2012 International Year of Co-operatives

The United Nations General Assembly approved the resolution A/RES/64/136 and proclaimed 2012 as the International Year of Co-operatives (IYC) in December 2009. The resolution recognizes that co-operatives promote the fullest possible participation in the economica and social development of all people, that co-operatives are a becoming a major factor of economic and social development and contribute to the eradication of poverty.

The UN resolution encourages governments to enhance the growth and sustainability of co-operatives and to introduce programmes to promote their capacity building. "Co-operatives are a reminder to the international community that it is possible to pursue both economic viability and social responsibility", said UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.

Be part of it! 2012 - International Year of Co-operatives is a unique chance to celebrate co-operatives. Be creative on how best to ensure that co-operatives are better known, are able to operate and grow in a fair environment and are recognised as being an important but different type of business model.