Building on the unity of co-operatives using the International Year of Co-operatives logo, the ICA is seeking a common image for the global movement.
The ICA is looking to build on the success of the UN logo and tagline, which was adopted across every region and sector and was downloaded by more than 4,500 users. The Board of the ICA has already agreed to continue using the IYC tagline: "Co-operative Enterprises Build a Better World".
The UN reported that its official IYC website generated 500,000 page views during 2012; and that 4,743 users downloaded the IYC logo and 2,307 users downloaded the IYC tagline.
A brief has been sent to a number of design agencies around the world to help form a new co-operative visual identity, which can be integrated into a co-operative's individual communications campaigns and provide a "promotional umbrella" and "unity of purpose" for the sector.
The voluntary emblem is envisioned to be capable of unlimited applications, as well as being contemporary, business-like and designed for cross-border use.
A new co-operative image will be capable of sub-branding by the ICA, ICA Regions, ICA Sectoral Organisations and ICA Thematic Committees, and if agreed, could replace the existing rainbow and flag.
Charles Gould, Director-General of the ICA, said: "The United Nations gift of an International Year of Co-operatives (IYC) in 2012 galvanized the global movement across every region and every sector uniting co-operatives behind a single logo and tagline. The ICA is keen to build on that momentum to produce a unifying marque which will become synonymous with the global co-operative movement, taking us forward into the co-operative decade, a visual display of our unity of purpose and shared identity."
It is anticipated that the co-operative marque, which will be translated into various languages, will be launched at the ICA's Global Conference and General Assembly in Cape Town, South Africa, from 1-5 November.
