The United Nations recognizes and reaffirms the role of cooperatives in economic, social and cultural development and in the achievement of social policy objectives as shown in various resolutions specific to cooperatives and the bi-ennial publication of the Secretary-General’s report on the role of cooperatives in social development.
In resolution 47/90 of 16 December 1992, the General Assembly proclaims "the first Saturday of July 1995 to be International Day of Cooperatives, marking the centenary of the establishment of the International Cooperative Alliance, and decides to consider the possibility of observing an international day of cooperatives in future years …”.
How to celebrate International Day?
Co-operatives around the world celebrate the Day in many different ways. Below are examples of some of the activities organised by co-operatives around the world:
- The messages of the ICA and United Nations are translated into local languages and widely disseminated to co-operators, media, government officials at all level.
- Co-operatives use newspapers and radio programmes to create awareness on their movements and contributions.
- Co-operative Fairs, exhibits, contests, and campaigns are held.
- Meetings with government officials, United Nations agencies and other partner organisations are held.
- Co-operatives partner with community agencies to champion economic, environmental, social and health challenges (blood drives, tree planting, etc.)
- Cultural events are sponsored - theatre, concerts, etc.
Previous Messages from the United Nations Secretary General:
2014: Cooperative enterprises achieve sustainable development for all
English | Français | Español | Русский | عربي | 汉语
2013: Cooperative enterprises remain strong in times of crisis
Message from the United Nations Secretary-General
2012: Cooperative enterprises build a better world
Message from the United Nations Secretary-General
English | French | Spanish | Chinese | Russian | Arabic
2011:Youth, the future of co-operative enterprise
Message from the United Nations Secretary-General
2010: Cooperative enterprise empowers women
Message from the United Nations Secretary-General
English|French|Spanish|Chinese|Russian|Arabic
2009: 15th International Day of Cooperatives "Driving Global Recovery through Cooperatives"
English | French | Spanish | Chinese | Russian | Arabic
(Additional unofficial translations: Italian| Portuguese)
2008: 14th International Day of Cooperatives "Confronting Climate Change through Cooperative Enterprise"
[English] (pdf) [Français] (pdf) [Español] (pdf) [Arabic] (pdf) [Chinese] (pdf) [Russian] (pdf)
2007: 13th International Day of Cooperatives "Cooperative Values and Principles for Corporate Social Responsibility"
[English] [French]
2006: 12th International Day of Cooperatives "Peace-Building through Cooperatives"
[English] [French] [Spanish]
2005: 11th International Day of Cooperatives "Microfinance is OUR business: Cooperating out of poverty"
[English]
2004: 10th UN International Day of Cooperatives "Co-operatives for Fair Globalisation: Creating Opportunities for All"
[English] [French]
2003: 9th UN International Day of Cooperatives "Co-operatives Make Development Happen!: The contribution of co-operatives to the United Nations Millennium Development Goals"
[English] [French]
2002: 8th UN International Day of Cooperatives "Society and Co-operatives: Concern for Community"
[English] [French]
2001: 7th UN International Day of Cooperatives "The Co-operative Advantage in the Third Millennium"
[English]
2000: 6th UN International Day of Cooperatives "Co-operatives and Employment Promotion"
[English]
1999: 5th UN International Day of Cooperatives "Public Policy and Co-operative Legislation"
[English] [French]
1998: 4th UN International Day of Cooperatives "Cooperatives and the Globalization of the Economy"
[English]