The United Nations recognizes and reaffirms the role of cooperatives in economic, social and cultural development and in the achievement of social policy objectives as shown in various resolutions specific to cooperatives and the bi-ennial publication of the Secretary-General's report on the role of cooperatives in social development.
In resolution 47/90 of 16 December 1992, the General Assembly proclaims "the first Saturday of July 1995 to be International Day of Cooperatives, marking the centenary of the establishment of the International Cooperative Alliance, and decides to consider the possibility of observing an international day of cooperatives in future years ..."
How to celebrate International Day?
Co-operatives around the world celebrate the Day in many different ways. Below are examples of some of the activities organised by co-operatives around the world:
- The messages of the ICA and United Nations are translated into local languages and widely disseminated to co-operators, media, and government officials at all levels.
- Co-operatives use newspapers and radio programmes to create awareness on their movements and contributions.
- Co-operative Fairs, exhibits, contests, and campaigns are held.
- Meetings with government officials, United Nations agencies and other partner organisations are held.
- Co-operatives partner with community agencies to champion economic, environmental, and social and health challenges (blood drives, tree planting, etc.)
- Cultural events are sponsored - theatre, concerts, etc.
2009 Theme: "Driving Global Recovery through Cooperatives"
This year's International Day theme focuses on recovery rather than crisis. It aims to highlight the role that cooperatives have in not only promoting economic growth, but also in promoting ethical values - values which have been severely challenged during the financial and food crisis. It underlines that cooperatives can effectively contribute to global economic recovery and that they will do so in respect of the Cooperative Values and Principles which guide their operations.
The theme also allows stakeholders to address the response of the cooperative movement to crisis - financial, food, values. However, it is key to be reminded that cooperatives serve their members needs in both good and bad times whether it be economically, socially and/or culturally. They are not tools to address crisis, but a sustainable form of enterprise that outlives crisis and drives recovery.
F.U.N was born when a friend asked how he can help the United Nations? "What does the UN need most" he asked? Friends are what the UN needs most, was our answer, and it just happens to spell F.U.N. 
