About IYC 2025
Why celebrate the International Year of Cooperatives
In 2025, we celebrate the second International Year of Cooperatives, championing the role of co-operatives and mutuals in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals and building a better world.
IYC 2025
The United Nations General Assembly has declared 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives, following the first in 2012, recognising the immense contributions of co-operatives and mutuals to social and economic development.
The theme of IYC 2025 is "co-operatives build a better world".
IYC 2025 will:
1. Raise public awareness
2. Promote growth and development
3. Advocate for supportive frameworks
4. Inspire leadership
Why co-operatives and mutuals?
Co-operatives and mutuals are unique, member-driven enterprises that balance profit with community well-being.
Our vision for Australia: Empowering Australian communities through co-operation and mutuality
Australia’s co-operatives and mutuals are vital in fostering innovation, sustainability and inclusivity in our communities.
In Australia, co-operatives and mutuals are transforming industries and improving lives. From agriculture to housing, retail to renewable energy, co-operatives and mutuals embody the principles of democratic governance and shared prosperity.
Through IYC 2025, we aim to:
- Advocate for policies that support the growth of co-operatives and mutuals.
- Celebrate the achievements of Australian co-operatives and mutuals.
- Inspire a new generation of co-operative and mutual leaders.
IYC 2025 theme: Co-operatives build a better world
IYC 2025 underscores co-operatives’ vital role in advancing sustainable development, eradicating poverty and fostering inclusive economic growth.
The theme of the year, “co-operatives build a better world”, highlights the enduring global impact of co-operatives, positioning them as essential solutions to today’s global challenges.
It highlights their contributions to sustainable development across social, economic and environmental dimensions, showing how co-operatives are key drivers in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
The theme also emphasises the unique ability of co-operatives to foster inclusive growth and strengthen community resilience.
The IYC2025 logo is available for use with permission from COPAC and the United Nations. Learn more and apply to use it.
An IYC 2025 message from the BCCM
The Business Council of Co-operatives’ CEO Melina Morrison shares how co-operatives build a better world, and how we can showcase this in 2025 – the United Nations’ International Year of Cooperatives!