On June 19, 2024, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives, underscoring the vital role cooperatives play in sustainable development. Objectives of the IYC 2025 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. Theme for 2025 This year’s theme “Cooperatives Build a Better World” underscores the enduring global impact of cooperatives, positioning them as essential solutions to today’s global challenges. It highlights their contributions to sustainable development across social, economic, and environmental dimensions, showing how cooperatives are key drivers in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. The theme also emphasizes the unique ability of cooperatives to foster inclusive growth and strengthen community resilience. Global Impact of Cooperatives There are approximately 3 million cooperatives worldwide, representing at least 1.2 billion members. These cooperatives span diverse sectors, including agriculture, banking, consumer, energy, fisheries, health, housing, insurance, and industry & services. Key Messages Cooperatives are people-centered enterprises that prioritize community needs over profit. Sustainability and inclusivity are at the core of cooperative models, making them vital partners for achieving the SDGs. Cooperatives empower communities by providing equitable opportunities for economic and social development. Innovation through collaboration: Cooperatives bring collective solutions to global challenges such as climate change and inequality Cooperatives and SDGs Cooperatives are uniquely positioned to drive sustainable development, embodying principles of inclusivity, equity, and people-centered growth. By prioritizing the needs of their members and communities, cooperatives contribute directly to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Whether promoting decent work, advancing gender equality, ensuring food security, or fostering climate resilience, cooperatives provide innovative, sustainable solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Through their collective impact, they demonstrate how businesses rooted in shared values can build a better world for all. Source : United Nations