Cooperatives: Building a better world through inclusion and sustainability

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

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

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

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

On this International Day, the United Nations reaffirms its support for the cooperative movement and calls on all partners to scale up cooperative solutions that leave no one behind.

For more information:

International Day of Cooperatives 

2025 International Year of Cooperatives 

Photo credit: UNDP Turkey