The International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) has marked 131 years of the global cooperative movement, highlighting the enduring role of cooperation in bringing people together across generations, countries and changing historical circumstances.
In a social media message, the ICA said cooperation has consistently united people around shared needs and common ground, reflecting the movement’s longstanding commitment to collective action and mutual benefit.
The global cooperative movement today represents more than 3 million cooperatives and over one billion members worldwide, underscoring its extensive reach and continued relevance across economies and communities.
The ICA’s anniversary message celebrated the journey of cooperation from its origins to its present global scale, while emphasising the ability of cooperatives to connect people despite differences in geography, generations and circumstances.
The milestone comes as cooperatives continue to operate across diverse sectors, including agriculture, dairy, banking, housing, retail, manufacturing and services. Through member-owned and democratically governed enterprises, cooperatives provide millions of people with opportunities to participate directly in economic activity and community development.
The ICA, the global apex organisation representing cooperatives, has played a central role in promoting cooperative identity, principles and values internationally. Its network brings together cooperative organisations from countries across the world.
Marking 131 years, the ICA’s message also highlighted the continuing strength of a movement built around solidarity, shared responsibility and collective ownership, with more than one billion members forming its global community.
