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

    1. Increase public awareness of cooperatives and their contribution to socio-economic development and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.
    2. Promote the formation and growth of cooperatives.
    3. Encourage Governments to establish policies, laws and regulations conducive to the formation, growth and stability of cooperatives.

Official UN IYC site: http://social.un.org/coopsyear/