The International Day of Cooperatives, observed annually on the first Saturday of July, is a global celebration that recognizes the significant role cooperatives play in fostering inclusive growth, sustainable development, and economic empowerment. In 2025, this meaningful day falls on July 5th, uniting millions across the world under a shared vision of cooperation, community, and collective progress. From farmers’ unions to credit societies and worker-owned enterprises, cooperatives empower people to take control of their economic futures. The day honors their values—democracy, solidarity, and mutual help—while highlighting how these people-centric organizations tackle global challenges from poverty to climate change.
📜 History of the International Day of Cooperatives
The International Day of Cooperatives (IDC) was first proclaimed by the United Nations (UN) in 1992 through UN Resolution 47/90, following a proposal from the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA). However, the ICA had been celebrating Cooperative Day since 1923, making the observance deeply rooted in history.
In 1995, the UN officially began observing the day jointly with the ICA to mark the centenary of the ICA, which was founded in 1895 in London. The goal was to raise awareness about cooperatives and promote their contributions to social and economic development worldwide. Since then, the day has become a unifying moment for cooperatives globally.
🎯 Importance of International Day Of Cooperatives
The International Day of Cooperatives is important because it:
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Promotes Cooperative Values: It reinforces values such as democratic decision-making, equity, and social responsibility.
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Raises Awareness: Highlights how cooperatives help solve global problems like unemployment, food insecurity, and environmental degradation.
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Inspires Policy Support: Encourages governments and international bodies to support cooperative movements.
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Empowers Grassroots Development: Reminds people that local action and collective efforts can lead to sustainable change.
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Bridges Economic Gaps: Cooperatives offer a third way between capitalism and socialism, enabling community-owned wealth generation.
🌟 Significance of International Day Of Cooperatives
The significance of this day lies in its global message: People Over Profit. In a time where inequality and environmental crises dominate, cooperatives represent a sustainable model that prioritizes human well-being and planet-friendly practices. They are not just economic units—they are vehicles of social justice, equality, and shared prosperity. Celebrating this day underscores the importance of local communities driving global change.
❓ Why It Is Celebrated
The day is celebrated to:
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Acknowledge the Contributions of cooperatives to economic and social progress.
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Promote Public Awareness about cooperative businesses and their benefits.
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Encourage Youth Participation in cooperative movements.
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Celebrate Success Stories of cooperatives worldwide.
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Reinforce the Spirit of Cooperation, mutual help, and democratic governance.
🎉 How It Is Celebrated
Celebrations take various forms depending on the region and the type of cooperative. Common activities include:
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Public Rallies and Marches
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Workshops, Webinars & Conferences
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Award Ceremonies Honoring Successful Cooperatives
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Community Development Drives
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Media Campaigns & Educational Events
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Youth Engagement Initiatives
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Exhibitions Featuring Cooperative Products & Services
Schools, NGOs, credit unions, farmer cooperatives, and housing societies often organize educational and promotional events to spread the spirit of cooperation.
🌍 Countries Where It Is Celebrated
The International Day of Cooperatives is celebrated in over 100 countries. Some of the key countries include:
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India
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Kenya
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Canada
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Philippines
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United Kingdom
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United States
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Brazil
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Argentina
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South Africa
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Spain
In India, the day is especially significant as cooperatives are a backbone of rural and agricultural development.
🤝 How Citizens Get Involved
Citizens make the day successful by:
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Participating in Local Events: Rallies, cooperative fairs, and community gatherings.
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Volunteering for Cooperative Projects
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Sharing Stories Online using campaign hashtags.
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Supporting Local Cooperative Businesses
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Educating Others about the benefits of cooperatives.
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Encouraging Youth and Students to form cooperative clubs.
Social media also plays a huge role in awareness and outreach, with cooperatives using it to showcase their impact stories.
🎨 Theme for 2025
The theme for International Day of Cooperatives 2025 is:
“Cooperatives: Building Resilient Communities for a Sustainable Future”
This theme emphasizes how cooperatives can fortify communities against economic instability, climate challenges, and social inequality through unity and shared responsibility.
🗣️ 10 Famous Quotes for the Day
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“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” — Helen Keller
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“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” — Henry Ford
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“Cooperatives are the embodiment of people helping people.” — Ariel Guarco (ICA President)
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“The future of our economy lies in collective prosperity.” — Dr. Vandana Shiva
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“Power is gained by sharing knowledge, not hoarding it.” — Unknown
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“Cooperation is the thorough conviction that nobody can get there unless everybody gets there.” — Virginia Burden
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“In union there is strength.” — Aesop
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“A cooperative is not just a business, it’s a movement.” — Muhammad Yunus
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“Progress through partnership, prosperity through unity.” — Unknown
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“Change happens when people join forces, not just when leaders lead.” — Ban Ki-moon
❓ FAQs: International Day of Cooperatives
Q1. When is the International Day of Cooperatives celebrated in 2025?
A: It will be observed on Saturday, July 5, 2025.
Q2. Who started International Day Of Cooperatives and why?
A: The International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) began celebrating the day in 1923, and the UN recognized it officially in 1995 to honor the 100th anniversary of the ICA.
Q3. What is the goal of celebrating International Day Of Cooperatives?
A: To recognize the contributions of cooperatives to socio-economic development and encourage cooperative movements worldwide.
Q4. What is a cooperative?
A: A cooperative is an organization owned and managed by its members who use its services or work together to achieve common goals.
Q5. What is the International Day Of Cooperatives 2025 theme?
A: “Cooperatives: Building Resilient Communities for a Sustainable Future”
Q6. How are schools involved in International Day Of Cooperatives?
A: Schools often hold seminars, essay competitions, and group projects to teach students about cooperative values.
Q7. Are cooperatives only for agriculture?
A: No, they exist in various sectors including banking, housing, retail, health, and education.
Q8. How can youth get involved?
A: By forming student cooperatives, volunteering, or interning at cooperative organizations.
Q9. What is the role of government in this celebration?
A: Governments promote policy dialogues, support events, and often provide awards or grants to successful cooperatives.
Q10. Why are cooperatives important today?
A: They provide inclusive economic opportunities, promote ethical business, and strengthen communities in times of crisis.
✅ Conclusion
The International Day of Cooperatives 2025 is not just a date on the calendar—it’s a call to action. In a world grappling with division, climate chaos, and inequality, cooperatives remind us of the enduring power of working together. They build resilient, sustainable, and people-first communities. As we move forward, this day will continue to inspire citizens, leaders, and changemakers to build a better world—together.
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