About the International Co-operative Alliance
About Us: Mission, History & Strategy
The International Co-operative Alliance was founded in 1895 and is the representative and guardian of the global cooperative movement. Its mission is to unite, represent and serve cooperatives worldwide, promote the cooperative model, safeguard cooperative identity, and enable cooperatives to be a force for building a better world.
Strategy for the Decade, 2026–2030
The strategy rests on three pillars — Practice, Promote and Protect:
Put cooperative values and principles into practice within cooperatives, strengthening governance and resilience.
Promote the cooperative model to society and policymakers, expanding its influence and recognition.
Protect cooperative identity and the legal environment, safeguarding the substance and the name of "cooperative."
Historical Milestones
- 1844
Rochdale Society of Equitable Pioneers
The Rochdale Pioneers were founded in England, establishing the operating and distribution principles of the modern cooperative and widely regarded as the origin of the cooperative movement and its principles.
- 1895
International Co-operative Alliance founded
The first International Co-operative Congress convened in London and the ICA was formally established, becoming one of the world's earliest international non-governmental organisations.
- 1937
First formal statement of cooperative principles
The ICA set out a systematic statement of cooperative principles at its Paris Congress.
- 1946
UN consultative status granted
The ICA became one of the first international organisations to be granted consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
- 1966
Principles revised
The ICA revised the cooperative principles in response to the post-war development of the cooperative movement.
- 1995
Statement on the Co-operative Identity
At its Manchester Congress marking the Alliance's centenary, the ICA adopted the definition, values and seven principles that remain the globally recognised standard for cooperative identity today.
- 2002
ILO Recommendation No. 193
The International Labour Organization adopted the Promotion of Cooperatives Recommendation, embedding cooperative identity within the framework of international labour standards.
- 2012
First UN International Year of Cooperatives
The United Nations designated 2012 the International Year of Cooperatives (IYC), themed "Co-operative Enterprises Build a Better World."
- 2016
Inscribed as intangible cultural heritage
"Idea and practice of organizing shared interests in cooperatives" was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, nominated by Germany.
- 2025
Second International Year of Cooperatives (IYC 2025)
The United Nations designated a second International Year of Cooperatives, themed "Co-operatives Build a Better World."
- 2026–2030
Strategy for the new decade
The ICA adopted a strategy built on three pillars — Practice, Promote, Protect: practising cooperative values, promoting the cooperative model and protecting cooperative identity.