International Day of Cooperatives 2021

The United Nations' (UN) International Day of Cooperatives is observed on the first Saturday of July each year. Some of the day's goals are to increase awareness on cooperatives, as well as strengthen and extend partnerships between the international cooperative movement and other supporting organizations including governments.

This year the day focuses on “Rebuild better together”. Cooperatives around the world will showcase how they are meeting the COVID-19 pandemic crisis with solidarity and resilience and offering communities a people-centered and environmentally just recovery.

Focusing on the significance of the day UN Secretary-General António Guterres says, “The COVID-19 pandemic and climate emergency have both revealed the fragility of our societies and our planet. These dual crises are disproportionately affecting the world’s most vulnerable countries and people, and deepening many social and economic rifts. They also make clear the need to strengthen global cooperation and solidarity.”

Cooperatives are important in the world's economic and social development. Based on the principle of cooperation, cooperatives help create new ethics and values in business and economics.