The UN General Assembly announced that the theme of the International Year of Cooperatives 2025 (IYC25) is “Cooperatives Build a Better World.”
The theme emphasizes the significant global impact of cooperatives and highlights the cooperative model as a crucial solution for addressing various global challenges. It also underscores cooperatives’ important role in advancing the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
In its resolution, the UN General Assembly recommended ways to celebrate the year and encouraged all UN Member States, the United Nations System, and relevant stakeholders to leverage this event to promote cooperatives’ contribution to social and economic development. The General Assembly also invites Member States to consider establishing national committees to coordinate and prepare for all IYC25 activities.
“The decision by the General Assembly could not be timelier. The innovative contributions of cooperatives for sustainable development will be crucial for accelerating progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals as we approach 2030,” said Li Junhua, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. “The second International Year of Cooperatives will be an opportunity to mobilize all stakeholders to support and expand cooperatives everywhere, strengthening their contributions for a better world.”
The official launch of IYC25 will take place in New Delhi, India, during the ICA Global Cooperative Conference and General Assembly, scheduled for 25-30 November 2024, in the presence of global leaders seeking to inspire cooperators worldwide. This will be followed by a year-long celebration of cooperatives’ impact on society, reflecting on achievements, and actions to strengthen the cooperative movement and improve the lives for everyone.
The key objectives for IYC25 include:
1) Governments creating an enabling environment for cooperatives
2) Cooperatives promoting public awareness, developing new leaders, and leveraging cooperation
3) Institutions and development agencies promoting cooperatives through education, strengthening capacities, and facilitating international collaboration
4) The public understanding the cooperative identity and supporting cooperative initiatives
The United Nations General Assembly declared the first International Year of Cooperatives in 2012. Cooperatives are business enterprises owned and controlled by the very members that they serve. Their member-driven nature is one of the most clearly differentiating factors of cooperative enterprises. This fact means that decisions made in cooperatives are balanced by the pursuit of profit, and the needs and interests of members and their communities.
