"Cooperatives are a reminder to the international community that it is possible to pursue both economic viability and social responsibility. "
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

2012 has been designated International Year of Co-operatives (IYC) by the United Nations.

The year is intended to raise public awareness of the invaluable contributions of cooperative enterprises to poverty reduction, employment generation and social integration. The Year will also highlight the strengths of the cooperative business model as an alternative means of doing business and furthering socioeconomic development.

Read more at: http://social.un.org/coopsyear/