SDGs Implementation: Are Cooperatives Fit for Purpose?

The 2025 High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) coincides with two key milestones: the second United Nations International Year of Cooperatives (IYC2025) and the second World Social Summit (WSS) in November 2025.

The IYC2025 theme is: “Cooperatives Build a Better World”, a vital opportunity to recognize and scale the contributions of cooperatives toward inclusive, sustainable development. The VNR Lab is a key platform for countries to highlight cooperative engagement in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially those under review at this year’s HLPF, which are: SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being; SDG 5: Gender Equality; SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth; SDG 14: Life Below Water; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

ICA, in collaboration with COPAC and in partnership with Mongolia, Japan, and other countries that have recognized cooperatives in the VNRs, will be exploring how cooperatives, as enterprises built on democratic ownership, participation, and inclusion, are contributing to SDG implementation. COPAC and ICA have been working on a series of IYC2025 SDG Briefs, emphasizing the contributions of cooperatives to these priority goals under review.

Drawing on regional case studies, government engagement, and multi-stakeholder partnerships, the VNR Lab will also identify ways to integrate cooperatives more systematically into national SDG plans, VNR consultations, and WSS preparations.

The meeting will be held in English and Spanish.

DRAFT PROGRAM (75 mins)

13:00–13:10 Opening & Welcome
Remarks from ICA and COPAC Chair

13:10–13:20 Keynote Address
Cooperatives and the SDGs: Fit-for-Purpose Actors in the Final Sprint to 2030? How can this be recognised in the VNR reports? – Ms. Ulziibayar Vangansuren – Deputy Permanent Representative, Mongolia

13:20–13:40 Policy Dialogue
Inputs from Member States sharing best practices on the VNR Reports -Japan (tbc), Guatemala (tbc), Chile (tbc), Lesotho (tbc)

13:40–14:00 Panel Discussion: SDG Solutions in Action
Cooperatives’ contributions to SDGs 3, 5, 8, 14, and 17 and the VNR reports review.

14:00–14:10 Interactive Discussion
Moderated Q&A with in-person and online participants

14:10–14:15 Closing Remarks