The United Nations (UN) has long recognized the critical role of cooperatives in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs). By 2025, the relationship between the UN and cooperatives is expected to deepen, leveraging their potential to address global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change.

United Nations and Cooperatives: Alignment with Global Goals

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
Cooperatives directly contribute to multiple SDGs, including:
No Poverty (SDG 1): By empowering small-scale producers and ensuring fair distribution of wealth.
Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8): Through job creation and promoting worker-owned enterprises.
Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10): By fostering inclusivity and equitable access to resources.
Climate Action (SDG 13): Cooperatives emphasize sustainable practices like renewable energy and green agriculture.

2. Advocacy for Cooperative Models:
The UN celebrates International Day of Cooperatives (first Saturday of July) to highlight their contributions to global development.

Through entities like the International Labour Organization (ILO) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the UN promotes cooperative models in agriculture, labor, and social development.

3. Partnership with ICA (International Cooperative Alliance):

The UN collaborates with the ICA to align cooperative activities with SDG objectives. By 2025, this partnership is expected to expand into sectors like digital transformation, climate resilience, and financial inclusion.

Key UN Initiatives for Cooperatives in 2025

1. Cooperative Development Policies:
Encouraging governments to adopt cooperative-friendly laws and policies.
Strengthening cooperative movements in emerging economies to address regional challenges.

2. Climate and Sustainability Programs:
Supporting cooperatives in renewable energy projects and climate-smart agriculture.
Expanding green financing options for cooperative enterprises.

3. Digital Inclusion:

Promoting access to digital platforms for cooperatives, enabling better market access and efficient governance.
Supporting cooperatives in developing countries to integrate digital tools into their operation.

4. Global Cooperative Data Platform:
Launching a UN-backed platform to collect and share data on cooperatives’ contributions to the SDGs, enhancing transparency and impact measurement.\

5. Youth and Women Empowerment:
Creating opportunities for young entrepreneurs and women through cooperative enterprises.
Supporting education and capacity-building programs for these groups globally.

Projected Impact of UN-Cooperative Collaboration by 2025

1. Economic Impact:
Enhanced livelihoods for millions of people through cooperative-led job creation and equitable wealth distribution.
Strengthened resilience of local economies to global economic shocks.

2. Social Impact:
Greater inclusion of marginalized communities, particularly in rural and underserved regions.
Improved access to education, healthcare, and social security through cooperative models.

3. Environmental Impact:
Increased adoption of sustainable practices across industries, reducing carbon footprints.

Support for community-driven initiatives in reforestation, renewable energy, and biodiversity conservation.

Future Vision for 2025 and Beyond

By 2025, the UN aims to position cooperatives as key partners in achieving a just, inclusive, and sustainable world economy. With the continued collaboration of governments, international organizations, and grassroots cooperatives, this partnership has the potential to redefine global economic and social systems, making them more equitable and sustainable.