At the end of each year, we ask co-op and mutual leaders from around the world to reflect on their organisation and sector – and this year, on the UN International Year of Cooperatives theme: Co-ops Build a Better World. Read the December 2024 Q&As here.
How do co-ops build a better world?
Rooted in shared values of democracy, self-help and solidarity, co-operatives build a better world by prioritising people over profit and empowering communities to take control.
Members shape the future of co-ops through economic participation democratic participation, putting power in the hands of the communities they serve. Co-ops contribute to a fairer and more interconnected society by supporting causes that matter most to their members.
Through inter-co-operative working, they address social, economic, and environmental challenges by fostering sustainable practices, creating inclusive opportunities, and supporting local and global economies.
What should the International Year of Cooperatives achieve – and how is your organisation working towards that?
During the International Year of Co-operatives 2025 we’re calling on co-operatives everywhere to unite as a movement and champion co-operative solutions that address local and global challenges.
Through co-op-to-co-op trade and development that prioritises co-operative solutions above alternatives, we can strive for social equity, and economic resilience to create lasting change. We believe that sustainable development is not just a goal, but a necessity for the wellbeing of our planet and its people.
The newly launched Fund for International Co-operative Development (FICD) is a transformative initiative that will empower co-operative communities to not only survive crises but also thrive in their aftermath, focusing on rebuilding and sustaining local economies around the world.
We are working alongside other UK co-ops, Co-operatives UK, and the Co-op College to build momentum and grow the FICD’s reach through 2025, inviting co-operatives globally to pledge their support. The fund embodies Principle Six – co-operation among co-operatives – and strengthens our collective ability to address the pressing global challenges we all face.
As a founding supporter, we have pledged financial backing and contributed our expertise to support the launch of the fund.
We look forward to sharing more exciting news with our members in the new year and working together to make 2025 a transformative year for the co-operative movement.
