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)