This Saturday, the world celebrated International Day of Cooperatives under the theme “Cooperatives Building a Better Future for All.” But this isn’t just a feel-good slogan. Cooperatives are game-changers for a reason.
Cooperatives are businesses owned and run by their members, not by a select few. This democratic approach fosters peace and stability, bringing people together regardless of background. Imagine a grocery store where members have a say in what’s stocked and how profits are used. That’s the cooperative spirit!
This annual celebration, observed on the first Saturday of July since 1923 by the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), highlights the significant contributions of cooperatives to building a sustainable and inclusive future.
Historical Background:
The International Day of Cooperatives was officially recognized by the United Nations General Assembly in 1992 through resolution 47/90. The first joint celebration of the ICA’s International Cooperative Day and the UN’s International Day of Cooperatives took place in 1995, marking the centenary of the ICA’s establishment. Since then, this day has become a global platform for showcasing the impact of cooperatives on economic and social development.
2024 Theme and Objectives:
This year’s theme, “Cooperatives Building a Better Future for All,” underscores the pivotal role cooperatives play in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Cooperatives will use this opportunity to highlight their contributions to sustainable growth, environmental stewardship, and social inclusion. Their efforts align with the objectives of the upcoming UN Summit of the Future, themed “Multilateral Solutions for a Better Tomorrow.”
Significance of Cooperatives:
Cooperatives promote understanding and respect, serving as exemplary models of inclusive and sustainable growth. The 2023 UN Secretary-General Report on Cooperatives in Social Development praised cooperatives for their track record in promoting the economic and social development of all people, including marginalized groups.
On the occasion of International Cooperative Day The Director of ILO General Gilbert Houngbo mentioned, “Cooperatives play a pivotal role in addressing discrimination and inequality and promoting equality between women and men and have a significant and wide-ranging impact. To highlight this, the ILO is working to develop methods to better measure the contribution of cooperatives to our economies and societies.”
He further added, “As our world continues to face complex challenges, the role of cooperatives is essential in providing solutions. The ILO’s continued collaboration in the Committee for the Promotion and Advancement of Cooperatives, along with other United Nations agencies and the international cooperative movement exemplifies these cooperatives provide timely solutions.”
Gilbert Houngbo emphasized on joining forces to build a more just, peaceful and sustainable future. He added, “By prioritizing people and planet, cooperatives can promote just environmental transformation and fair digital transformation. I would like to take this opportunity to encourage cooperative to engage with the Global Accelerator on jobs and Social Protection for a Just Transition.”
This year’s celebration will build momentum towards the 2025 International Year of Cooperatives, declared by the UN last year. As the world looks forward to this significant milestone, the 2024 International Day of Cooperatives will serve as a crucial step in highlighting the role of cooperatives in creating a better future for all.
On this #CoopsDay, let us celebrate the achievements of cooperatives and their unwavering commitment to building a more sustainable, inclusive, and equitable world.
