Celebrating the UN’s 2025 International Year of Co-operatives
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.
Join Us in 2025
Mark your calendars for our upcoming Co-op Assembly on 20-21 March 2025 in Sydney – a gathering of co-operatives from across Australia.
Stay tuned for more updates, and let’s come together to showcase how Australian co-operatives are building a better world, one step at a time.
Stay tuned for more info coming soon!