Cooperatives Build a Better World

The 2025 United Nations International Year of Cooperatives (IYC2025) theme will be Cooperatives Build a Better World, showcasing the enduring global impact cooperatives have everywhere. This theme puts a spotlight on how the cooperative model is an essential solution to overcome many global challenges and continues to play an important role in accelerating efforts to implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. The UN has unveiled the logo, apply today here.

Guidelines for Logo Usage

Organizations interested in using the IYC2025 logo must adhere to specific guidelines provided by COPAC and the United Nations. The logo is available in six official languages—English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, and Russian—and can be requested for use through the official online application form.

Non-UN entities wishing to utilize the IYC2025 logo for any purpose, please follow these steps:

1. Review the Branding Guidelines: Before applying, carefully read the guidelines to ensure proper use of the logo.
2. Submit an Application: Complete and submit the application form, which will be reviewed by the IYC Secretariat.
3. Sign the Waiver of Liability: As part of the process, you will need to sign and submit a waiver of liability.
4. Wait for Approval: The approval process typically takes one to two weeks.
5. Receive the Logo Files: Once approved, you will be provided with the logo files to use in your materials throughout 2025.

By following these steps, you can ensure your organization’s compliant use of the IYC2025 logo.

For more information on how to apply for logo use, or to access the branding guidelines, please contact the IYC Secretariat at copac@copac.coop.

Join the official launch!

The official launch of the IYC2025 will take place in New Delhi, India, during the ICA Global Cooperative Conference and General Assembly, scheduled for 25-30 November 2024 in the presence of global leaders and UN representatives seeking to inspire cooperators worldwide. This will be followed by a year-long celebration of cooperatives' impact on society, reflecting on achievements, and what actions come next to strengthen the cooperative movement and improve lives for everyone. 

The International Cooperative Alliance plans to:

1. increase the visibility of cooperatives and raise public awareness about their contributions to sustainable development, 
2. promote the growth and development of cooperatives through capacity-building initiatives, knowledge-sharing, and collaborative partnerships.
3. advocate for enabling environment and supportive legal and policy frameworks for strengthening their entrepreneurial ecosystem
4. inspire young people to join the movement and promote the impact cooperatives have on building a better world.

A UN Resolution recognising the role of cooperatives to accelerate the 2030 Agenda

On 19 June 2024, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives. The text recommends ways to celebrate and encourages all Member States, the United Nations, and relevant stakeholders to leverage this event to promote cooperatives’ contribution to social and economic development. Among others, Member States are also invited to consider establishing national committees to coordinate and prepare for all IYC2025 activities.

To kick off the celebrations, the UN Committee for the Promotion and Advancement of Cooperatives (COPAC), in collaboration with the Permanent Mission of Mongolia to the United Nations, hosted a soft-launch event. This event took place during the UN High-Level Political Forum at the UN Headquarters in New York on July 9, 2024. It coincided with the 2024 UN International Day of Cooperatives, celebrated under the theme Cooperatives Build a Better Future for All.