On July 5, 2025, we proudly joined the global cooperative community in celebrating the International Day of Cooperatives under the inspiring theme:
“Driving Inclusive and Sustainable Solutions for a Better World.”
Held during the International Year of Cooperatives 2025, this day offered an opportunity to spotlight the powerful contributions cooperatives make in addressing local and global challenges — from strengthening democratic participation to advancing sustainable economic development.
To mark this occasion, IRU compiled a special Coops Day video featuring voices from across its international membership. In the video, cooperative representatives from Banque Raiffeisen (Luxembourg), Cera (Belgium), FECOPROD (Paraguay), Rabobank (Netherlands), Raiffeisen Südtirol (Italy) and Austrian Raiffeisen Association (Austria) shared their reflections on how cooperatives truly build a better world. Their messages emphasized the unique role of cooperatives in empowering people, fostering local development, and generating long-term value for members and communities alike.
“Because through cooperatives, people come together to forge their joint future for themselves and their communities.”
– FECOPROD, Paraguay
“Cooperatives in South Tyrol create added value by prioritizing people over profit.”
– Raiffeisen Südtirol, Italy
These examples are a testament to the vibrant, people-centered model that cooperatives represent — one that prioritizes inclusion, resilience, and solidarity in today’s complex world.
Watch the video here:
We extend a heartfelt thank you to all contributors for making this video possible and for sharing such compelling insights. Your engagement underscores the living spirit of the cooperative movement and its continued relevance in diverse regions and sectors.
