Dear Cooperators and Youth Leaders,

Happy International Year of Cooperatives!

As we embark on 2025, the International Year of Cooperatives, we are reminded of the transformative power of cooperatives in driving sustainable development and strengthening communities worldwide. This year serves as both a celebration and a call to action—a time to reflect, innovate, and reimagine how cooperatives can address the world’s most pressing challenges.

Youth stand at the forefront of this movement. With their energy, creativity, and passion, young cooperators are shaping the future through bold ideas, digital innovation, and socially responsible leadership. Their active participation not only strengthens the cooperative model but also ensures its adaptability in an ever-evolving world.

At the ICA-AP Committee on Youth Cooperation (ICYC), we remain committed to fostering youth engagement in cooperatives. Through initiatives such as the Coop Pitch, Youth Summits, and capacity-building programs, we provide platforms for young leaders to learn, collaborate, and drive meaningful change. This year, we are also amplifying the Go Green Campaign, which connects youth with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through climate action. By empowering young cooperators to champion environmental sustainability and lead impactful initiatives, we aim to inspire a greener, more resilient future.

Let 2025 be the year we invest in the next generation of cooperative leaders—encouraging them to dream big, lead boldly, and cooperate for a better tomorrow. Together, we can ensure that cooperative principles remain a guiding light of hope and progress for generations to come.

I invite all stakeholders to join us in celebrating and advancing the International Year of Cooperatives. Let’s make 2025 a milestone year for cooperatives and youth worldwide.

In solidarity and cooperation,

Atty. Dulce S. Bustamante

Chairperson, ICA-AP Committee on Youth Cooperation (ICYC)