Cooperatives: Building a better world through inclusion and sustainability

On 5 July, the United Nations celebrated the International Day of Cooperatives, honouring the unique contributions of cooperatives to inclusive and sustainable development. That year’s theme—Cooperatives: Driving Inclusive and Sustainable Solutions for a Better World—reflected the growing recognition of cooperative enterprises as essential actors in addressing global challenges.

From agriculture and housing to health care and finance, cooperatives empowered people through democratic ownership and collective decision-making. Rooted in communities, they were dedicated to serving members’ needs while promoting fairness, equity, and long-term resilience.

Cooperatives were also important partners in advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. They promoted decent work, gender equality, food security, social protection, and environmental sustainability. With over 1 billion members worldwide, cooperatives helped to reduce poverty and inequality while building strong local economies.

As the international community prepared for the Second World Summit for Social Development to be held in November 2025 in Doha, the role of cooperatives was more relevant than ever. Their values-driven approach offered a powerful model for social progress—one that placed people and planet at the centre.

On that International Day, the United Nations reaffirmed its support for the cooperative movement and called on all partners to scale up cooperative solutions that left no one behind.

For more information:

International Day of Cooperatives

2025 International Year of Cooperatives

Photo credit: UNDP Turkey

Source: UN DESA Voice Newsletter