International Year of Cooperatives

The United Nations has declared 2012 the International Year of Cooperatives (IYC). The designation serves to highlight the contribution cooperatives have made in reducing poverty, creating jobs and promoting social integration. The theme for the IYC is "Cooperative Enterprises Build a Better World."

Cooperatives and their members around the world are celebrating and promoting cooperatives in 2012 because of the vital role they play in social and economic development. According to a World Bank study, half of the world’s population is affected by cooperatives.

With the designation of each International Year, the United Nations encourages relevant industry sectors, governments and other partners not only to recognize and celebrate the Year, but also to develop legacy initiatives that will have an impact beyond the end of the Year.

The U.N. resolution contains three goals for the International Year of the Cooperative:

  • Increase public awareness about cooperatives and their contributions to socio-economic development and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals
  • Promote the formation and growth of cooperatives
  • Encourage governments to establish policies, laws and regulations conducive to the formation, growth and stability of cooperatives

What OCDC and its members are doing for IYC 2012

The International Year of Cooperatives is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase the impact cooperatives have on the world and its citizens. In 2012, OCDC and its members are involved in a number of events that not only celebrate cooperatives, but also set the stage for long-term cooperative projects. Continue to visit this site to stay abreast of OCDC’s IYC 2012 activities.

The culmination of the IYC came at the end of October with the Cooperatives United event in Manchester, England. For photos, videos, speeches and news from this event, click here.

Links for IYC info

The United Nations’ IYC 2012 site:
http://social.un.org/coopsyear

The International Co-operative Alliance’s one-stop info center:
http://www.2012.coop

The U.S. IYC 2012 site:
http://usa2012.coop/about-iyc/iyc-in-usa

For a recap of the International Summit of Cooperatives in Quebec City, Canada, go to: http://www.2012intlsummit.coop/site/home

Read people’s stories of how cooperatives are building a better world for them:
http://www.stories.coop