National Youth Summit 2025: Where young people can shape a fairer future

The National Youth Summit is a free, one-day event all about co-operation, community and creating a fairer future.

Organised by Co-operatives UK and proudly sponsored by The Co-operative Bank, the event takes place at Rochdale Town Hall – the birthplace of the modern co-operative movement.

The co-operative story began there 180 years ago, when a group of 28 working-class people set up the first successful retail co-operative. Half of them were under 30. These young pioneers helped launch a movement that went on to inspire radical change around the world.

Today, whilst co-operatives continue to be relevant, ethical businesses that champion a fairer way to live and work, awareness among Gen Z is low. This is despite research showing that the values of co-operatives align with the aspirations of young people.

Join in the National Youth Summit

Co-operatives UK is inviting 16–30 year olds – who are already part of a co-operative, who are curious about how they work, or are passionate about building something better – to the National Youth Summit. Through hands-on sessions, big conversations and networking, attendees will explore how co-operation can give them the tools to make a difference.

Programme highlights

There's a range of sessions on offer, including:

• Unity in Community – Lightbulb moments that sparked journey into the world of co-operative and community projects
• Roundtable Talk-Shop: explore your sector – Interactive group sessions on arts, housing, tech and more
• Lunchtime networking: Making Connections – the change to connect with, ask questions and explore opportunities for the future with inspirational people
• Work That Works for You – From careers and apprenticeships to having influence at board level
• The Future of Co-ops – Pioneered by Youth – Exploring how young people can shape the movement going forward

Alongside these sessions, there will be plenty of space for connection, collaboration and community. It’s a unique opportunity to hear real stories from people making co-operation work – and to get inspired to do the same.

Get involved

🗓 Saturday 5 July

📍 Rochdale Town Hall, OL16 1AZ

⏰ 9.30am–5pm

🎟National Youth Summit

Places are free, but limited – and bursaries for travel and accommodation are available, thanks to support from The Co-operative Bank.