2012 declared United Nations International Year of Co-operatives

United Nations passed on December 18, 2009 the resolution A/RES/64/136 declaring 2012 the UN International Year of Co-operatives .
With the theme of “Cooperative Enterprises Build a Better World”, the United Nations Year seeks to encourage the growth and establishment of cooperatives all over the world. It also encourages individuals, communities and governments to recognize the agency of cooperatives in helping to achieve internationally agreed upon development goals, such as the Millennium Development Goals.

Main 3 Objectives of the UN International Year:

1 Increase awareness	Increase public awareness about cooperatives and their contributions to socio-economic development and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals
2 Promote growth	Promote the formation and growth of co-operatives among individuals and institutions to address common economic needs and for socio-economic empowerment
3 Establish appropriate policies	Encourage Governments and regulatory bodies to establish policies, laws and regulation conducive to co-operative formation and growth.

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