On January 16, the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) published a statement marking the beginning of 2025, the International Year of Cooperatives. This second international year dedicated to the cooperative business model —the first was in 2012—aims to recognize and promote Cooperatives and the Social Economy for their contribution to creating a fairer and more equal world.
The statement highlights the slogan chosen for the occasion: “Cooperatives build a better world,” reflecting the enduring mission of the cooperative movement and the values of the Social Economy.
“The cooperative spirit remains strong, a symbol of hope in a world often driven by profit over people and individualism over collective interest,” wrote ICA Director General Jeroen Douglas.
The ICA emphasizes that the cooperative movement represents “a global network of communities, businesses, and shared dreams” and that every cooperative, “from small credit unions to large agricultural cooperatives, is vital in weaving this intricate and colorful fabric”.
Strength in Unity
The ICA, leading the global cooperative movement for 130 years, continues to support cooperatives worldwide. As Douglas notes, decades of history have demonstrated the transformative power of cooperation in empowering communities, fostering economic growth and promoting social inclusion.
“We have united globally to tackle challenges such as affordable housing and environmental sustainability. Cooperatives have also provided essential services like healthcare, supported local economies and empowered people to take control of their destinies,” the statement adds.
A Key Role in Achieving the SDGs
According to the ICA, in the Social Economy, “we all play a critical role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). People-centred enterprises can drive social change and environmental impact.” Cooperatives have consistently championed policies supporting sustainable development, social justice, and economic democracy.
The ICA stresses the need for the movement to evolve and grow to secure greater representation in the global economy by focusing on innovation, equity, self-help, social responsibility, and solidarity.
A Year of Action for a Cooperative Future
The International Year of Cooperatives 2025 will conclude with the second Global Social Development Summit in November in Qatar. The ICA urges CM50 members (the global network of leading cooperatives and mutuals) to present the ‘Act for a Cooperative Future’ and a commitment plan to accelerate SDG progress and increase cooperative participation in the global economy.
The ICA calls this “a unique opportunity to showcase the transformative power of the cooperative movement worldwide.” It encourages leveraging the International Year of Cooperatives 2025 to amplify voices, forge new partnerships, and strengthen commitments to building a better world.
