ICA unveils theme for CoopsDay 2026: Cooperatives for a Peaceful World
The ICA said the theme reflects the cooperative model’s capacity to bring people together, strengthen social cohesion and advance inclusive, peaceful societies
KAMPALA, May 4, 2026 — The International Cooperative Alliance [ICA] has unveiled “Cooperatives for a Peaceful World” as the theme for the 2026 International Day of Cooperatives [CoopsDay], underscoring the sector’s role in fostering unity and stability.
The ICA said the theme reflects the cooperative model’s capacity to bring people together, strengthen social cohesion and advance inclusive, peaceful societies. It also serves as a call to action for cooperatives worldwide to play a more active role in peacebuilding.
According to the organisation, cooperatives act as “bridge-builders” by fostering dialogue, supporting recovery and enhancing resilience in an increasingly fragmented global environment.
The announcement comes two months ahead of CoopsDay, which will be observed on July 4, 2026. The day has been marked by the global cooperative movement since 1923 and was formally recognised by the United Nations in 1995 to highlight the sector’s contribution to economic development, sustainability and social justice.
The 2026 theme also aligns with the ICA Global Conference in Panama this September, themed “Building Bridges: Cooperative Contributions for a Peaceful World”. The conference will examine how cooperatives help foster peace by connecting communities, encouraging participation and promoting inclusive development.
The ICA pointed to its 2019 Declaration on Positive Peace through Cooperatives, which calls for stronger commitment and action by the movement to promote peaceful and inclusive societies.
ICA Director-General Jeroen Douglas said cooperatives contribute not only to the absence of conflict but also to the presence of justice, inclusion and trust — key pillars of what he described as “positive peace”.
“Across sectors and regions, cooperatives strengthen local economies, expand access to essential services, promote democratic participation and create opportunities for all, while fostering trust and solidarity,” he said.
The theme is also aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 16 on peace, justice and strong institutions. The ICA, in partnership with the Committee for the Promotion and Advancement of Cooperatives, is preparing a policy brief on cooperatives’ role in peacebuilding as part of the International Year of Cooperatives 2025 policy series.
CoopsDay is held annually on the first Saturday of July to raise awareness of the contribution of cooperatives to development and peace. The 2026 celebrations will mark the 104th International Cooperative Day and the 32nd UN International Day of Cooperatives.
The theme is jointly selected by the ICA and COPAC in consultation with UN partners, including the International Labour Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization, among others.
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