International Year of Cooperatives – Commitments, challenges and achievements – Ateneu

The year 2025 has been declared by theGeneral Assembly of the United Nations as the International Year of Cooperatives (IYC 2025), with the aim of recognizing, making visible and mobilizing the transformative potential of cooperatives around the world. This global event, which is celebrated by second time in historyafter the first declaration in 2012, places cooperative models at the center of the reflection on sustainable economic, social and ecological alternatives.

The official motto of the IYC 2025, “Cooperatives build a better world” (Cooperatives Build a Better World), highlights that cooperatives are not only economic entities, but people-centered organizations. Cooperatives are present in sectors as diverse as agri-food, finance, health services, housing or energy, and play a key role in achieving sustainable, inclusive and resilient development at a global level.

In this article we will analyze the main commitments made throughout 2025 as part of the International Year of Cooperatives, the challenges that have manifested themselves in their deployment, and the most outstanding advances that can serve as a basis for consolidating and taking cooperativeism beyond 2025.

1. The context and the official proclamation

On June 19, 2024, at its annual meeting, theThe United Nations General Assembly officially approved the declaration of 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives. Resolution A/78/L.71 explicitly recognizes the fundamental role of cooperatives in sustainable development and in opening new paths towards more just, equitable and inclusive societies.

The proclamation is not anecdotal: it occurs at a time when economic and social inequalities, the challenges associated with climate change and the post-pandemic economic recession have shown the need for economic alternatives that are not based exclusively on the logic of profit and the concentration of capital. Cooperatives, with their values ​​and principles of collective action, including democratic management, economic participation of members and concern for the community, offer a model that articulates economic viability with social impact.

The proclamation of 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives also implies a shared responsibility between governments, cooperative entities, civil societies and international institutions. The UN resolution encourages Member States to establish national coordination mechanisms to develop and coordinate activities related to IYC 2025, as well as to integrate this event into public policies and long-term development plans.

2. Global objectives of the International Year of Cooperatives

The IYC 2025 is structured around several strategic objectives that shape both its planning and its impact perspective. These lines of action have been agreed between institutions such as International Cooperative Alliance (ACI) and the Committee for the Promotion and Progress of Cooperatives (COPAC)as well as with UN agencies and civil society actors.

Increase public awareness

One of the most visible goals of the year is to give citizens a deeper understanding of what cooperatives are and how they contribute to both the economy and social progress. This includes explaining its direct impact on reducing poverty, supporting vulnerable communities, creating decent employment and promoting responsible consumption.

Promote growth and development

The IYC encourages the creation and consolidation of new cooperatives and the expansion of existing ones. This translates into support for cooperative entrepreneurship, technical advice, access to ethical financing and resources that strengthen the cooperative ecosystem so it can grow sustainably.

Provide favorable legal and political frameworks

It is essential that governments adopt policies, laws and regulatory environments that facilitate the existence and operation of cooperatives. This aspect ranges from the simplification of legal processes to tax incentives, access to fair financing and recognition of cooperatives as a strategic economic actor.

Inspire leadership and involve new actors

IYC 2025 has placed special emphasis on promoting purposeful cooperative leadership, especially among younger generations. Involving young people in the cooperative movement means ensuring the continuity and renewal of the model, as well as incorporating innovative visions that can respond to future challenges.

3. The role of cooperatives in the Sustainable Development Goals

One of the main challenges and achievements of the IYC 2025 is the explicit integration of the cooperative model within the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN for 2030.

Cooperatives have a unique capacity to drive action on multiple SDGs, including:

• Eradication of poverty and reduction of inequalities (SDG 1 and SDG 10), through access to financial services, decent jobs and shared ownership.
• Tdecent work and economic growth (SDG 8), promoting fair employment with democratic participation.
• Climate action and environmental sustainability (ODS 13, ODS 12), with sustainable production models in sectors such as agriculture, energy or resource management.
• Quality education and continuing education (ODS 4), through cooperative education and the transmission of solidarity and democratic values.

Other entities have highlighted that this cooperative approach not only benefits local communities but also it serves as a driver of economic resilience and social inclusion on a global scalepromoting a more equitable distribution of resources and decision-making power.

4. Challenges evident throughout the year 2025

Despite the impetus and visibility provided by the declaration of the cooperative year, a series of challenges have also emerged that have highlighted the limitations and possibilities for improvement of the movement:

a) Public visibility and cooperative education

One of the global challenges is to get the cooperative model to transcend specialized circles and reach a wider audience. The need to educate society about what cooperatives are and how they can participate remains a priority.

b) Access to financing and sustainability

Despite the recognition of the social impact of cooperatives, many cooperative projects continue to have difficulties accessing traditional financing or specific instruments that allow them to scale and consolidate in a sustainable manner. This requires improvements in legal frameworks and dedicated mechanisms.

c) Integration with public policies

Another challenge has been to facilitate a more fluid integration between cooperatives and public strategies for economic and social development. This happens by designing specific policies that recognize and grow the cooperative role, as well as removing administrative barriers.

5. Outstanding achievements of the year 2025

Despite the challenges, 2025 has involved significant achievements that mark a turning point:

a) Greater institutional recognition

The UN’s own declaration places cooperatives as relevant actors in the global sustainability and development agenda, with explicit recognition of their role in achieving the ODS.

b) Celebrations and global mobilizations

The International Day of Cooperativesheld on first Saturday of July of 2025 under the umbrella of the IYC, has served to mobilize communities, organize public activities and generate debates about the cooperative model in multiple countries.

c) Dialogue and advocacy events

Conferences, seminars and international forums have been organized during the year which have boosted the dialogue between cooperators, political leaders, educators and actors of sustainable development. The aim has been to share expertise, best practices and strategies to strengthen the global movement.

6. Future perspectives and legacy of IYC 2025

Celebrating 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives is not just a commemoration: it is an opportunity to lay strong foundations that will last beyond the calendar. The emphasis on legal frameworks, cooperative education, integration with the SDGs, and youth participation suggests that the cooperative movement is working to become more resilient, better known, and more integrated into global public policy.

This year has also highlighted the ability of cooperatives to adapt to global changes and to face challenges such as inequality or the climate crisis through collective and participative responses.

As we approach the horizon of the 2030 SDGs, cooperatives continue to pave the way for economic and social transformation, demonstrating that people-centered businesses can be a viable and powerful alternative to address global challenges in a sustainable and equitable way.

Albert Rodríguez Hilario