The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a landmark resolution establishing a permanent 10-year cycle for the International Year of Cooperatives, cementing the model’s role in global development.
In a historic move for the global cooperative movement, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has adopted Resolution A/RES/80/182, calling for the proclamation of an International Year of Cooperatives (IYC) every decade.
Adopted on 15 December 2025, the resolution follows the successful conclusion of the 2025 International Year of Cooperatives. The move is designed to “encourage effective leveraging of the cooperative enterprise model to advance social and economic development” on a permanent basis within the multilateral calendar.
The resolution recognizes cooperatives as essential actors in tackling the world’s most pressing challenges. It highlights their contribution to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically in areas such as poverty and hunger eradication, food security, gender equality, financial inclusion, and climate action.
The text emphasizes that cooperatives “promote the fullest possible participation in the economic and social development of local communities,” particularly for Indigenous Peoples, rural communities, and vulnerable populations.
International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) President Dr. Ariel Guarco hailed the decision as a sign of “renewed optimism” for the movement.
“In times of environmental crisis, inequality, and global mistrust, cooperatives prove that it is possible to produce and distribute wealth without exclusion, care for the environment, and strengthen social bonds,” said Dr. Guarco. “This resolution recognizes our movement as a model that responds to today’s global crises.”
ICA Director General Jeroen Douglas noted the rarity of the UN repeating designated year themes, with 2012 and 2025 both dedicated to the sector. “This decade cycle is an immense global recognition of cooperatives’ enduring contributions towards a more just and equitable world,” he said. “The slogan ‘Cooperatives build a better world’ captures the heart of our movement’s mission.”
The resolution was initiated by the Government of Mongolia, which has been a long-standing advocate for the movement at the UN level.
Beyond the decadal proclamation, the resolution urges member states to strengthen the “enabling environment” for cooperatives. Key recommendations for governments include:
- Legal Frameworks: Improving regulatory environments to support cooperative growth.
- Financial Access: Enhancing access to capital and ensuring fair taxation.
- Digital Inclusion: Expanding digital access and support for agricultural and financial cooperatives.
- Research and Data: Strengthening data collection and public awareness of the cooperative impact.
The 2025 International Year of Cooperatives concluded in Doha, Qatar, in November 2025, after a year-long campaign launched in New Delhi, India. The year saw over 200 events held across 100 countries, ranging from policy dialogues to youth engagement programs.
The UN resolution also reaffirmed the annual observance of the International Day of Cooperatives (CoopsDay) on the first Saturday of July. In 2026, the celebration will fall on 4 July, with a theme expected to be announced by the Committee for the Promotion and Advancement of Cooperatives (COPAC) in the coming months.
The UN has been adopting resolutions concerning cooperatives in social development since the 1950s, but this latest move represents the most significant integration of the cooperative model into long-term UN policy to date.
2025 IYC Highlights:
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Launched in November 2024 in New Delhi, India, and concluded in Doha, Qatar in November 2025.
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Over 200 events held across 100 countries, including workshops, policy dialogues, youth and women engagement programs, and regional summits.
