2026 Theme

Cooperatives for a peaceful world

The theme also aligns with the ICA 2026 Global Conference theme, Building Bridges: Cooperative Contributions for a Peaceful World. At a time when many parts of the world are experiencing conflict, social fragmentation, rising inequalities, economic insecurity, and declining trust, there is a growing need to build bridges and support approaches that strengthen cohesion and rebuild connections across societies. The conference, which is taking place in Panama in September, will explore the contributions cooperatives make towards peace by building bridges between people, communities and ideas and creating inclusive spaces for participation.

The role of cooperatives is underlined in the 2019 ICA Declaration on Positive Peace through Cooperatives, which calls on the cooperative movement to deepen its commitment and strengthen actions that advance peaceful and inclusive societies.

Jeroen Douglas, ICA Director General, said: “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. 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.”

The theme also resonates strongly with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), and the ICA and COPAC are developing a policy brief to highlight cooperatives’ contributions to peacebuilding as part of the IYC2025 SDG policy brief series.

Join the Celebration

Communities around the world are encouraged to take part in #CoopsDay by organizing events, sharing stories, and promoting this year’s theme.