“We represent 1.2 billion cooperative members. There is no other economic, social and political movement in the world that in less than 200 years has probably grown as much as we have. But growth is not the most important thing. We consume, produce and use the resources that the planet gives us but in solidarity with the environment and with our communities. That is why we are a key partner for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” says the President of the International Cooperative Alliance, Ariel Guarco.
“Sustainable societies through cooperation” is the major theme cooperatives across the countries are seized with. Through the slogan Sustainable societies through cooperation we will show how, thanks to our values, principles and governance structures, cooperatives have sustainability and resilience at their core, with concern for community as the seventh of their guiding principles, said ICA President.
To increase awareness of cooperatives and to highlight the goals and objectives of the United Nations and the international cooperative movement, cooperators around the world will celebrate the International Day of Cooperatives on 7th July, 2018.
The United Nations International Day of Cooperatives is celebrated annually on the first Saturday of July. This is going to be 96the International Cooperative Day and 24th United Nations International Day of Cooperatives, reads a press release from ICA.
The International Cooperative Alliance is encouraging its members to use the hashtag #CoopsDay and the Cooperators guide to spread the word.
While a recent report by PwC showed that two in five firms are still either ignoring or having no meaningful engagement with SDGs, cooperatives are leading the way. Cooperatives have a unique contribution to make to delivering all the Sustainable Development Goals and their associated targets.
In 2016, the International Cooperative Alliance launched the campaign www.Coopsfor2030.coop to show cooperatives’ commitment to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and celebrate the cooperative contribution to making the world a better place.
“On the International Day of Cooperatives, we are going to show the world that it is possible to grow with democracy, equity and social justice. That our societies cannot continue wasting resources and excluding people. That we must improve the present and preserve the future for the next generations. And that we are proud to be part of this movement. A movement with values and principles. A movement committed to social justice and environmental sustainability,” says Mr Guarco.