About IYC 2012

On December 18, 2009, the United Nations General Assembly, with the support of the Government of Canada, passed a resolution declaring 2012 the UN International Year of Co-operatives. The resolution, entitled "Co-operatives in Social Development", recognizes the diversity of the co-operative movement around the world and urges governments to take measures aimed at creating a supportive environment for the development of co-operatives.

The International Year will give both the co-operative sector and governments an opportunity to:

• Raise public awareness of co-operatives and the economic and social contribution of the co-operative
business model.

• Support the growth and sustainability of co-operatives

• Create legacy initiatives that will live beyond December 31, 2012.

The International Year is an incredible opportunity for co-operatives everywhere. In Canada, and around the world, we are on the road to 2012, and momentum, potential and possibilities are increasing every day!

As key tools in promoting co-operatives and the International Year, the UN has created the official logo, and "Co-operative enterprises build a better world" or "Les coopératives, des entreprises pour un monde meilleur".