Welcome to the information hub for the International Year of Cooperatives 2025 (IYC 2025), an initiative declared by the United Nations to celebrate and promote the pivotal role of cooperatives worldwide in achieving sustainable development and improving the quality of life through the cooperative idea. This page serves as a resource hub for all IRU member organisations, providing essential tools and information regarding the IYC 2025.

 

About the International Year of Cooperatives 2025

The United Nations has proclaimed 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives, a historic recognition that will be celebrated worldwide. The International Year of Cooperatives 2025 highlights the transformative potential of cooperatives in building resilient communities, fostering economic inclusion, and achieving global goals like the SDGs. As a unique business model grounded in shared values of self-help, democracy, and solidarity, cooperatives empower millions of people worldwide.

Under the theme “Cooperatives Build a Better World”, the year emphasizes the global importance of cooperatives in fostering economic and social development. The UN highlights their critical contributions to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), addressing pressing global challenges like poverty, inequality, climate change, and education.

In his statement to the cooperative community, UN Secretary-General António Guterres remarked, 

 

 

 

 

Objectives of the International Year of Cooperatives 2025

Raise Public Awareness

Highlight the contributions of cooperatives to sustainable development.

Promote Growth and Development

Strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem and establishments for cooperatives.

Advocate for Supportive Frameworks

Encourage the creation of enabling legal and policy environments for cooperatives globally.

Inspire Leadership

Foster purposeful leadership and engage youth in the cooperative movement.

The Official Logo

The IYC2025 logo illustrates people around the world connecting with each other to build a better world. It consists of three colours inspired by the Sustainable Development Goals graphic identity, with red representing societyl, blue representing the economy, and green representing the environment. Together this represents the contributions cooperatives make towards sustainable development.

The logo is available in multiple languages.

Support the
International Year of Cooperatives 2025

Throughout the year, we will work together to raise awareness about the cooperative enterprise model. The UN General Assembly encourages establishing national coordination mechanisms for IYC activities, ensuring that global messages reach stakeholders at all levels. 

  • Governments & Policymakers: Develop supportive policies and regulatory frameworks that foster cooperative growth.
  • Cooperatives: Highlight your role in sustainable development, nurture leadership, and collaborate with other cooperatives.
  • Institutions & Development Agencies: Promote education, capacity building, and international cooperation to strengthen cooperatives.
  • The Public: Learn how cooperatives drive sustainability and support local cooperative initiatives.

Spread the Word! Use the official logo, visual identity, and hashtags (#iyc2025 #coopsyear #cooperativesbuildabetterworld) to highlight activities. Help us maximize the impact of IYC2025!

 

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Guy Hoffmann

Banque Raiffeisen Luxembourg

 

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Guy Hoffmann

Banque Raiffeisen Luxembourg

 

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Guy Hoffmann

Banque Raiffeisen Luxembourg

 

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Guy Hoffmann

Banque Raiffeisen Luxembourg

 

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The Global Launch of the International Year of Cooperatives 2025

The global launch of the International Year of Cooperatives 2025 (IYC 2025) took place in November 2024, marking the start of a year dedicated to highlighting the vital role cooperatives play in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. For the first time in its 130-year history, the ICA Global Cooperative Conference was held in India. This historic biennial event officially inaugurated the United Nations International Year of Cooperatives 2025 in the presence of global leaders.

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Exclusive Media Package for IRU Member Organisations

Through this global celebration, the United Nations, in collaboration with COPAC, aims to:

  • Raise public awareness about cooperatives and their impact.
  • Encourage collaboration among cooperative stakeholders.
  • Promote innovative strategies to advance the cooperative movement.

IRU, as a long-standing advocate for the cooperative movement, is proud to support this initiative by enabling its member organisations to access exclusive materials provided by COPAC.

IRU member organisations can access the official IYC 2025 Media Package provided by COPAC and the United Nations. This package includes:

  • The official IYC 2025 logo in various formats.
  • Pre-designed social media posts ready for sharing.
  • Templates for buttons, t-shirts, banners, and rollups.
  • A comprehensive identity toolkit outlining proper usage of all materials.

To access the the media package site, the official IYC-2025 Visual Brand Identity Guidelines must be read and consented to.

Important: All members are required to adhere strictly to the usage guidelines outlined in the identity toolkit provided in the package. These guidelines ensure consistent and proper representation of the IYC 2025 brand globally. In order to access the materials, you must click adherence to the Brand Identity Guidelines.

Social Media and Hashtags

Amplify your cooperative’s voice during the International Year of Cooperatives 2025 by engaging on social media! Use the following official hashtags to join the global conversation:

  • #IYC2025
  • #WeAreCoops
  • #CoopImpact
  • #CoopYear

When posting, consider highlighting how your organisation contributes to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, showcases innovative cooperative practices, or engages with local communities. Pre-designed posts included in the media package will help you get started.