The International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) has announced “Cooperatives for a Peaceful World” as the theme for the 2026 International Day of Cooperatives (CoopsDay), highlighting the role of cooperatives in fostering social cohesion, dialogue, and peaceful societies.
In a statement issued on May 4, 2026, the global cooperative body said the theme reflects the unique ability of cooperatives to unite people, strengthen communities, and contribute to inclusive and resilient societies amid growing global challenges.
ICA stated that the theme serves not only as a reflection of the cooperative model’s unique capacity to bring people together, strengthen social cohesion, and advance peaceful, inclusive societies, but also as a collective call from the global cooperative movement to actively contribute to peace.
According to the organisation, cooperatives act as bridge-builders by bringing communities together, fostering dialogue, and strengthening recovery and resilience in an increasingly fragmented world.
The 2026 International Day of Cooperatives will be marked on July 4, continuing a tradition that dates back to 1923. The United Nations officially recognised the annual celebration in 1995 to highlight the contribution of cooperatives to economic development, sustainability, and social justice through a people-centred model.
The theme also aligns with the ICA Global Conference 2026 theme, “Building Bridges: Cooperative Contributions for a Peaceful World,” which will be discussed during the organisation’s global conference scheduled for September in Panama.
ICA noted that many parts of the world are currently experiencing conflict, social fragmentation, rising inequalities, economic insecurity, and declining trust, making it necessary to promote initiatives that strengthen social cohesion and rebuild connections across societies.
The conference is expected to examine how cooperatives contribute to peace by connecting people, communities, and ideas while creating inclusive spaces for participation.
The role of cooperatives in peacebuilding is further reinforced by the 2019 ICA Declaration on Positive Peace through Cooperatives, which urges the global cooperative movement to deepen its commitment to promoting peaceful and inclusive societies.
ICA Director General Jeroen Douglas said cooperatives have historically contributed not only to the absence of conflict but also to the presence of justice, inclusion, and trust.
“Cooperatives have long contributed not only to the absence of conflict, but to the presence of justice, inclusion, and trust; the essential foundations of positive peace,” Douglas said.
“Across sectors and regions, cooperatives contribute to peaceful societies by strengthening local economies, expanding access to vital services, promoting democratic participation, creating opportunities for all and fostering trust and solidarity,” he added.
The theme also aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16, which focuses on peace, justice, and strong institutions. ICA and the Committee for the Promotion and Advancement of Cooperatives (COPAC) are currently developing a policy brief highlighting cooperatives’ contributions to peacebuilding as part of the International Year of Cooperatives 2025 policy brief series.
The International Day of Cooperatives is observed annually on the first Saturday of July to raise awareness of the role cooperatives play in advancing sustainable development and peace.
The 2026 celebrations will mark the 104th International Cooperative Day and the 32nd United Nations International Day of Cooperatives.
The theme was jointly selected by the ICA and COPAC in consultation with United Nations partners and the global cooperative movement.
COPAC members include the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Trade Centre (ITC), the United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD), and the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA).
Author: Andrew Walyaula
Andrew Walyaula is a seasoned multimedia journalist. Email: [email protected]
