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.
The Co-operative Assembly spans two days in iconic Sydney venues: Thursday at the Art Gallery and Friday at the Teachers Federation.
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!
Thursday – The Art Gallery of NSW (Meers Hall) 9.00 am – 4 pm
Featuring key themes and topics showcasing co-ops’ impact:
- Opening Panel: Building a Better Australia Through Co-ops
- The State of Australian Co-operatives
- The Great Debate: Can Co-operatives Build a Better Australia Today?
- Co-operative Housing: Solving Australia’s Housing Crisis
- Marketing the Co-op Advantage
Keynote Speakers & Panels: Featuring co-op leaders, experts and politicians (across both days):
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- 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)
- Greg Patmore (Emeritus Professor, University of Sydney)
- Jess Scully (Author & former Deputy Lord Mayor of Sydney)
- Steve Anthony, Director, Supporting Independent Living Co-op
- Kylie Flament, CEO, SECNA
- Belinda Russon, CEO, Tranby Aboriginal Co-op
- Ben Davis, CEO, Yolla Producers Co-op
- Carolyn Suggate, Director, ORICoop (Organic & Regenerative Investment Co-op)
- Nathan MacPhee, Director, Invest in Farming Co-op
- Dr. Jarra Hicks (or alternate), Director, Community Power Agency Co-op
- Tom Reddington, National Director, CoPower (Co-operative Power Australia)
- Charlotte Fogerty-Henderson, Shop Manager, Maple Street Co-op
- Jane Tyler, Chair, Manly Food Co-op
- Caresse Cranwell, Director, Wicked Elephants Co-op
- Percolab Coop, leading a workshop on shared leadership in co-ops
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.
Half Price Tickets for Young Co-operators
Young people will shape the future of co-ops – and we want them in the room! To make it easier, we’re offering half-price tickets for young co-operators.
If you’re under 30 and co-op curious, you can attend the Assembly for half price. All we ask in return is that you participate in our youth panel presentation at the conclusion of day two.
It will be an inspiring and valuable two-day experience of learning, networking, and co-operative connections.
To secure the discount code, just email Molly at molly@fed.coop
General Discounts and Subsidies
- 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
