The theme of the UN 2025 International Year of Cooperatives (#IYC2025) is “Cooperatives Build a Better World". During the year, co-ops, governments and other international organisations will raise awareness of the enterprise model, highlight their important role in achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and more.
The official launch ceremony of the #IYC2025 will take place on 25 November during the ICA Global Cooperative Conference in New Delhi, India, in the presence of representatives from the highest offices at the United Nations, allied agencies, and selected member states. This follows a roundtable discussion on the strategy for the 2025 International Year of Cooperatives held among ICA members, apex federations, and government representatives.
Do not miss out on this extraordinary event!
Brief Overview:
On 19 June of 2024, the United Nations General Assembly officially proclaimed 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives. This global initiative highlights the critical role that cooperatives play in sustainable development, poverty eradication, and inclusive economic growth. Member states and cooperatives are encouraged to establish national committees to coordinate and promote activities throughout the year. The initiative calls for voluntary contributions to fund related activities, aiming to raise awareness and enhance the impact of cooperatives worldwide.
This agenda is a plan of action for people, the planet and prosperity. It seeks to strengthen universal peace and promote freedom. We recognise that eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions, including extreme poverty, is the greatest global challenge and an indispensable requirement for sustainable development. For more information on each of these points see the SDG 2030 Agenda.
UN Resolution proclaiming 2025 as the Interational Year of Cooperatives.
Pre-Launch Event:
The UN Committee for the Promotion and Advancement of Cooperatives (COPAC) and both the Mongolia's and Kenya's Permanent Mission to the UN, hosted a soft-launch event for the 2025 International Year of Cooperatives during the UN High-Level Political Forum on July 9, 2024 in New York City.
The UN soft launch event served as a pivotal platform to further explore the theme of IYC2025, unveil the comprehensive media package, and engage in discussions on UN resolutions outlining the modalities for the official IYC launch.
During the event, countries and institutions were urged to establish national and regional committees to spearhead the organization of events and activities marking the International Year. These committees will unite governments, cooperatives, UN agencies, and other stakeholders to promote cooperative values to the broader public. By the end of 2025, the aim is for cooperatives to gain greater visibility, operate in more supportive environments, and better assist Member States in achieving their sustainable development goals.
Recording of the Pre-Launch Event
