KAMPALA, May 7, 2024 – This year on July 6, cooperatives around the world will celebrate the International Day of Cooperatives with the theme “Cooperatives Build a Better Future for All.”
According to the International Cooperative Alliance [ICA], which is the voice of cooperatives worldwide, cooperatives around the world will have the opportunity to showcase their current and historical contributions to building a sustainable future, accelerating efforts to implement the Sustainable Development Goals [SDG] by 2030. The theme aligns well with the objectives of the upcoming UN Summit of the Future whose theme is “Multilateral solutions for a better tomorrow”.
The cooperative identity, values, and principles set a strong system for achieving the SDGs. For the 2024 #CoopsDay, cooperatives can showcase their high standards for inclusive and sustainable growth, and serve as stewards for protecting the environment and fighting climate change,” says the ICA in a press release.
The ICA notes that through dialogue, democratic governance, and shared ownership, cooperatives set an example for peace and stability, bringing people from diverse backgrounds together on equal terms, and fostering mutual understanding and respect. “The cooperative youth are empowered to lead the way by giving them opportunities, transferring knowledge, and ensuring diversity, equity and equality for all.”
The 2023 UN Secretary-General Report on Cooperatives in Social Development acknowledged that cooperatives have a track record of promoting the economic and social development of all people including marginalised groups. Cooperatives consistently show their resilience in times of social and economic crises.
The United Nations recognises the cooperative movement as its key partner in accelerating sustainable development and calls on its member states to support and strengthen cooperatives’ entrepreneurial ecosystems. This can increase their capacity to create more social, economic, and environmental impact in society.
“As we celebrate the significant and often quiet contributions of cooperatives, it is also time for us to reflect on what we have accomplished to build a better future, and what we can do better together,” says Jeroen Douglas, the Director General of the ICA. “Let’s use this day to be inspired to collaborate, examine all the possibilities to reach the SDG goals, and take action to achieve them.”
This day will build the momentum towards the 2025 International Year of Cooperatives, which was declared by the UN last year.
“The ICA will help all who want to celebrate the 2024 #CoopsDay, with a media kit, that will include the logo, key messages, and other digital resources.”
About the International Day of Cooperatives
Celebrated worldwide for more than a century and officially proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly on the centenary of the ICA in 1995, the International Day of Cooperatives is annually commemorated on the first Saturday of July.
This year’celebration will mark the 30th International Day of Cooperatives recognised by the United Nations and the 102nd International Cooperative Day.
“Through #CoopsDay, 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 aim of #CoopsDay is to increase awareness of cooperatives. Since 1995, the ICA and the United Nations, through the Committee for the Promotion and Advancement of Cooperatives [COPAC], have jointly set the theme for the celebration of #CoopsDay.
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