2012 is the United Nations declared INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF COOPERATIVES.
The International Year (IYC) celebrates the important contribution of cooperatives to socio-economic development across the globe. It recognises the role of cooperatives in reducing poverty, generating employment and creating greater social equality.
Goals of the International Year of Cooperatives
- Increase public awareness of cooperatives and their contribution to socio-economic development and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.
- Promote the formation and growth of cooperatives.
- Encourage Governments to establish policies, laws and regulations conducive to the formation, growth and stability of cooperatives.
Official UN IYC site: https://social.un.org/coopsyear/