Aim
The aim of the International Day of Cooperatives declared by the United Nations in 1995 is to increase awareness on cooperatives, highlight the complementarily of the goals and objectives of the United Nations and the international co-operative movement and, underscore the contribution of the movement to the resolution of the major problems addressed by the United Nations. The International Day also aims to to strengthen and extend partnerships between the international cooperative movement and other actors, including governments, at local, national and international levels. See more background information >>UN International Day of Cooperatives is celebrated on the same day as the International Cooperative Day which has been celebrated by the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) since 1923.
UN International Day of Cooperatives, 3 July 2010 "Cooperative enterprise empowers women" Messages available > > >
This year's theme highlights how the cooperative model of enterprise can successfully empower women. It links to the celebration of the 15th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action (Beijing+15) which sets out an agenda for women's empowerment.
Cooperatives have a key role to play as they are able to respond to both women's practical and strategic needs. Whether it be through women only cooperatives or cooperatives made up of women and men, they offer an effective organisational means for women members and employees to raise their living standards by accessing decent work opportunities, savings and credit facilities, health, housing and social services, and education and training. Cooperatives also offer women opportunities for participation in and influence over economic activities. Women gain self-reliance and self-esteem through this participation. Cooperatives also contribute to the improvement of the economic, social and cultural situation of women in other ways including promoting equality and changing institutional biases.
See more background information and messages > > >
Themes and Past Celebrations
COPAC members annually celebrate the United Nations International Day of Cooperatives by making materials available on the theme of the Day.- 2009: Driving Global Recovery through Cooperative Enterprise
- 2008: Confronting Climate Change through Cooperative Enterprise
- 2007: Cooperative Values and Principles for Corporate Social Responsibility
- 2006: Peace-Building through Cooperatives
- 2005: Microfinance is OUR business: Cooperating out of poverty
- 2004: Cooperatives for Fair Globalisation: Creating Opportunities for All
- 2003: Cooperatives Make Development Happen!: The contribution of cooperatives to the United Nations Millennium Development Goals
- 2002: Society and Cooperatives: Concern for Community
- 2001: The Cooperative Advantage in the Third Millennium
- 2000: Cooperatives and Employment Promotion
- 1999: Public Policy and Co-operative Legislation
- 1998: Cooperatives and the Globalization of the Economy
- 1997: The Cooperative Contribution to World Food Security
- 1996: " Cooperative Enterprise: Empowerment for People-centred Sustainable Development"
- 1995: The ICA Centennial and the Next 100 Years of International Cooperation