Cooperatives in social development

The resolution highlights the important role of cooperatives in advancing inclusive social and economic development, especially by supporting groups that are often left behind (women, youth, older persons, persons with disabilities, Indigenous Peoples and rural communities). It recognizes that cooperatives help reduce poverty and hunger, strengthen food security, create decent jobs, and expand access to services and opportunities—often reaching communities that traditional profit-driven businesses do not. 

It calls on governments and partners to strengthen cooperatives through targeted budget support, improved laws and regulations, capacity-building, and greater access to finance and technology. The resolution also encourages closing the digital divide to support cooperatives, improving data and evidence on their impact, and proposes holding an International Year of Cooperatives every 10 years after 2025 to sustain global momentum.