Celebrating theInternational Year ofCooperatives 2025in Asia Pacific
Join the movement that celebrates cooperation, solidarity, and sustainable development across our region
Share your IYC 2025 celebrationsAbout IYC 2025
In a landmark decision on 19 June 2024, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly proclaimed 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives (IYC 2025), recognizing the essential role cooperatives play in advancing sustainable development, social inclusion, and economic growth.
Under the theme "Cooperatives Build a Better World," IYC 2025 highlights how cooperatives provide people-centered solutions and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
Objectives of IYC
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Raise Public Awareness
Highlight the contributions of cooperatives to sustainable development.
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Promote Growth and Development
Strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem and establishments for cooperatives.
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Advocate for Supportive Frameworks
Encourage the creation of enabling legal and policy environments for cooperatives globally.
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Inspire Leadership
Foster purposeful leadership and engage youth in the cooperative movement.
Cooperatives and SDGs
The Committee for the Promotion and Advancement of Cooperatives (COPAC) has launched a new series of SDG policy briefs under the theme "Building a Better World Together" to mark the IYC 2025. These briefs are prepared by COPAC and the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) under the #Coops4Dev partnership, with contributions from ICA regional offices and sectoral organizations.
Know MoreIYC 2025 offers a unique opportunity to amplify our cooperative voice, demonstrate our collective strength, and push for real change. Together, let us make this year a landmark celebration that reaffirms our commitment to "Cooperatives Build a Better World!"
Dr. Chandrapal Singh Yadav
ICA-AP President
This is the second time in history that the UN has dedicated an international year to cooperatives, and this is not a coincidence. Cooperatives are present in every aspect of our lives, and answering to each of the SDGs, everywhere
Ariel Guarco
ICA PresidentWe call to cooperators worldwide to share their pride for what cooperatives are doing to build a better world, and to take advantage of the International Year of Cooperatives in 2025
Jeroen Douglas
ICA Director GeneralCooperatives demonstrate the importance of standing together to forge solutions to global challenges. Their united efforts are essential as the world confronts complex challenges and strives to advance the Sustainable Development Goals.
António Guterres
UN Secretary GeneralSnapshots from the Region
Discover inspiring moments, celebrations, and achievements from cooperatives across Asia-Pacific as we build toward IYC 2025
Calendar of Events
Join us throughout 2025 for exciting events, workshops, and celebrations as we mark the International Year of Cooperatives
19th ICA Asia-Pacific Research Conference
Sunday, November 23, 2025 - Monday, November 24, 2025
17th ICA-AP Regional Assembly & Related Events
Monday, November 24, 2025 - Friday, November 28, 2025
Taste of Australia Dinner and Honour Roll
Thursday, October 23, 2025
2025 BCCM Leaders’ Summit
Friday, October 24, 2025
5th International Conference on Cooperatives (ICOOP2025)
Thursday, November 20, 2025 - Friday, November 21, 2025
2nd International Conference on Iran’s Cooperative Economy
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
Get Involved & Share Your Story
The UN resolution encourages its Member States, cooperatives, and stakeholders to actively celebrate through local initiatives and establish national committees to coordinate year-long activities.
We are working together to create more awareness, share stories of action, and celebrate the power of cooperatives!
International Day of Cooperatives
Theme - Cooperatives: Driving Inclusive and Sustainable Solutions for a Better World