On the first Saturday of July, we celebrate co-operatives.
This year’s International Day of Co-operative, or CoopsDay, will fall on 4 July 2026, the first Saturday of July.
The International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) has announced the theme for the 2026 International Day of Cooperatives (CoopsDay) as “Cooperatives for a Peaceful World”.
The theme reflects the cooperative model’s ability to bring people together, strengthen social cohesion, and support more inclusive societies. It also serves as a call for co-operatives (co-ops) worldwide to play a more active role in contributing to peace, particularly at a time when many societies are facing growing fragmentation, inequality, and declining trust.
In this context, co-ops are positioned as bridge-builders. Across sectors and communities, they create shared spaces for dialogue, support recovery efforts, and strengthen resilience. Their people-centred approach continues to offer practical ways to rebuild connections and foster a stronger sense of collective responsibility.
The announcement comes ahead of CoopsDay 2026, which will be observed on 4 July. Celebrated by the global cooperative movement since 1923 and officially recognised by the United Nations in 1995, the day highlights the role of cooperatives in advancing economic development, sustainability, and social justice.
The 2026 theme also aligns with the ICA Global Conference in Panama, which will explore how co-ops contribute to peace by building bridges between people, communities, and ideas, while creating inclusive spaces for participation.
This focus builds on the 2019 ICA Declaration on Positive Peace through Cooperatives, which calls on the movement to deepen its commitment to advancing peaceful and inclusive societies. As noted by ICA Director General Jeroen Douglas, co-operatives contribute not only to the absence of conflict but also to the presence of trust, inclusion, and opportunity.
The theme further resonates with Sustainable Development Goal 16, which centres on peace, justice, and strong institutions. Ongoing efforts by the ICA and partners will continue to highlight how cooperatives support these goals in practice.
More information on CoopsDay 2026 and related resources can be found at www.coopsday.coop
By Sng Ler Jun
