On February 19, the International Cooperative Alliance Asia and Pacific (ICA-AP) officially launched the International Year of Cooperatives (IYC) 2025 at the United Nations University in Tokyo. This prestigious event, co-hosted by the ICA-AP, the IYC2025 Japan Committee, and the International Labour Organization (ILO) Office for Japan, brought together 700 delegates, both in-person and online, to celebrate the role of cooperatives in sustainable development.
Among the prominent voices at the event were Dr. Ariel Guarco, President of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), and Dr. Chandra Pal Singh Yadav, ICA-AP President, both of whom underscored the transformative power of cooperatives in fostering inclusive economic growth across the Asia-Pacific region.
Dr. Guarco, in his address, highlighted the interconnectedness of the cooperative movement worldwide and emphasized the need to expand beyond borders. “We have the opportunity to connect cooperative experiences across territories, countries, and regions, strengthening the global integration of the cooperative movement,” he stated. He called for a cooperative economy built on solidarity, inclusivity, and peace, urging cooperatives to welcome workers, consumers, producers, and investors into a shared economic framework that prioritizes social good over mere profit.
Dr. Chandra Pal Singh Yadav reinforced the message of unity and collaboration, urging cooperators to work with governments and relevant ministries to establish national coordination committees for the effective implementation of IYC-2025. “We must work with governments and relevant ministries to officially launch IYC-2025 and ensure a coordinated effort in promoting cooperatives,” he asserted.
Dr. Yadav outlined the key priorities for the year-long celebration, including promoting cooperative identity, highlighting success stories, engaging youth, empowering women leaders, strengthening community ties, educating policymakers, and advocating for supportive policies.
Dr. Yadav further emphasized that cooperatives are instrumental in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He called for a structured approach, where cooperatives not only serve as economic entities but also as vehicles for social transformation. “We must demonstrate our contribution to the UN SDGs by creating inclusive opportunities, addressing economic disparities, and fostering community-led solutions,” he stated.
The event also featured key presentations from government officials, including Mr. Keiichiro Tachibana, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary of Japan, and Mr. Hiroshi Moriyama, Chairperson of the Diet Members Caucus for Promotion of Cooperatives. Their remarks reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to cooperative development, with a focus on policy support and regional revitalization.
Additionally, discussions on cooperative-driven solutions for global challenges, including climate change, economic inequality, and digital transformation, were led by experts such as Mr. Shinichi Takasaki of the ILO Office for Japan and Ms. Simel Esim, Programme Manager for Cooperative, Social and Solidarity Economy at ILO.
They emphasized that while cooperatives play a crucial role in promoting decent work and social equity, greater collaboration is needed between cooperatives, governments, and international organizations to maximize their impact.
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of IYC2025 Activity Plans from various countries and Japanese prefectures, along with youth-led discussions that stressed the need for young leaders to take an active role in the cooperative movement. Short film presentations from cooperatives in Nepal, the Philippines, and Japan further showcased the success of cooperative models in addressing socio-economic challenges at the grassroots level.
In a powerful concluding message, Dr. Yadav and Dr. Guarco jointly emphasized the need for sustained efforts in cooperative development, urging stakeholders to work together in strengthening cooperative initiatives globally. The event closed with a Call for Action from Mr. Masahiro Higa, Secretary General of the IYC2025 Japan Committee, reinforcing the commitment to advancing cooperative development throughout 2025 and beyond.
The International Year of Cooperatives 2025 will continue to spotlight the cooperative model’s role in fostering inclusive economic growth, social equity, and sustainable solutions to global challenges, with leaders like Dr. Chandra Pal Singh Yadav and Dr. Ariel Guarco guiding the way forward.
