About IYC 2025

Father and daughter plant a native tree in the riparian border of their beef and sheep farm

In 2025, we celebrate the second International Year of Cooperatives, championing the role of cooperatives and mutuals in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals and building a better world.

The United Nationals General Assembly has declared 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives, following the first in 2012, recognising the immense contributions of cooperatives and mutuals to social and economic development.

Globally, IYC 2025 campaigns in countries around the world will focus on:

1. Raising public awareness

Highlight the contributions of cooperatives and mutuals to sustainable development.

2. Promoting growth and development

Strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem and establishments for cooperatives and mutuals.

3. Advocating for supportive frameworks

Encourage the creation of enabling legal and policy environments for cooperatives and mutuals globally.

4. Inspiring leadership

Foster purposeful leadership and engage youth in the cooperative and mutual movement.

Why cooperatives and mutuals?

Cooperatives and mutuals are unique, member-driven enterprises that balance profit with community well-being.

IYC 2025 theme

IYC 2025 underscores cooperatives’ vital role in countries around the world in advancing sustainable development, eradicating poverty and fostering inclusive economic growth.

The theme of the year, “cooperatives build a better world”, highlights the enduring global impact of cooperatives, positioning them as essential solutions to today’s global challenges.

It highlights their contributions to sustainable development across social, economic and environmental dimensions, showing how cooperatives are key drivers in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

The theme also emphasises the unique ability of cooperatives to foster inclusive growth and strengthen community resilience.

The IYC2025 logo is available for use with permission from COPAC and the United Nations. Learn more and apply to use it.

Cooperatives and mutuals build a better world.