The United Nations (UN), in collaboration with the International Cooperative Alliance, has launched the 2025 International Year of Co-operatives (IYC2025) logo today.

The new logo for IYC2025 & How you can use it

The new logo illustrates people around the world connecting with each other to build a better world, said the press release. It is available in English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese and Russian. 

Three colours — red (for the society), blue (for the economy) and green (for the environment) — representing the graphic identity of the Sustainable Development Goals, were deployed. They come together to highlight how the good work that co-operatives do contribute to these goals. 

Director General of the International Cooperative Alliance Mr Jeroen Douglas said: "We call to cooperators worldwide to share their pride for what cooperatives are doing to build a better world, and to take advantage of the International Year of Co-operatives in 2025." 

"The logo represents the collective work of people-centered enterprises and the colors emphasize how co-operatives contribute to the 2030 agenda in their social, economic, and environmental dimensions,” he added. 

Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Department of Economic and Social Affairs Mr Li Junhua said: "The International Year of Co-operatives 2025 is a time for both celebration and action. Co-operatives embody a model of enterprise and community where inclusion, empowerment and societal resilience are just as valued as revenue and gain."

He added: "Co-operatives have and will continue to be drivers of poverty eradication, women’s empowerment and social inclusion, while supporting full and productive employment and generating sustainable economic growth. Together, let's show the power of cooperation to create lasting transformative change."

Any non-UN entity wishing to use the IYC2025 logo for fund raising and/or information will be required to submit an application for approval and a signed waiver of liability form. 

What is IYC2025? 

Earlier in June, the UN General Assembly declared 2025 to be the IYC2025, 13 years since it was first celebrated in 2012. The theme "Cooperatives Build A Better World" highlights the lasting global impact of co-operatives and emphasises how the co-operative model is one of many solutions addressing different global challenges. 

In other words, the IYC2025 is a year long celebration of the social impact of co-operatives around the world and how co-operatives continue to remain relevant as they build up communities and improve lives. Back in 2012, the theme was centered on how co-operatives can contribute to the socio-economic development, particularly their impact on poverty reduction, employment generation and social integration. For the uninitiated, co-operatives are businesses owned and controlled by their members. 

A soft launch of the IYC2025 took place on this year's Interntaional Day of Cooperatives on 9 July 2024, where organisers unviled the roadmap of events and communication materials.

An official launch is expected to take place later this year at the ICA Global Co-operative Conference and General Assembly between 25 and 30 November 2024. A dedicated website is also expected to be launch in November too.