The International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) has announced the theme for the 2025 International Day of Cooperatives (CoopsDay): “Cooperatives: Driving Inclusive and Sustainable Solutions for a Better World.” Scheduled for 5 July 2025, this year’s observance takes on added significance as it falls within the United Nations’ International Year of Cooperatives (IYC2025).
This rare, decade-spanning occasion aims to spotlight the vital role cooperatives play in fostering resilient, equitable, and sustainable communities around the globe. Amid growing global challenges such as economic instability, environmental degradation, social inequality, and fragile support systems, the 2025 theme underscores the urgency and relevance of cooperative-driven development.
Cooperatives have long demonstrated their potential to provide people-centered, inclusive, and sustainable solutions, offering practical models for addressing systemic problems.
The timing of CoopsDay 2025 aligns with two significant global policy initiatives: the Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2) and the United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF).
The former will focus on social inclusion, poverty eradication, and sustainability, while the latter will review global progress on several key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including those related to health, gender equality, economic growth, marine life, and international partnerships.
By syncing with these international forums, CoopsDay aims to elevate the visibility of cooperative solutions as essential tools in tackling these pressing development challenges.
Cooperatives span every sector of the global economy—from agriculture and finance to healthcare, energy, and education—and operate on principles of democratic governance and shared ownership. Their contributions are widely recognized for enhancing economic democracy, advancing social justice, and promoting ecological balance.
According to ICA Director General Jeroen Douglas, the 2025 theme celebrates the global cooperative movement’s collective strength and its values-based approach to business. Wenyan Yang, Chair of COPAC, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that cooperatives offer a democratic and solidarity-based model of development especially relevant during times of global uncertainty.
As part of IYC2025, CoopsDay will offer cooperatives worldwide a platform to build partnerships, expand outreach, and share their stories. A redesigned logo and media kit have been released to help raise awareness and encourage participation. Supporters are invited to engage through updated digital platforms, share their experiences, and join a growing global movement for inclusive and sustainable change.
Celebrated annually since 1923 and officially recognized by the United Nations since 1995, CoopsDay continues to spotlight cooperatives’ contributions to peace and development. In 2025, the day marks both the 103rd International Cooperative Day and the 31st UN-recognized observance, jointly organized by ICA and COPAC in collaboration with key UN agencies.