International Year of Co-operatives 2025

2025: The International Year of Co-operatives

The United Nations (UN) has officially designated 2025 as the International Year of Co-operatives (IYC2025), a global initiative aimed at recognising and promoting the invaluable contributions of co-operatives to sustainable development, economic inclusion, and community resilience. This milestone year provides a platform to celebrate the size and scale of the co-operative movement, while also fostering growth and raising public awareness about the transformative potential of co-operatives.

This includes how Co-operatives worldwide play a vital role in supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). From empowering local communities to promoting sustainable economic practices, co-operatives demonstrate the power of collective action. In the UK, the government has committed to doubling the size of the co-operative sector, a bold goal that reflects the growing recognition of co-operatives as a key driver of inclusive economic growth.

To support this vision, the Midcounties Co-operative has pledged to support the creation of 50 new co-operatives, over a five year period, working with partner organisations such as Co-op Futures and the Plunkett Foundation, and we look forward to updating our members on our progress throughout 2025. 

The International Year of Co-operatives is not just a celebration - it’s a call to action. By fostering growth, increasing awareness, and celebrating achievements, IYC2025 aims to inspire more individuals, communities, and organisations to embrace the co-operative model.

As we embark on this transformative year, we invite all members to join us in supporting these efforts. Together, we can amplify the impact of co-operatives and create a sustainable, inclusive future for all.

You can read our latest sustainability report and update on our 50 co-ops pledge here.