On Saturday 5 July, the global cooperative movement celebrated the International Day of Cooperatives (CoopsDay) by highlighting what can be achieved through the power of cooperation.

This year’s theme was “Driving inclusive and sustainable solutions for a better world”, and, as every year, CoopsDay is an opportunity to raise awareness about cooperatives’ role in delivering evidence-based, people-centred solutions. This year’s CoopsDay was a special celebration due to 2025 being the second United Nations International Year of Cooperatives.

Cooperatives are active in every sector of the economy, including finance, agriculture retail, housing, healthcare, education, energy, industry and services. They employ 10% of the world’s population, providing decent employment and advancing social justice, economic democracy, and ecological sustainability.

According to the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), cooperatives’ track record of promoting the economic and social development of all people, including marginalised groups, was recognised in the 2023 UN Secretary-General Report on Cooperatives in Social Development. In his message at the occasion of the International Year of Cooperatives 2025 launch, UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted how “cooperatives are driving development across communities large and small, fighting poverty and social inclusion, strengthening food security, helping local entrepreneurs across international markets. Your united efforts are essential as our world confronts complex challenges and strives to achieve the sustainable development goals”.

ICA President Ariel Guarco stated his belief that the day is one of the most important moments since the global movement began celebrating the International Day of Cooperatives over a century ago.

“Now is the time to strengthen that impact and expand the reach of our actions—actions rooted in the principles and values that unite us and guide our daily work toward the common good. Thanks to this identity, we remain strong around the world. And at the same time, we’re able to express cooperative principles in every region, culture, and country, adapting our values to each community’s development strategy. In this way, we offer local solutions to global challenges—and we can truly live out our motto: that cooperatives build a better world,” he added.

In a blog post earlier this year, ICMIF Chair and President & CEO of Co-operators (Canada), Rob Wesseling said: “This is a challenging time for communities everywhere. From economic uncertainty and climate risks to growing gaps in protection, people are facing uncertainty. In the middle of all this, we remain strong. Cooperatives and mutual insurers don’t just provide coverage. They stand for consistency, trust, and long-term support when it matters most.

“With 2025 recognised by the United Nations (UN) as the International Year of Cooperatives (IYC2025), we all have an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the cooperative and mutual model and demonstrate why it matters and how it makes a difference, especially as the world faces economic pressure, rising social challenges, and the need for bold, values-based leadership,” Wesseling concluded.

Liz Green, Chief Executive, ICMIF said in the run-up to the International Day: “As we approach CoopsDay, I’m reminded of how powerfully our cooperative and mutual values resonate on the world stage. This year’s theme, Cooperatives: Driving inclusive and sustainable solutions for a better world, is especially meaningful in the context of the International Year.

She continued: “My team and I are proud to be playing an active role in IYC2025 initiatives, championing the essential contribution of our members to building resilient, inclusive communities. Whether through direct advocacy or strategic convening, such as the recent meeting of the Cooperative and Mutuals Leadership Circle (CM50) that I attended with a number of ICMIF member CEOs, we are working to ensure that the voice of cooperative and mutual insurers is heard at the highest levels.”

The day fell during the Festival of Co-operatives, which was held in Manchester and Rochdale (UK) to celebrate the United Nations International Year of Cooperatives and the 130th anniversary of the ICA. The event, which included the ICA General Assembly and the UK’s national Co-op Congress, featured a range of activities, including visits to FC United of Manchester, Hulme Community Garden Centre, Unicorn Grocery cooperative and the Rochdale Pioneers Museum, in the birthplace of the modern-day cooperative movement. The festival was hosted by The Co-operative Group (UK) and Co-operatives UK.

ICMIF is proud to be the insurance sectoral body of the ICA. ICMIF Advisor and former CEO is a member of the Board of the ICA.