Happy International Day of Cooperatives 2026: Cooperatives for a Peaceful World

Today, 4 July, cooperatives across Europe and the globe mark the International Day of Cooperatives (#CoopsDay). This year’s theme, “Cooperatives for a Peaceful World,” highlights how the cooperative model serves as a foundation for stable and just societies.

Cooperatives offer a clear alternative to conflict over resources. While history shows that competitive greed often drives division, the cooperative model is built on shared needs and collective action. By prioritising people over profit, these enterprises create stable foundations for development, equity, and the right for all people to shape their own futures through democratic participation.

Building a peaceful economy 

In a time of global uncertainty, the cooperative model acts as a stabilising force. Cooperatives are often the first to help with reconstruction and peace-building processes after conflicts. Where cooperatives thrive, democracy and peace follow.

Cooperatives Europe President Giuseppe Guerini states:

“Cooperatives for a Peaceful World …is the theme chosen for this International Day of Cooperatives.

For us, peace means development for everyone, justice, equity, and the right for all people to shape their own future through democratic participation.

Cooperatives were born for sharing needs and resources, as an alternative to conflict.

No war in history has ever been triggered by a cooperative economy, whereas history is full of wars triggered by capitalist greed in the competition to secure resources.

Cooperatives are always among the first to act in reconstruction and peace-building processes after conflicts.

For that we want to disarm the language of economics, because for us, competing does not mean racing against someone but racing together.

We want be competitive under conditions of true equality,  on a level playing field governed by the rules of democracy, rather than by the rules that digital capitalism would like to impose on us.

That is why I am delivering this message here in front of the European Parliament, urging institutions to recognise that where there are more cooperatives, there is more democracy and more peace.”

Ariel Guarco, President of the International Cooperative Alliance, said in his speech on the occasion of #CoopsDay that “(…) Cooperatives are also schools of peace, as they promote dialogue, transparency, and fraternal exchange among people from the most diverse cultural, ethnic, and geographic backgrounds. For all these reasons, we believe that the social, cultural, and environmental harmony produced by the cooperative economy is an indispensable requirement for achieving positive peace.” (…).

Together with the International Cooperative Alliance we are also highlighting inspiring stories of how cooperatives are helping build more peaceful and resilient communities. Established in 2013,  Molochna Rika cooperative in Ukraine has overcome repeated disruptions caused by the war by working together, adapting to new realities and ensuring that local dairy farmers can continue producing, earning a fair income and looking towards the future with hope.

They share how solidarity, mutual support and cooperation have enabled them to rebuild their cooperative and continue serving their communities despite the ongoing conflict. Molochna Rika is one of many cooperatives making a tangible contribution to peace. Discover more inspiring case studies from around the world in our latest Policy Brief on Cooperative Contributions to SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (Read more here).

Join the #CoopsDay celebrations 

It is only by taking pride in our business model and promoting it in our local communities that we can expand our positive contribution. Cooperatives Europe encourages all members and allies to take part in the celebrations—whether online or in your local community.

• Share information about your event: Tag Cooperatives Europe in your social media posts or email us your event details. We want to promote your work across our networks.

If you haven’t already

• Add to the map: Visit www.coopsday.coop to put your event on the interactive map and learn more about activities near you.

Let’s celebrate the power of cooperation this CoopsDay. We wish you an excellent day of celebration, reflection, and inspiration for a more cooperative future.