Historic United Nations Resolution calls for an International Year of Co-operatives every decade

News item

Published

15th January 2026

Last updated

4th March 2026

Topic

Co-op development

Rose Marley, CEO Co-operatives UK with ICA flag

A photograph featuring the CEO of Co-operatives UK, Rose Marley, with the ICA Flag.

The United Nations has adopted a new landmark - putting an International Year of Co-operatives on the UN calendar every ten years.

The extraordinary United Nations' move to hold an International Year of Co-operatives every decade has been hailed as "immense global recognition". The Resolution also calls on governments around to world to provide tangible support to co-operatives - including improved legal frameworks and access to finance.

Jeroen Douglas, International Co-operative Alliance Director General, said: "Having both 2012 and 2025 declared as International Years of Co-operatives 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."

The case for co‑operatives is growing

Our groundbreaking 2025 report revealed record-breaking figures, new insights and a compelling case to harness the full potential of co-operatives and mutuals.

Read the full report >>

Global support for co-operative impact

After the success of the 2025 International Year of Co-operatives (IYC), the UN resolution calls for governments to bolster support for 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, adopted in December 2025, calls on governments, international organisations, specialised agencies, and local, national, and international co-operative organisations to continue observing the International Day of Co-operatives (Co-ops Day) annually. By doing this it will encourage effective leveraging of the co-operative enterprise model to advance social and economic development. In 2026, Co-ops Day will be celebrated on 4 July, with the theme yet to be announced.

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 Co-operatives every decade gives our movement renewed optimism.

– Dr Ariel Guarco, International Co-operative Alliance President

The UN has recognised co-operatives as partners in social development for decades, adopting regular General Assembly resolutions since 1992. In 2023, it also adopted its first resolution on promoting the social and solidarity economy for sustainable development. Building on that, the new co-operatives resolution highlights co-ops’ contribution to inclusion, poverty reduction, gender equality and climate action.

An International Year of Co-operatives every decade creates a regular moment to win practical support for co-ops and raise public awareness of our impact. Co-operatives UK will be engaging partners and policymakers to push for the kinds of support the UN highlights, and to amplify evidence from the UK co-operative and mutual economy. Read the resolution and our latest report, and stay connected for opportunities to take part in upcoming activity.