Celebrating the UN’s 2025 International Year of Cooperatives
In 2025, as the United Nations marks the second ever International Year of Cooperatives (IYC2025), co-operatives worldwide will unite under the theme “Co-operatives Build a Better World.” This theme reflects the powerful and lasting impact that co-operatives have had in creating sustainable, resilient communities. Through this focus, the UN highlights co-operatives as essential partners in tackling global challenges and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
As a peak body for co-operatives in Australia, The Co-op Federation is thrilled to support this historic celebration by hosting an Assembly of Co-ops.
“This is only the second time the UN has dedicated a year to cooperatives, and this is not a coincidence. Driven by concern for all communities, cooperatives have successfully adapted to overcome the evolving challenges of our time and have shown repeatedly throughout history that together we are indeed building a better world.” — Ariel Guarco, President of the International Cooperative Alliance.
IYC2025 offers a unique opportunity to increase the visibility of co-operatives globally and advocate for the supportive legal and policy frameworks that help these enterprises thrive. The International Cooperative Alliance will be leading this year-long celebration with a focus on:
- Raising awareness about co-operatives’ contributions to sustainable development,
- Promoting growth and resilience through capacity-building, partnerships, and shared knowledge,
- Advocating for a supportive environment to enable co-operative innovation and entrepreneurship,
- Inspiring young people to join and sustain the movement for a better, more inclusive world.
Co-op Federation Assembly 2025: Australia Celebrates the UN’s International Year of Co-operatives
Join us in Sydney on Thursday, March 20, and Friday, March 21, 2025, to celebrate the UN’s International Year of Co-operatives (IYC2025) under the theme “Co-operatives Build a Better World.” This historic event highlights the role of Australian co-operatives in creating sustainable, resilient communities and advancing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Thursday – The Art Gallery of NSW (Meers Hall), 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Explore key themes and topics showcasing the impact of co-ops:
- Opening Panel: Building a Better Australia Through Co-ops
- The State of Australian Co-operatives
- The Great Debate: Co-operatives Can Build a Better Australia Today
- Co-operative Housing: Solving Australia’s Housing Crisis
- Marketing the Co-op Advantage
Keynote Speakers & Panels
Hear from co-op leaders, experts, and politicians, including:
- Hon Dr Andrew Leigh MP (Federal Assistant Minister)
- Cathy Main (CEO, Barossa Co-op, SA)
- Liz Thomas (Chair, Australian Housing Co-operative Alliance)
- Christian Johansson (Chief Marketing Officer, Beyond Bank)
- Drew Freeman (CEO, Tasmanian Independent Retailers)
- Greg Patmore (Emeritus Professor, University of Sydney)
- Jess Scully (Author)
- And many more!
Networking Drinks – Thursday, 6:00 pm
Join us for networking drinks at the Day Two venue in Surry Hills. Enjoy co-operatively brewed beverages, a co-operative musical performance, and the chance to connect with attendees while previewing the space for Friday’s sessions!
Friday – The Teachers Federation Conference Centre (Surry Hills), 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Day 2 is a member-led, interactive ‘un-conference’ designed for in-depth exploration of topics relevant to co-ops in the International Year. The program features workshops and discussions on:
- Sustainable food systems
- Co-op housing
- Agricultural supplies
- Indigenous enterprise
- Regenerative co-ops
- Arts co-ops
- Worker co-ops
- Youth engagement
- Collaborative leadership
- Capital raising
The day concludes with a plenary session reflecting on outcomes and the role of youth in shaping the co-operative movement.
Tickets & Subsidies
- Youth Delegates: Under-30s are invited to attend for free by applying here.
- Support Youth: Co-ops can sponsor young co-operators to attend. Contact Peter Tregilgas for details.
- Discounts: Member pricing is available for The Co-op Federation members and their members.
- Subsidised Tickets: Financial assistance is available. Apply by email.
Contact: Peter Tregilgas at peter@fed.coop | 0400 191 054
Let’s celebrate co-ops and build a better world together!
Venue Details – Day 2 NSW Teachers Federation Conference Centre – 37 Reservoir Street, Surry Hills
Calling Co-ops to Empower Young People
Do you employ or engage young people in your co-op? We want their voices at the Assembly!
We’re inviting co-ops to sponsor young people (under 30) to attend this landmark event. Whether you support a young person from your own co-op or sponsor a future leader you’ve never met, we want to inspire and learn from the next generation of co-operative leaders.
Co-ops have an incredible ability to last well beyond the involvement of their original founders, spanning across generations. Today, we’re seeing a new wave of young entrepreneurs eager to embrace co-ops as a more ethical, collaborative, and fairer business model. At the Co-op Federation, we’re noticing this growing interest in co-ops, with new ones being formed right now by a generation that wants to do business differently. We want to bring these two forces together—honouring the legacy of long-standing co-ops while succession planning for the future and inspiring the next wave of leaders. Let’s make this happen at this pivotal moment!
Please contact Peter Tregilgas if you would like to nominate a young person to attend via a bursary. peter@fed.coop
