Last Updated:July 05, 2025, 07:10 IST
International Day of Cooperatives 2025: This annual event highlights the vital role cooperatives play in fostering economic growth, social inclusion and sustainable development.
International Day Of Cooperatives 2025: The theme for this year is “Cooperatives: Driving Inclusive and Sustainable Solutions for a Better World.” (AI generated image)
International Day of Cooperatives 2025: Also known as #CoopsDay, International Day Of Cooperatives, serves as a powerful reminder of the collective strength of people working together toward shared goals. Celebrated globally on the first Saturday of July, this annual event highlights the vital role cooperatives play in fostering economic growth, social inclusion and sustainable development. In 2025, it will be observed on Saturday, July 5.
Cooperatives are more than just economic entities; they are community-driven institutions that empower individuals, encourage democratic participation and support both local and global development. Whether in agriculture, finance, education, or healthcare, cooperatives create resilient networks where people help one another, putting values like solidarity, equality and mutual aid into action.
International Day of Cooperatives 2025: Theme
The theme for this year is “Cooperatives: Driving Inclusive and Sustainable Solutions for a Better World.” It highlights the unique ability of cooperatives to address global challenges through inclusive decision-making, grassroots participation and innovative solutions that benefit both people and the planet.
International Day of Cooperatives 2025: History
The roots of the cooperative movement can be traced back to the early 1900s, when communities around the world began organizing around shared economic needs and collective ownership models. Recognizing the growing impact of these organizations, the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) launched the first International Cooperative Day in 1923, celebrating the principles of cooperation and unity.
In 1995, the United Nations General Assembly officially proclaimed the first Saturday of July as the International Day of Cooperatives, aligning global recognition with the movement’s values and commemorating a century of cooperative progress.
International Day of Cooperatives 2025: Significance
The International Day of Cooperatives is more than just a celebration, it is a call to action. It reminds us of the power of collective effort to solve problems, share resources and build resilient communities.
Cooperatives operate on core principles such as:
- Voluntary and open membership
- Democratic member control
- Economic participation
- Autonomy and independence
- Education, training, and information
- Concern for community
- These values are crucial in addressing today’s global challenges.
- The day emphasizes the role cooperatives play in:
- Reducing inequality
- Promoting fair employment and decent work
- Fostering social inclusion
- Creating sustainable business models
- Empowering marginalized and vulnerable groups
International Day of Cooperatives 2025: Celebrations
Across the world, cooperatives, community organizations, government bodies and international agencies will mark the occasion through a variety of events and initiatives:
- Public Campaigns: Media outreach, exhibitions and awareness drives to educate people about the impact of cooperatives.
- Conferences and Webinars: Thought leaders and policymakers come together to explore how cooperatives can address today’s urgent economic and environmental challenges.
- Policy Advocacy: Cooperatives use the day to push for supportive legislation and more inclusive financial and governance structures.
- Youth & Leadership Programs: Special initiatives encourage youth engagement to ensure the future growth and evolution of the cooperative movement.
International Day of Cooperatives Quotes
- “Cooperatives are a shining example of how working together can create lasting positive change.”
- “Cooperatives are like stars—individually bright, but together they light up the world.”
- “When people unite under a common purpose, cooperatives become engines of transformation and empowerment.”
- “Cooperation isn’t just a strategy—it’s a mindset that leads to sustainable progress.”
- “Today, we honour those in the cooperative movement who are shaping a more inclusive, just and peaceful world.”
As we observe the International Day of Cooperatives 2025, let us recognise and celebrate the organisations and individuals who embody the spirit of collaboration. In a world facing economic, social and environmental challenges, cooperatives offer a hopeful and sustainable path forward – one built on unity, resilience and shared success.
Bhaswati Sengupta is a Sub-Editor at News18, where she works closely with the Web Stories and Photo Gallery team to create visually engaging and impactful digital content. She also contributes to Lifestyle sect…Read More
Bhaswati Sengupta is a Sub-Editor at News18, where she works closely with the Web Stories and Photo Gallery team to create visually engaging and impactful digital content. She also contributes to Lifestyle sect… Read More
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