register to participate!

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
• and Watch A Brief history of the IPU
• Let us know what you planned on or around 30 June 2026 so that we may amplify your efforts in our communications to the global parliamentary family. 

Your feedback can be sent to press@ipu.org .