Building a better world together: cooperative contributions to the SDGs

Reduce inequality within and among countries. This report by the International Cooperative Alliance examines how cooperatives contribute to reducing inequality within and among countries, with a particular focus on Sustainable Development Goal 10.

Produced as part of the Building a better world together series for the United Nations International Year of Cooperatives 2025, the report brings together global evidence, case studies, and policy analysis to demonstrate how cooperative and mutual business models address economic, social, and structural inequalities.

It highlights the role of cooperatives in expanding access to decent work, financial services, energy, housing, and markets, particularly for groups that are often excluded from traditional economic systems. The report also illustrates how democratic ownership and member control help ensure that economic value is distributed more equitably and reinvested in communities.

Drawing on examples from agriculture, finance, retail, energy, digital platforms, and social care, the report shows how cooperatives operate across diverse contexts to strengthen resilience, protect human rights, and support inclusive growth.

Report at a glance

• Publisher: International Cooperative Alliance

• Year: 2025 

• Focus: Cooperative contributions to reducing inequality and advancing SDG 10

• Geographic scope: International 

• Format: PDF report 

• Audience: Policymakers, researchers, cooperative leaders, development practitioners

Why this report matters

Reducing inequality is a central global policy challenge, and this report provides clear evidence of how cooperative and mutual enterprises contribute practical, scalable solutions.

The report is frequently relevant to governments, international organisations, and development agencies seeking inclusive economic models that combine commercial activity with social outcomes. It demonstrates how cooperatives support fairer labour practices, improve access to essential services, and strengthen participation in economic decision-making.

For New Zealand audiences, the report offers valuable international context for conversations about productivity, social cohesion, regional development, and resilience. It reinforces the relevance of cooperative and mutual models in addressing issues such as access to capital, workforce inclusion, energy transition, and long-term community wellbeing.

Key themes explored

• Cooperative contributions to reducing income and opportunity inequality

• Democratic ownership as a mechanism for fair value distribution

• Case studies of cooperatives supporting marginalised communities

• The role of cooperatives in decent work, social protection, and inclusion

• Policy and regulatory settings that enable cooperative impact

• Alignment with international frameworks, including the Sustainable Development Goals and ILO Recommendation 193

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