Ushirika Day 2024 Theme: Cooperatives Build a Better Future for All
On July 6th, this year, cooperatives all over the world will celebrate the International Day of Cooperatives with the theme “Cooperatives Build a Better Future for All.” This year, they will have the opportunity to highlight their past and present contributions to creating a sustainable future and accelerating efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. This theme aligns with the objectives of the UN Summit of the Future, whose theme is “Multilateral Solutions for a Better Tomorrow.”
For the 2024 #CoopsDay, cooperatives can demonstrate their high standards for inclusive and sustainable growth, and their role as stewards for protecting the environment and combating climate change. Cooperatives set an example for peace and stability through democratic governance and shared ownership, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds on equal terms and fostering understanding and respect. Empowering youth to lead the way by providing opportunities, transferring knowledge, and ensuring equity and equality for all is critical.
The 2023 UN Secretary-General Report on Cooperatives in Social Development recognizes cooperatives’ track record of promoting economic and social development for all, including marginalized groups. Cooperatives have consistently demonstrated resilience in times of social and economic crises. The United Nations recognizes the cooperative movement as its key partner in accelerating sustainable development and calls on its member states to support and strengthen cooperatives’ entrepreneurial ecosystems. This can increase their ability to create more social, economic, and environmental impact in society.
Jeroen Douglas, the Director General of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), says, “As we celebrate the significant and often quiet contributions of cooperatives, it is also time for us to reflect on what we have accomplished to build a better future, and what we can do better together.” Let’s take this day to be inspired to collaborate, explore all possibilities to reach the SDG goals, and take action to achieve them.
2025 International Year of Cooperatives
This day will build momentum towards the 2025 International Year of Cooperatives, which was declared by the UN last year. The ICA will support anyone who wants to celebrate the 2024 #CoopsDay with a media kit that includes the logo, key messages, and other digital resources.
About the International Day of Cooperatives: Celebrated worldwide for over a century and officially proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly on the centenary of the ICA in 1995, the International Day of Cooperatives is commemorated annually on the first Saturday of July. #CoopsDay aims to increase awareness of cooperatives and highlight their contributions to addressing major issues addressed by the UN and strengthening and expanding partnerships between the international cooperative movement and other actors. Since 1995, the ICA and the United Nations, through the Committee for the Promotion and Advancement of Cooperatives (COPAC), have jointly determined the theme of the #CoopsDay celebration.
This year’s theme is “Cooperatives Build a Better Future for All,” marking the 30th International Day of Cooperatives recognized by the United Nations and the 102nd International Cooperative Day. The event provides a platform for local, national, and international policymakers, civil society organizations, and the public to learn about cooperatives’ contributions to a just and sustainable future for all.
In November 2023, the UN General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/78/175 on cooperatives in social development, calling for the proclamation of 2025 as an International Year of Cooperatives. The resolution encourages all Member States, the United Nations, and all other relevant stakeholders to use the International Year of Cooperatives to promote cooperatives and raise awareness of their contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and overall social and economic development. The International Day of Cooperatives will be a platform to showcase how cooperatives continue to play a significant role in realizing the universal goal of building a better future.
