Welcome to the United Nations
VNR Lab at HLPF 2025, New York – 15 July 2025
As part of the 2025 High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) and the UN International Year of Cooperatives (IYC2025), the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) and the UN Committee for the Promotion and Advancement of Cooperatives (COPAC) convened a Voluntary National Review (VNR) Lab at UN Headquarters, New York. The session, “Are Cooperatives Fit for Purpose? IYC2025 and the Road to Doha,” gathered Member States, UN agencies, cooperative leaders and development partners to explore how cooperatives advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and engage in national development reporting.
Cooperatives and the SDG Agenda
The Lab offered a strategic space to highlight cooperatives’ role in national SDG implementation and follow-up. It also built momentum toward the Second World Social Summit (Doha, November 2025), where the cooperative movement will present a global commitment plan to help deliver the SDGs in the final stretch to 2030.
Opening the session, Andrew Allimadi (UNDESA, COPAC Chair) stressed that cooperatives are not just contributors but key partners in shaping national SDG agendas. H.E. Ulziibayar Vangansuren (Mongolia) shared national experiences such as the New Cooperative – Wealthy Herder programme and called for strong legal and policy frameworks, including recognition of cooperatives in the Summit’s Political Declaration.
National VNR Experiences
Moderated by Joseph Njuguna (ICA), the dialogue featured:
Japan – Ms. Mariko Komatsu outlined a model approach, with 60+ cooperative references across eight SDGs, partnerships with 1,300+ municipalities, and strong legal support.
Chile – Mr. Andrés Diaz stressed government–cooperative partnerships for inclusive growth.
Guatemala – Mr. Helmer Herrera showcased gender equality and partnerships (SDGs 5 & 17) achieved through multi-stakeholder consultations.
Lesotho – Mr. Notsi Mokheseng highlighted community-based economic activities aligned with national strategies.
Cooperatives Driving Progress on Key SDGs
A technical panel illustrated cooperative action:
SDG 3 – Health cooperatives bridging service gaps (Dr. Carlos Zarco, Spain).
SDG 5 – Women’s empowerment through leadership and financial inclusion (Dr. Mallika Kumar, India; Ms. Pauline Effa, Cameroon).
SDG 8 – Worker cooperatives creating jobs and reducing inequality (Mr. Esteban Kelly, USA).
SDG 14 – Fishery cooperatives protecting marine ecosystems (Mr. Gabriele Verginelli, Italy).
SDG 17 – Regional partnerships for South–South cooperation (Dr. Rose Karimi, ICA Africa; Mr. Danilo Salerno, ICA Americas).
Key Insights and Gaps
In 2025, 35 countries submitted VNRs; 19 recognised cooperatives. While visibility is growing, many reports lack concrete strategies for integrating cooperatives into SDG planning, budgeting, and monitoring—highlighting the need for stronger advocacy and institutional inclusion.
Recommendations
Participants called for:
Formal inclusion of cooperatives in national SDG coordination and policy frameworks.
Proactive engagement by cooperatives with ministries, national plans, and UN Country Teams.
Greater donor and UN support for cooperative-led initiatives.
Explicit recognition of cooperatives in the World Social Summit’s Political Declaration.
Michelle Lau-Burke (ITC) closed the session by commending ICA and COPAC for fostering inclusive dialogue and emphasised the cooperative movement’s role as economic actors, service providers, and community anchors.
Road to Doha
The VNR Lab marked a key IYC2025 milestone, proving cooperatives’ capacity to deliver scalable, inclusive, and community-driven solutions. The ICA, COPAC, and Member States will close IYC2025 at the World Social Summit with the launch of the Global Cooperative Commitment Plan, outlining the movement’s contribution to the SDGs through 2030.
Member States and partners are invited to join the cooperative movement in Doha to advance inclusive, sustainable, and people-centred development.
