International Year of Cooperatives 2025 (IYC 2025)
On June 19, 2024, the UN General Assembly declared 2025 the International Year of Cooperatives under the theme
“Cooperatives Build a Better World”, recognizing their role in driving sustainable development
and advancing the UN SDGs.
Objectives of the IYC 2025 are to:
Raise
Public Awareness
Highlight the contributions of cooperatives to sustainable development.
Promote Growth
and Development
Strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem and establishments for cooperatives.
Advocate for
Supportive Frameworks
Encourage the creation of enabling legal and policy environments for cooperatives globally.
Inspire
Leadership
Foster purposeful leadership and engage youth in the cooperative movement.
Cooperatives and the SDGs
Under the theme “Cooperatives Build a Better World”, the International Year of Cooperatives 2025 showcases how cooperatives drive progress across the UN Sustainable Development Goals. To mark the year, COPAC and the ICA have launched an updated “Building a Better World Together” SDG brief series, offering fresh insights, global case studies, and policy recommendations that highlight the unique contributions of cooperatives to sustainable development and inclusive growth.
The International Cooperative Alliance is the voice of cooperatives worldwide
The International Cooperative Alliance unites, represents and serves cooperatives worldwide. Founded in 1895, it is the apex body representing cooperatives, which are estimated to be around 3 million worldwide, providing a global voice and forum for knowledge, expertise and co-ordinated action for and about cooperatives
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Support the
International Year of Cooperatives 2025
Throughout the year, we will work together to raise awareness about the cooperative enterprise model. The UN General Assembly encourages establishing national coordination mechanisms for IYC activities, ensuring that global messages reach stakeholders at all levels.
- Governments & Policymakers: Develop supportive policies and regulatory frameworks that foster cooperative growth.
- Cooperatives: Highlight your role in sustainable development, nurture leadership, and collaborate with other cooperatives.
- Institutions & Development Agencies: Promote education, capacity building, and international cooperation to strengthen cooperatives.
- The Public: Learn how cooperatives drive sustainability and support local cooperative initiatives.
Spread the Word! Use the official logo, visual identity, and hashtags (#iyc2025 #coopsyear #cooperativesbuildabetterworld) to highlight activities. Help us maximize the impact of IYC2025!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the International Year of Cooperatives (IYC) 2025?
The International Year of Cooperatives 2025 is a United Nations initiative that recognizes and celebrates the essential role cooperatives play in sustainable development. This year-long celebration focuses on how cooperatives contribute to poverty reduction, economic resilience, and inclusive growth around the world
2. How can I get involved in the IYC 2025?
There are many ways to participate in the IYC 2025! You can attend or organize events, spread awareness about cooperatives in your community, use the official IYC 2025 logo, or become a partner or patron to support the cause. Visit our 'Get Involved' section to learn more.
3. Who can use the IYC 2025 logo, and how?
Non-UN organizations can apply to use the IYC 2025 logo for promotional or fundraising activities. Just review the logo guidelines and submit an online application with a signed waiver. Approval usually takes one to two weeks. Once approved, you’ll get a link to download the logo. The logo is available in multiple languages, including the six UN official ones. For additional language needs, contact [email protected].
4. What are national mechanisms for the International Year of Cooperatives (IYC2025)?
National mechanisms, such as committees, are structures established to coordinate and harmonize activities for the IYC2025 at the country level. They bring together diverse stakeholders—governments, cooperatives, civil society, academia, and the private sector—to raise awareness, promote cooperative growth, and advocate for supportive policies that align with the goals of the IYC2025. For more information view the guidelines.
