International Cooperative Day 2023: Cooperatives for Sustainable Development

 

On July 1, 2023, the world celebrates International Cooperative Day. This year's theme is "Cooperatives for sustainable development."

Cooperatives are businesses owned and controlled by their members. They are based on the principles of self-help, democracy, equality, and solidarity. Cooperatives are a powerful force for good in the world. They provide economic opportunities for people, promote social justice, and protect the environment.

In the context of sustainable development, cooperatives can play a vital role. They can help to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by:

• Providing access to financial services: Cooperatives can provide affordable loans and savings accounts to people who would otherwise be excluded from the formal financial system. This can help people to start businesses, invest in education, and improve their standard of living.
• Promoting social inclusion: Cooperatives can provide opportunities for people from all backgrounds to come together and work for a common goal. This can help to build stronger communities and reduce social inequality.
• Protecting the environment: Cooperatives can adopt sustainable practices that protect the environment. This can include using renewable energy, reducing waste, and conserving water.

Cooperatives are already making a significant contribution to sustainable development. In 2019, the global cooperative sector had a turnover of over $2.9 trillion and employed over 280 million people. Cooperatives are also playing a leading role in the delivery of the SDGs. For example, the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) has launched a number of initiatives to support the SDGs, including the Coops4SDGs campaign and the ICA SDG Toolkit.

On this International Cooperative Day, let us celebrate the power of cooperation to build a more sustainable future. Let us also reaffirm our commitment to the principles and values of cooperation. Together, we can make a difference.

Here are some ways to celebrate International Cooperative Day:

• Learn more about cooperatives in your community.
• Support a cooperative business.
• Get involved in a cooperative project.
• Talk to your friends and family about the benefits of cooperation.
• Use the hashtag #CoopsDay on social media to share your support for cooperatives.

Let's make International Cooperative Day a day to celebrate the power of cooperation to build a better world!