This year, co-op members in Canada will have two events to celebrate or acknowledge on July 1st. In addition to being Canada Day, this year it is also the 101st International Day of Cooperatives!

“#CoopsDay” is an annual opportunity for local, national, and worldwide governments, civil society organizations, and the general public to learn more about cooperatives. This includes their dedication to a just and sustainable future for everyone, which include economic efficiency, equality, and world peace.

United by the slogan Cooperatives for sustainable development, more than a billion co-operators around the work will show how the co-operative way of working, inspired by the co-operative values and principles, has the accomplishment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as part of its DNA.

About the Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda

In September 2023, the international community will mark the mid-point in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Approaching this milestone, there is pressure to accelerate progress in the SDGs. It is thus a real key moment to demonstrate the contribution of cooperatives in advancing the achievement of the SDGs.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and improve the lives and prospects of everyone, everywhere. The 17 Goals were adopted by all UN Member States in 2015. They were part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development which set out a 15-year plan to achieve the Goals.

The SDGs paint a picture of a future where progress benefits everyone, where climate change is halted in its tracks, and all people can live in peace and prosperity. The unique nature of the Global Goals means that they are interlinked. Making progress on one Goal often leads to progress on another one, or sometimes even several.

CHF Canada Resolution

At the recent CHF Canada AGM in Ottawa, delegates passed a resolution promoting co-op action towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Co-op 2030 Vision. This campaign encourages co-ops to pledge toward one or more of the17 goals that are most relevant for co-ops. These include reducing experiences of poverty, promoting equality, and climate action. This resolution also supports this year’s theme of the International Day of Co-operatives. described above.

In 2017, CHF Canada members passed a resolution supporting the UN SDGs. That resolution also encourages members and sector partners to participate in the Co-ops for 2030 Campaign organized by the International Co-operative Alliance. This year’s resolution updates this commitment. It also commits CHF Canada to more sustainable practices, and annual pledges and reporting for the Co-ops for 2030 Campaign.