International Day of Cooperatives 2021

1 July 2021

The 3rd of July is the International Day of Cooperatives. An annual celebration recognized by the United Nations that takes places on the first Saturday of July, since 1923. This year’s theme is “Rebuild Better Together”.

2020 was a remarkably difficult year. The world collectively went through extended periods of uncertainty, while people tried to protect themselves from the health and economic crises.

The global pandemic took a toll on everyone, including cooperatives. Nonetheless, the worker and social cooperatives in our network showed incredible resilience throughout the crisis. Through worker ownership and democratic control, cooperators adapted to new production modes and paces, digitalized services at record speed, and showed strength and unity. Thanks to the tight-knit network that cooperatives have in their communities, they were also able to help the most vulnerable ones when they needed it the most.

CICOPA would like to take this opportunity to invite everyone to have a moment of reflection on how we can “Rebuild Better Together”.

We believe that by rethinking our education, and implementing cooperative education in school curricula, the new generation will have the tools to establish more just and democratic enterprises.

Together, through the cooperative values and identity, through solidarity, social justice, and democracy at work, we can change the world.

CICOPA wishes you a very happy International Day of Cooperatives!

Take a look at the video message from President Iñigo Albizuri.

Additional information:

The International Cooperative Alliance has unveiled a campaign and a new website dedicated to all things related to #coopsday, including the new logo, and this year’s press kit. Find it all here.