TOKYO, Nov. 18 – The United Nations (UN) decided to proclaim 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives to share the roles and values of cooperatives and their contributions to socio-economic development and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) internationally and increase public awareness. The UN decision was announced in Japan by the Japan Co-operative Alliance (JCA) on November 17.
The UN sets up an “International Year” to highlight critical global themes and encourages its member countries and related parties to strengthen their activities. It’s the second time for the UN to declare the International Year of Cooperatives, following the one in 2012.
On November 3, 2023, The United Nations General Assembly approved a resolution for cooperatives and proclaimed 2025 as an International Year of Cooperatives. The resolution recognizes the importance of supporting cooperatives, which play a role in building a sustainable society and ensuring food security, and reviewing laws and regulations to facilitate the establishment and growth of cooperatives.
Toru Yamano, chairman of JCA (and the Central Union of Agricultural Cooperatives (JA-Zenchu)), pointed out in his statement that it will be an excellent opportunity for cooperatives in Japan to advance their initiatives for building sustainable communities and raising awareness about cooperatives. JCA will facilitate linkage among cooperatives and discuss specific initiatives with them, he added.