Cooperatives around the world will on this year on July 6, celebrate the International Day of Cooperatives, also known as Ushirika Day in Kenya, with the theme “Cooperatives Build a Better Future for All.”
The International Cooperative Alliance (UCA), which is the voice of cooperatives around the world, said that cooperatives worldwide will have the chance to showcase their present and historical contributions to building a sustainable future, accelerating efforts to implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) by 2030.
Notably, this year’s theme aligns well with the objectives of the forthcoming UN Summit of the Future whose theme is “Multilateral solutions for a better tomorrow”.
In a press release ICA said, “The cooperative identity, values, and principles set a strong system for achieving the SDGs. For the 2024 #CoopsDay, cooperatives can showcase their high standards for inclusive and sustainable growth, and serve as stewards for protecting the environment and fighting climate change.”
The ICA also adds that through democratic governance, dialogue, and shared ownership, cooperatives act as example for peace and stability, gathering people from different backgrounds together on equal terms, and fostering mutual understanding and respect.
“The cooperative youth are empowered to lead the way by giving them opportunities, transferring knowledge, and ensuring diversity, equity and equality for all.”
According to 2023 UN Secretary-General Report on Cooperatives in Social Development, cooperatives hold an impressive record of promoting the economic and social development in the society including marginalised groups.
“As we celebrate the significant and often quiet contributions of cooperatives, it is also time for us to reflect on what we have accomplished to build a better future, and what we can do better together,” says Jeroen Douglas, the Director General of the ICA. “Let’s use this day to be inspired to collaborate, examine all the possibilities to reach the SDG goals, and take action to achieve them.”
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Next year, Cooperatives will celebrate International Year of Cooperatives, which was announced by the UN last year.
Ushirika Day is celebrated on the first Saturday of July every year aimed at increasing awareness on cooperatives and foster the principles and values that make the cooperative model appropriate for advancing sustainable development.
It was officially proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly on the centenary of the ICA in 1995.
2024 will mark the 30th International Day of Cooperatives recognised by the United Nations and the 102nd International Cooperative Day.
“The aim of #CoopsDay is to increase awareness of cooperatives. Since 1995, the ICA and the United Nations, through the Committee for the Promotion and Advancement of Cooperatives [COPAC], have jointly set the theme for the celebration of #CoopsDay.”
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