Overview

The International Day of Cooperatives raises awareness of cooperatives' contributions to sustainable development, strengthens collaboration between the UN and the international cooperative movement, and promotes the cooperative model for inclusive economic growth.

Official Details

• Date: First Saturday of July (July 4, 2026)
• Proclaimed by: UN General Assembly Resolution 47/90 (December 16, 1992)
• First Saturday of July 1995 marked the ICA centenary
• Celebrated by the global cooperative movement since 1923
• 2026 theme: "Cooperatives for a peaceful world"

Key Statistics

• 1.2 billion cooperative members on the planet
• Over 3 million cooperatives worldwide
• Cooperatives employ at least 280 million people
• Oldest known cooperative dates from 1761 in Scotland
• First modern cooperative established in 1844 in England

Actions for General Users

• Join or start a cooperative in your community
• Support cooperative businesses and services
• Learn about the cooperative model and its benefits
• Advocate for policies supporting cooperative development
• Participate in cooperative governance and decision-making

Actions for Businesses

• Explore the cooperative business model for your industry
• Partner with cooperatives in your supply chain
• Support development of worker, consumer, or producer cooperatives
• Educate employees and stakeholders about cooperative values
• Participate in International Cooperative Alliance events

Covered SDGs

• SDG 1 (No Poverty)
• SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)
• SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities)
• SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production)
• SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)