Across Asia and the Pacific, Cooperatives Celebrated CoopsDay 2026 in Their Own Unique Ways
From youth dialogues and tree planting drives to international forums, leadership conversations, and national celebrations, our members marked the International Day of Cooperatives 2026 with creativity, purpose, and a shared commitment to this year’s theme, “Cooperatives for a Peaceful World.”
While the message was universal, the celebrations reflected the rich diversity of the cooperative movement across the region.
In the Philippines, AgriCOOPh celebrated the day by reaffirming its commitment to empowering farmers, fisherfolk, and forestry cooperatives. Highlighting initiatives in capacity building, market linkages, public food procurement, and sustainable livelihoods, the organisation showcased how strengthening cooperatives contributes to food security, resilient communities, and lasting peace.
Also in the Philippines, NATCCO brought cooperators together through an online forum exploring the connection between peace and development. Experts discussed how cooperatives foster stability, strengthen communities, and create environments where collaboration replaces conflict, reinforcing the movement’s role in building peaceful societies.
The Co-operative College of the Philippines hosted a special virtual information session featuring prominent cooperative leaders from the global, regional, and national levels, including International Cooperative Alliance – Asia and Pacific (ICA-AP) Regional Director Mr. Balasubramanian Iyer. The event created a platform for dialogue on cooperative leadership, education, and collaboration, demonstrating how partnerships across organisations help shape a more peaceful and inclusive future.
The Youth Connect Cooperative (YCC) in the Philippines convened its Regular and Associate Members for a community call to reflect on achievements during the first half of 2026 and discuss how youth-led cooperatives can continue creating opportunities in an increasingly digital world. The session provided a platform for members to reconnect, exchange ideas, share updates on YCCâs initiatives and partnerships, and strengthen member engagement. Aligned with the theme “Cooperatives for a Peaceful World,” the activity highlighted the role of youth cooperatives in fostering dialogue, collaboration, and shared responsibility to build more inclusive and resilient communities.
In India, cooperatives across the country celebrated the Cooperative Week from 29 June to 4 July. The National Cooperative Union of India (NCUI) organized a series of nationwide thematic activities to promote cooperative values and innovation. Key initiatives included the Sahakar Samvad Diwas (College Dialogues Youth Campaign), which engaged students on the cooperative model, democratic enterprise, and sustainable development; AI and Technology Day, highlighting the application of artificial intelligence and digital technologies in the cooperative sector; and Farmers’ Honor Day, where outstanding farmers were recognized and participants learned about cooperative development and the National Cooperative Policy 2025. Through interactive discussions, awareness sessions, and stakeholder engagement, NCUI encouraged youth participation, digital transformation, and member-centered cooperative development while reinforcing the role of cooperatives in building peaceful and sustainable communities.
Environmental action took centre stage at KRIBHCO, which organised a nationwide tree plantation drive across multiple states during National Cooperative Week celebrations. Bringing together employees, cooperative institutions, and stakeholders, the initiative highlighted the close relationship between environmental sustainability, community participation, and the cooperative principle of concern for community.
Meanwhile, in Nepal, the National Cooperative Federation of Nepal (NCF Nepal) organised a grand celebration of the country’s 104th International Cooperative Day. The event brought together government officials, cooperative leaders, and stakeholders to discuss the sector’s contribution to economic and social development, while recognising outstanding cooperative organisations and individuals through national awards. The celebration reflected Nepal’s long standing commitment to the global cooperative movement and its belief that cooperation remains a pathway to prosperity and peace.
The Central Cooperative Society (CCS) of Myanmar commemorated CoopsDay in Nay Pyi Taw, bringing together cooperatives from across the country to celebrate the contributions of the cooperative movement to sustainable and inclusive development. A key feature of the celebration was an exhibition showcasing a wide range of cooperative products from different regions of Myanmar, highlighting the diversity, innovation, and economic impact of cooperatives in supporting local communities and livelihoods. During the official ceremony, participants also joined the global cooperative movement by reading the message from the ICA President, Mr. Airel Guarco, reaffirming their commitment to building a peaceful world.
The Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals (BCCM) promoted the global theme, “Cooperatives for a Peaceful World,” through its #PowerofCo campaign. The campaign highlighted how the Seven Cooperative Principles contribute to building inclusive, democratic, and resilient communities, while encouraging greater public awareness of the cooperative business model. BCCM also joined the ICA and ICA-AP in celebrating the role of cooperatives in advancing peace, trust, and sustainable development.
These are just a few snapshots from a much larger celebration that unfolded across the ICA-AP region. From large national gatherings to local community events, educational programmes, cultural activities, webinars, volunteer initiatives, and cooperative outreach, members across Asia and the Pacific embraced CoopsDay with warmth, enthusiasm, and an unwavering cooperative spirit.
What made this year’s CoopsDay especially meaningful was not only the variety of activities, but also the common purpose behind them. Across different countries, cultures, and cooperative sectors, members demonstrated that peace is built through dialogue, participation, mutual support, and collective action. They showed that cooperation is more than a business model. It is a way of bringing people together, strengthening communities, and creating opportunities for all. Throughout these celebrations, one message resonated across the region: cooperation continues to inspire hope, build trust, and connect people.