The United Nations (UN) has proclaimed 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives, recognizing the essential role co-operative and mutual enterprises play in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and building resilient, inclusive economies.
This milestone year is especially meaningful for the Canadian co-operative movement. It marks not only a moment to celebrate our collective achievements but also an opportunity to reaffirm our shared vision for a stronger, more sustainable economy — one built on cooperation, long-term resilience, and democratic ownership. Co-operatives and mutuals continue to demonstrate that economic resilience and community well-being are mutually beneficial drivers of long-term prosperity.
A Shared Milestone for the Co-operative Movement
This year, Desjardins Group, one of Canada’s most enduring co-operative success stories, celebrates its 125th anniversary — a milestone that coincides perfectly with the UN’s International Year of Cooperatives. To mark the occasion, Desjardins has renewed its commitment to the co-operative model as a crucial lever for sustainable development, social inclusion, and financial empowerment.
In the words of Desjardins Group’s declaration, the organization emphasizes that “the cooperative model remains one of the most powerful vehicles to build a society that is more fair, inclusive and prosperous for everyone.”
Similarly, the Conseil québécois de la coopération et de la mutualité (CQCM) has called on all co-operative and mutual organizations across Quebec — and Canada — to join in signing its declaration affirming our collective adherence to a more equitable, united, and sustainable development model.
These shared commitments reflect a strong, unified message: the co-operative movement continues to evolve and perform, guided by principles that align economic performance with social value and community resilience.
Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada: Our Declaration
As the national voice of Canadian co-operatives, Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada (CMC) is proud to share the Declaration on the Occasion of the International Year of Cooperatives that was adopted by the members at this year’s Annual General Meeting — a collective resolution that underscores our movement’s leadership and purpose in 2025 and beyond.
Declaration on the Occasion of the International Year of Cooperatives
Whereas:
- The UN General Assembly has proclaimed 2025 the International Year of Cooperatives, highlighting their global impact and accelerating efforts to achieve the Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals;
- The members of CMC wish to reaffirm their commitment and convictions in this year of valuing and promoting the contribution of co-operatives to Canada’s development;
- Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada plays a vital role in mobilizing and representing the Canadian co-operative movement nationally and internationally;
Be it resolved that:
- We reaffirm that co-operative and mutual enterprises are more egalitarian and inclusive, standing as solutions to growing social inequalities and economic imbalance;
- We affirm that these enterprises foster democracy, collective wealth, and shared prosperity through equitable distribution of benefits and collective ownership;
- We commit to evolving and innovating the co-operative model to meet the aspirations of new generations and the realities of a changing world;
- We prioritize human-scale action by strengthening the skills, commitment, and well-being of the people who power our movement;
- We engage youth in the values of solidarity, mutual aid, and civic participation through meaningful entrepreneurial experiences;
- We support innovation, inter-cooperation, and collaboration within the co-operative and mutual development ecosystem;
- We champion education on co-operation and mutuality to develop the next generation of leaders;
- We promote co-operative conversions as a solution to Canada’s succession challenges in small and medium-sized enterprises;
- We mobilize our collective action across Canada to strengthen co-operatives and mutuals as key agents of change in addressing socio-ecological challenges;
- Together, we showcase Canada’s co-operative expertise on the world stage through international co-operation initiatives;
- Together, we continue to create sustainable local jobs, improve access to essential products and services, and support collective entrepreneurship;
- And together, we pledge to use this declaration to promote Canadian leadership in co-operation.
Looking Forward
In this International Year of Cooperatives, CMC invites all co-operative and mutual organizations — large and small, local and national — to join us in celebrating and sharing this Declaration.
Together, we are demonstrating that the co-operative model remains essential to shaping a future that is fair, inclusive, and sustainable for all.
Let us build on the International Year of Cooperatives to make 2025 a year of renewed pride, action, and solidarity for Canada’s co-operative and mutual movement.
👉 Add your voice to the CQCM statement and show your support for cooperatives (in French only): https://cqcm.coop/articles/declaration-de-lannee-internationale-des-cooperatives