PURPOSE: The International Day of Cooperatives is observed every year on the first saturday of July. The aim of #CoopsDay is to increase awareness of cooperatives and promote the movement’s ideas of international solidarity, economic efficiency, equality, and world peace.Cooperatives represent at least 12% of people on earth who are members of any of the 3 million cooperatives worldwide. They play an important role in addressing the needs of their members and communities and in the process, they contribute towards the implementation of the SDGs. Through #CoopsDay, local, national and global policymakers, civil-society organisations and the public in general can learn about the contribution of cooperatives to a just future for all.
FORUM: "Cooperatives: Partners for accelerated Sustainable Development." International Day of Cooperatives 2023. On 1 July, the cooperative movement will celebrate the Day. United by the slogan Cooperatives for sustainable development, we will show how the cooperative way of working, inspired by the cooperative values and principles, has the accomplishment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as part of its DNA. In September 2023, the international community will mark the mid-point in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and seek ways to accelerate progress in the SDGs. It is thus a real key moment to demonstrate the contribution of cooperatives in advancing the achievement of the SDGs. Being one of the world’s oldest and largest business networks, the cooperative movement was the first group of enterprises worldwide to endorse the SDGs and be recognised as a partner in achieving these goals. As natural vehicles of collaborative partnership and prosperity for all, cooperatives contribute to economic, social, and environmental sustainability across regions and economic sectors. It is inherent among them to safeguard community relations, enhance local resources, advocate social responsibility, and adopt sustainable and long-term business practices. Learn more on how Cooperatives help to move forward the United Nations 2030 Agenda and make SDGs a reality. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #coops4sdgs, #CoopsDay, #1july, #Sustainability, #Cooperatives.
EVENTS:This year’s ICA event theme is “Cooperatives: partners for accelerated sustainable development” and the celebration will mark the 29th International Day of Cooperatives recognized by the United Nations and the 101st International Cooperative Day. Through the Day, local, national, and international policymakers, civil society organisations and the public in general can learn about the contribution of cooperatives to a just and sustainable future for all. The International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) invites cooperators everywhere to spread the word about the Agenda 2030. Explore the Agenda Programme!
STATEMENTS: “At the mid-point of the 2030 Agenda, efforts need to be deepened, and this can only be done with more cooperation. Enterprises, which are responsible for organising the production and distribution of goods and services, must focus on people and the planet. Cooperatives have a model for doing this, and have been demonstrating it for almost 200 years'', says the President of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), Ariel Guarco.
CAMPAIGN MATERIALS: .The ICA invites cooperators across the globe to celebrate the International Day of Cooperatives and show the world what can be achieved through the power of cooperation. The 2023 #CoopsDay action pack including the logo, key messages and other digital resources. Join the #coops4sdgs campaign!
WHY WE CELEBRATE THE DAY?
The United Nations recognizes and reaffirms the role of cooperatives in economic, social and cultural development and in the achievement of social policy objectives as shown in various resolutions specific to cooperatives and the biennial publication of the Secretary-General’s report on the role of cooperatives in social development.
In resolution 47/90 of 16 December 1992, the General Assembly proclaims “the first Saturday of July 1995 to be International Day of Cooperatives, marking the centenary of the establishment of the International Cooperative Alliance, and decides to consider the possibility of observing an international day of cooperatives in future years …”.
ACTIONS
Co-operatives around the world celebrate the Day in many different ways. Below are examples of some of the activities organised by co-operatives around the world:
The messages of the ICA and United Nations are translated into local languages and widely disseminated to co-operators, media, government officials at all level.
Co-operatives use newspapers and radio programmes to create awareness on their movements and contributions.
Co-operative Fairs, exhibits, contests, and campaigns are held.
Meetings with government officials, United Nations agencies and other partner organisations are held.
Co-operatives partner with community agencies to champion economic, environmental, social and health challenges (blood drives, tree planting, etc.)
Cultural events are sponsored – theatre, concerts, etc.
PARTNERSHIPS
The International Day of Cooperatives is hosted by the The International Cooperative Alliance (ICA); The United Nations Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA); The Committee for the Promotion and Advancement of Cooperatives (COPAC); The International Labour Organization (ILO); The World Bank; The European Confederation for Industries and Services (CECOP) The World Organisation for Cooperatives in Industry and services (CICOPA) and The Global Cooperative Network.
The ICA’s members are international and national cooperative organisations from all sectors of the economy, including agriculture, banking, consumer, fisheries, health, housing, insurance, and industry & services.