International Day of Cooperatives

International Day of Cooperatives History

International Day of Cooperatives aims to raise awareness about the contributions of cooperatives to society, specifically in terms of social integration, sustainable employment, and poverty alleviation. This event serves as an opportunity to celebrate and examine the successes and challenges faced by cooperatives across the globe. More importantly, it highlights the ways in which these enterprises continue to promote social cohesion, economic empowerment, and mutual support among their members.

The United Nations established the International Day of Cooperatives in 1992, and since then, it has become a vital platform for fostering dialogue about the cooperative sector's role in sustainable development. In America, cooperatives play a crucial part in various aspects of the economy, from agriculture and retail to banking and energy. It is estimated that over 30,000 cooperatives exist in the United States, employing more than one million people and providing essential goods and services to millions of Americans. As such, the International Day of Cooperatives serves as a reminder of the importance of these enterprises in promoting a fairer and more inclusive economy in the United States.

To observe International Day of Cooperatives in America, various activities and events are organized by cooperatives, associations, and organizations at the national, regional, and local levels. These activities may include seminars, workshops, fairs, and networking events focused on discussing cooperative principles, success stories, and best practices. Additionally, they provide opportunities for businesses and individuals to learn about the benefits and advantages of working in or supporting cooperative enterprises. The International Day of Cooperatives is celebrated every year on the first Saturday of July, making it an essential observance for those interested in the cooperative sector in America.

Top 9 Facts for International Day of Cooperatives in 2026

• The 2026 celebration marks the 104th anniversary of the movement's first organized observance in 1923 and the 32nd year of its official recognition by the United Nations.
• The global theme for this year is Cooperatives for a Peaceful World, which emphasizes the role of member-owned businesses in fostering social cohesion and conflict resolution during times of global fragmentation.
• More than 12% of the entire human population—over one billion people—are currently members of at least one of the three million cooperatives active across the globe.
• According to the World Cooperative Monitor, the top 300 largest cooperatives and mutuals alone generate an annual turnover of approximately $2.79 trillion.
• This year's observance follows a historic United Nations resolution that established a new global precedent to proclaim an International Year of Cooperatives once every decade to encourage the growth of the Social and Solidarity Economy.
• The cooperative movement provides employment or work opportunities to an estimated 280 million people, representing 10% of the world’s total employed population.
• The 2026 theme is specifically designed to align with the ICA Declaration on Positive Peace, which argues that true stability requires the presence of social justice and democratic participation rather than just the absence of conflict.
• Major global celebrations will lead up to the ICA Global Conference in Panama, which is titled Building Bridges: Cooperative Contributions for a Peaceful World.
• Unlike traditional corporations, cooperatives operate on a one-member, one-vote system that ensures democratic control and prioritizes community needs over the concentration of capital for external shareholders.

In the News and Trending in the US for International Day of Cooperatives

Top things to do in the US for this observance

• Explore upcoming events near you. The International Cooperative Alliance hosts events that focus on community and societal growth.
• Watch the UN's 2020 International Day of Cooperatives video if you missed it. The video focuses on cooperative solutions that can help lower the risks of climate change.
• Learn more about the International Cooperative Alliance. Founded in 1895, it is one of the oldest non-governmental organizations. It is also one of the largest organizations. It represents almost 1 billion cooperative members.
• Watch a Documentary to learn more about Cooperatives in America:
  Food For Change - It's a feature-length documentary focusing on food co-operatives as a force for dynamic social and economic change in American culture.
  Shift Change: Putting Democracy to Work - This is a documentary about employee-owned businesses that compete successfully in today’s economy while providing secure, dignified jobs in democratic workplaces.

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