Co-operatives are present in every aspect of our lives, and answering to each of the SDGs, everywhere. This is the second time in history that the UN has dedicated an international year to co-operatives, and this is not a coincidence. Driven by concern for all communities, co-operatives have successfully adapted to overcome the evolving challenges of our time, and have shown repeatedly throughout history, that together we are indeed building a better world.
Ariel Guarco, ICA president.
The official launch of the IYC2025 will take place in New Delhi, India, during the ICA Global Cooperative Conference and General Assembly, scheduled for 25-30 November 2024, in the presence of global leaders seeking to inspire cooperators worldwide.
The key objectives for IYC25 include:
1) Governments creating an enabling environment for co-operatives
2) Co-operatives promoting public awareness, developing new leaders, and leveraging co-operation
3) Institutions and development agencies promoting co-operatives through education, strengthening capacities, and facilitating international collaboration
4) The public understanding the cooperative identity and supporting co-operative initiatives
The launch will be followed by a year-long celebration of co-operatives’ impact on society, reflecting on achievements, and actions to strengthen the co-operative movement and improve the lives for everyone.
The ICA unites, represents and serves co-operatives worldwide. The global conferences give co-operators a space to come together, share their successes and learn from their peers. They are places to make new connections and renew old acquaintances, experience co-operation in different cultures, and make actionable plans to take home.
The 2025 Global Conference will be hosted by the Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative (IFFCO) and the 18 ICA member organisations in India.