International Cooperative Day

Quick Facts

The International Day of Cooperatives is observed annually on the first Saturday of July to highlight the role of cooperatives in helping communities thrive. In 2025, this day falls on 5 July. The United Nations and cooperative organizations worldwide celebrate this day to raise awareness about how cooperatives contribute to fair, inclusive, and sustainable development.

What Is a Cooperative?

A cooperative (co-op) is a business owned and run by its members. These members might be workers, customers, farmers, or people living in the same community. Cooperatives operate under shared principles such as:

• Voluntary membership

• Democratic decision-making

• Shared ownership and profits

• Concern for community

Cooperatives exist in various sectors, including agriculture, banking, housing, retail, healthcare, and renewable energy.

Why This Day Matters

The International Day of Cooperatives serves several important purposes:

Raise Awareness:

• Helps the world understand what cooperatives are and how they work.

• Shares success stories of cooperatives improving lives.

Highlight Contributions:

Cooperatives contribute to:

• Economic growth and job creation

• Social inclusion and equality

• Local community support

• Sustainable and ethical business practice

Because cooperatives are member-owned and focused on people, they help reduce inequality and promote shared prosperity.

Support the UN Goals:

The day aligns with global development goals, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Cooperatives help achieve goals such as decent work, reduced inequality, and sustainable communities.

How the Day Is Observed

Across the world, people celebrate this day in many ways:

• Workshops and seminars to educate people about cooperatives

• Policy dialogues with government and community leaders

• Events and fairs that showcase cooperative products and services

• Social media campaigns using hashtags like #CoopsDay

• Storytelling and impact sharing by cooperative members

Many nations also use the day to encourage stronger laws and policies that help cooperatives grow sustainably.

Previous Themes of the International Day of Cooperatives

Each year, the Committee for the Promotion and Advancement of Cooperatives (COPAC) and partners choose a theme that reflects current global priorities. These themes help focus discussions and awareness efforts.

Here are recent themes:

These themes show how cooperatives respond to changing world needs — from climate action to decent work.

Impact of Cooperatives Around the World

Cooperatives are not small corner businesses. They have a big global impact:

Global Presence:

• There are millions of cooperatives worldwide.

• Over 12% of the world’s population belongs to a cooperative.

Economic Contributions:

• Large cooperatives generate trillions of dollars in revenue.

• They employ millions of people and support local economies.

Social and Community Benefits:

• Cooperatives help people who are often left out, including small farmers, workers, and women.

• They promote democratic participation and shared decision-making at the community level.

• Cooperatives help communities become stronger and more resilient in crises.

Why You Should Care

Even if you are not a cooperative member, this day matters because cooperatives:

• Prove that business can be ethical and people-centered

• Help communities stay strong during economic hardship

• Create long-lasting social and economic value

• Teach us the importance of working together for the common good

The International Day of Cooperatives is more than just a date on the calendar. It is a reminder that cooperation, equality, and shared ownership can make our world fairer and more sustainable. Every first Saturday of July, the global community celebrates the achievements of cooperatives and looks forward to what they can do next.

By supporting cooperatives, we support stronger communities, fairer economies, and inclusive growth values that are essential for a peaceful and prosperous future.