Welcome to the official website on the International Year of Cooperatives (IYC). Here you will find information on events planned throughout the year, as well as suggestions on how to get involved and participate.

International years are declared by the United Nations to draw attention to and encourage action on major issues. The International Year of Cooperatives is intended to raise public awareness of the invaluable contributions of cooperative enterprises to poverty reduction, employment generation and social integration. The Year will also highlight the strengths of the cooperative business model as an alternative means of doing business and furthering socioeconomic development.

For more information on the aims and objectives of the Year, please visit our "About IYC".

New Cooperatives in Timor-Leste participates in Forum on Inclusive Growth

New National Show of Cooperative Force in the Philippines set on February 18, 2012

IYC Icon Panel Discussion on Youth Employment through Entrepreneurship: the Role of Cooperatives to be held on 2 February at the United Nations

IYC Icon The Role of Cooperatives in Poverty Eradication to be discussed on 1 February at the United Nations

IYC Icon Australia produced a collectible coin to celebrate the launch of the year.

IYC Icon Rabobank Group has come forward as the first donor to the International Year of Cooperatives.

IYC Icon United Nations launched the International Year of Cooperatives (IYC) at the UN General Assembly Hall on Monday, 31 October 2011 | Programme | Photos | Videos | Summary of Events during the IYC launch