United Nations confirms a decade cycle for the International Year of Cooperatives

A global resolution recognising the impact of co‑operatives

Adopted on 15 December 2025, the resolution highlights the vital role of co‑operatives in economic and social development. It states that co‑operatives “promote the fullest possible participation in the economic and social development of local communities and all people” and contribute directly to poverty and hunger eradication, gender equality, social inclusion, climate adaptation and mitigation and financial inclusion.

The resolution affirms co‑operatives’ contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals, especially in improving outcomes for Indigenous Peoples, rural communities and vulnerable population groups, and in strengthening local economic development.

Following the global success of the 2025 International Year of Cooperatives, the resolution calls for governments to support co‑operatives through:

• improved legal and regulatory frameworks
• enhanced access to capital and fair taxation
• support for agricultural and financial co‑operatives
• expanded digital access
• strengthened research, data collection and public awareness
• promotion of gender equality in participation and leadership

The resolution also reaffirms the annual observance of the International Day of Cooperatives on the first Saturday of July. In 2026, CoopsDay will take place on 4 July.

Australia’s national celebration of IYC 2025

This global endorsement of co‑operation comes at the close of a landmark year for Australia’s co‑operative and mutual sector. Throughout the International Year of Cooperatives 2025, the BCCM Icons campaign recognised the contribution of member‑owned businesses across the country.

The Icons campaign was Australia’s flagship IYC 2025 initiative. Led by the BCCM, the campaign showcased the achievements and impact of co‑operatives and mutuals across all states and territories. More than 200 Icons stories were published on the dedicated IYC 2025 Australia website, highlighting innovation, community resilience and the co‑operative origins of some of Australia’s most trusted organisations.

To deepen engagement with policy leaders, the BCCM also partnered with NRMA, Australian Unity, Great Southern Bank and RACQ to host parliamentary Icons events in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland, bringing co‑operative voices directly into state and national conversations on economic participation and community wellbeing.

As part of the IYC program, the BCCM produced three short films showcasing the contribution of co‑operatives and mutuals in:

• New South Wales
• Victoria
• Queensland

These highlight the essential role of member‑owned organisations in supporting local economies, delivering services and strengthening community infrastructure.

Global leadership from the co‑operative movement

Dr Ariel Guarco, President of the International Cooperative Alliance, said: “In times of environmental crisis, inequality, and global mistrust, co-operatives prove that it is possible to produce and distribute wealth without exclusion, care for the environment, and strengthen social bonds. This UN resolution to declare an International Year of Cooperatives every decade gives our movement renewed optimism #Beyond2025.”

Jeroen Douglas, Director General of the International Cooperative Alliance, said: “Having both 2012 and 2025 declared as International Years of Cooperatives is rare, as the UN does not usually repeat designated year themes. So this decade cycle is an immense global recognition of co-operatives’ enduring contributions towards a more just and equitable world.”

A milestone for the movement

The BCCM welcomes the United Nations decision as an important step forward in global recognition of the co‑operative model. It reinforces the growing international understanding that co‑operatives offer trusted, practical and people‑centred solutions to pressing economic and social challenges.

Read the full International Cooperative Alliance press release.