Celebrating the 2025 International Year of Cooperatives Commemorative Event Held in Seoul On Thursday, July 3, 2025, the 2025 International Year of Cooperatives (IYC2025) commemorative event was successfully held at COEX Magok in Gangseo-gu, Seoul. Hosted by the Ministry of Economy and Finance and co-organized by key institutions such as the Korea Social Enterprise Promotion Agency, Korea Cooperative Council, and the Korea International Cooperative Solidarity, this event brought together cooperative leaders and stakeholders from home and abroad to explore the vision and future of the cooperative movement.

This celebration was organized in response to the United Nations' designation of 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives, under the global theme: “Cooperatives Build a Better World.” A variety of meaningful programs were held throughout the day. A special highlight of the opening ceremony was the involvement of youth leaders: Kwak Dong-jun, Chair of the Student Committee (Soongsil University Co-op), and Kim Ju-won, Vice Chair (Chungbuk National University Co-op), delivered the welcoming address. Their participation as student co-op members amplified the importance of youth engagement and the enduring values of cooperation.

The IYC2025 Academic and Policy Conference followed, featuring presentations and panel discussions on institutional reforms, the social roles of cooperatives, and avenues for international collaboration. Scholars, policy experts, and grassroots leaders came together to propose practical alternatives and development strategies. In the policy exhibition zone, visitors gained insight into the key policy trends and current status of cooperatives in Korea. Meanwhile, the experience zone allowed attendees to directly engage in cooperative activities, enhancing public understanding of the cooperative model. Additional attractions included the “Cooperative Library” and a vibrant flea market, where visitors could freely explore educational materials, publications, and co-op merchandise. Products and services created by co-op members were showcased and exchanged, drawing significant attention from participants.

This commemorative event was part of Cooperative Week, established in accordance with Article 12 of the Framework Act on Cooperatives, which designates the first Saturday of July each year as “Cooperative Day.” The event played a vital role in promoting the public value of cooperatives and encouraging civic participation in the cooperative movement.