By Jeroen Douglas, DG, International Cooperative Alliance
As we stand at the threshold of 2026, we find ourselves at a historic crossroads. We are witnessing a tectonic shift in the global landscape: a move away from traditional multilateralism toward a fractured multipolarism. In a world where geopolitical regionalisation threatens to overshadow global unity, many feel the echoes of early warnings: a world where the “Force of Power” seeks to replace the “Force of Law.”
Why we are relevant in a new world order
In this era of capital-driven economies and rising tensions, the cooperative movement is not just a participant: it is the antidote. While the world may be fragmenting, cooperatives do not retreat. We speak a universal language of democracy, inclusion, and solidarity.
Our relevance has never been clearer. Following the momentum of the UN International Year of Cooperatives (IYC2025), we secured a landmark victory last December with the adoption of the UN Resolution to hold a global International Year of Cooperatives every single decade, starting in 2035. This ensures our movement remains the indispensable enterprise model for the UN’s most challenging goals – from poverty eradication to climate resilience – until 2035 and beyond.
Our roadmap: from strategy to action
2026 marks the official launch of our 2026–2030 Strategy: Practice, Promote and Protect. We are moving decisively from vision to implementation across three core pillars:
- Identity & Culture (our alpha): We are renewing our Statement on the Cooperative Identity, ensuring our core essence remains fit for 21st-century challenges. This includes the exciting implementation of the CulturalHeritage.coop programme, weaving our rich history into our future digital and social presence.
- Policy & Influence (our facilitator): We are closing the “awareness-to-legislation gap”. By harmonising legal frameworks and strengthening our voice within the G20, UN, ILO, FAO and also the ICJ, we are ensuring the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) is recognised as a global economic powerhouse.
- Growth & Impact (our omega): We are leveraging data and finance to grow our collective global impact from $3.7 trillion to $5 trillion USD by 2035, the next UN International Year of Cooperatives . With 321 members – our highest count since 1994 – our infrastructure is stronger than ever.
2026 Highlights: a year of global strength
Our calendar for 2026 is defined by high-level action and democratic renewal.
We invite you to join us at these pivotal moments:
- Policy & Advocacy (5–6 February): We will participate at the 64th UN Commission for Social Development, building on the momentum of the UN International Year of Cooperatives 2025 and the outcomes of the Second World Social Summit held in Doha where the Political Declaration explicitly recognised cooperatives and SSE actors as key contributors to decent work, inclusive finance, social protection, sustainable value chains, and community empowerment.
- On 6 and 7 May: A critical combined ICBA/ICA Conference in New York. This event will be a cornerstone of our global advocacy, positioning cooperative banking and enterprise at the heart of international finance discussions.
- Innovation & Leadership (29–30 June): The inaugural CM50 Leaders Summit. This C-suite business forum and newest ICA branch will focus on the future of work and the innovation pillar of our strategy, bringing together the movement’s top thinkers. With 5 strong commitments – resilient communities, access to cooperative (and mutuals) capital, cooperative and mutual digital ecosystem, global healthy food systems, and purposeful leadership & education – CM50 aims to work towards a new global economy.
- Democratic Renewal (14–17 September): The ICA Global Conference and elective General Assembly in Panama City, held in collaboration with ICA Americas. This will be a moment of leadership renewal as we elect a new Board to guide us through this pivotal decade.
- Celebrating Our Values: We will maintain our presence on the global stage during International Women’s Day (8 March), the International Day of Cooperatives (4 July), and through our ongoing partnership with the UN at the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) in July.
Focusing on member value
- We are investing in practical services that support member organisations. In 2026, ICA plans to work on an enhanced digital member platform, improving future access to research, data, training resources and peer exchange.
- Capacity-building initiatives—particularly in governance, leadership and cooperative innovation—will be strengthened across regions thanks to the ICA – EU partnership #coops4dev.
- We will deepen movement development and strengthening. As part of the #coops4dev program, ICA will work closely with regional offices and sectoral organisations to deliver more targeted and impactful activities. Legislative work, engagement with the UN on policy development, gender equality, youth engagement, leadership renewal and inter-cooperative collaboration will remain priorities, alongside continued support for cooperatives operating in fragile or crisis-affected contexts.
- The International Cooperative Entrepreneurship Think Tank (ICETT) is focusing on promoting its recently published report on cooperative benefits, highlighting the tangible value cooperatives create for their members and communities. ICETT will also host the World Cooperative Monitor (WCM) launch webinar this year to showcase the economic impact of large cooperatives and mutuals to further strengthen evidence-based dialogue and outreach.
- A homegrown, open-source, extensive database of cooperative law will be launched, establishing the ICA as the undisputed global authority, and serving member needs through the dedicated advisory firm that draws from internationally comparable information and knowledge on legislation.
My call to action
I encourage every one of you to practice, promote, and protect our unique enterprise model. Your membership and engagement are not administrative formalities – they are investments in a global infrastructure that protects your interests and amplifies your voice.
The first five years of our journey to 2030 have begun. We are proof that a business can put people and the planet first and still thrive. Let us move forward with courage, unity, and a shared commitment to building a more cooperative world.
The ICA Global Office is working closely with you all in this year ahead.
Wishing you a cooperative, resilient and prosperous 2026.