The International Year of Cooperatives Day Celebrations, held on 5th July 2025,
were marked across the globe by member countries. In Kenya, the day—locally
known as Ushirika Day (from the Kiswahili word ushirika, meaning
cooperation)—was celebrated with county-wide events. Cooperators, government
officials, and key stakeholders gathered in large numbers to commemorate the role
of cooperatives in economic and social transformation.
This year’s celebration also marked a significant milestone: one year since the
United Nations officially designated 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives
(IYC)—a move that has energized the cooperative movement worldwide.
Building on Global Momentum
According to Joseph Njuguna, Policy Director at the International Cooperative
Alliance (ICA), the global momentum within the cooperative sector is strong and
encouraging. He highlighted several landmark achievements that are helping to
elevate the visibility and influence of cooperatives on the world stage.
The soft launch of the IYC took place at the UN Headquarters in New York in July
2024, setting the tone for high-level engagement. This was followed by the official
launch during the ICA Global Conference in New Delhi, India, in November 2024—a
historic event graced by top leaders including India’s Prime Minister Narendra
Modi, ministers, and prominent cooperative leaders.
Cooperatives in UN Conversations
UN Secretary-General António Guterres addressed the conference through a video
message, emphasizing the vital role co-operatives play in promoting inclusive,
sustainable development. Notably, the 63rd UN Commission for Social
Development held a dedicated session on cooperatives for the first time, underlining
their role in fostering solidarity and social cohesion. “It was a powerful moment to
see cooperatives being recognized at such a high level,” Njuguna remarked.
The ICA also launched the Cooperative and Mutuals Leadership Circle (CM50)—a
new initiative bringing together leaders of large cooperative organizations to
advocate for the cooperative business model globally, and demonstrate its power to
accelerate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Global Engagement and Recognition
Cooperatives around the world have actively embraced the IYC, with over 100
events hosted by ICA members and partners in 2025. The official IYC logo has
received over 900 usage applications from 124 countries, and the IYC website has
attracted more than 50,000 visitors. Cooperatives have also shared their impact
stories through stories.coop, with 30 contributions submitted so far.
ICA partners—including the Committee for the Promotion and Advancement of
Cooperatives (COPAC), International Labour Organization (ILO), Food and
Agricultural Organization (FAO), UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs
(UNDESA), and the International Trade Centre (ITC)—have offered strong support.
“These UN agencies are key allies in advancing the cooperative agenda globally,”
Njuguna emphasized.
A Year with Purpose
When the IYC was launched, four key objectives were set:
1. Raise awareness about the impact of cooperatives.
2. Strengthen legal and policy frameworks that support the cooperative sector.
3. Foster multi-stakeholder partnerships, including inter-cooperative
collaboration.
4. Build capacity and leadership within the movement, especially among youth
and women.
According to Njuguna, progress toward these objectives is evident. Notable wins
include the widespread global use of the IYC logo and the adoption of pro-
cooperative political declarations—such as a recent resolution passed by the
Japanese Parliament promoting the cooperative model.
Looking Ahead: The Doha Summit
The upcoming Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2) in Doha,
Qatar, scheduled for November 2025, presents another critical opportunity. Njuguna
encouraged cooperatives to participate actively, as heads of state are expected to
adopt a political declaration that will guide the UN’s post-2030 development
agenda. Encouragingly, the draft declaration already includes references to
cooperatives.
“The declaration that comes out of Doha will shape global development priorities,”
Njuguna stated. “It’s vital for cooperatives to be at the table when those decisions
are made.”
While the official UN IYC closing event will take place at the WSSD2, celebrations
and cooperative-driven initiatives will continue throughout the remainder of 2025.
