Co-operatives Build a Better World

Celebrating the International Year of Co-operatives 2025: “Co-operatives Build a Better World”

The United Nations has designated 2025 as the International Year of Co-operatives, with the inspiring theme “Co-operatives Build a Better World”. This global initiative aims to highlight the significant role that co-operatives play in fostering sustainable development and improving the lives of people around the world.

Why 2025?

Following the success of the 2012 International Year of Co-operatives, the UN General Assembly adopted a new resolution to proclaim 2025 as the second International Year of Co-operatives. This decision underscores the enduring impact of the co-operative model in addressing global challenges and accelerating efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

The Role of Co-operatives

Co-operatives are unique business entities that prioritize people over profit. They are owned and democratically controlled by their members, who share in the benefits and responsibilities of the enterprise. This model has proven to be resilient and effective in various sectors, including agriculture, finance, healthcare, and housing.

Key Objectives

The International Year of Co-operatives 2025 aims to:

• Raise Awareness: Increase public understanding of the co-operative model and its contributions to sustainable development.
• Promote Growth: Advocate for supportive legal and policy frameworks to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem for co-operatives.
• Foster Collaboration: Encourage partnerships between co-operatives, governments, civil society, and the private sector to drive inclusive development.
• Enhance Capacity: Support capacity-building initiatives and knowledge-sharing to empower co-operatives and their members.

Global Impact

Co-operatives have a profound impact on communities worldwide. They promote economic inclusion, enhance food security, and contribute to the well-being of vulnerable and marginalized populations. By focusing on the cooperative identity, enabling supportive policies, developing strong leadership, and building a sustainable future, co-operatives can continue to build prosperity for all.

Get Involved

As we celebrate the International Year of Co-operatives 2025, we invite everyone to join this global movement. Whether you are a member of a co-operative, a supporter of sustainable development, or simply curious about the co-operative model, there are many ways to get involved. Attend events, participate in discussions, and spread the word about the vital role co-operatives play in building a better world.

Together, let’s harness the power of co-operation to create a brighter, more sustainable future for all.