Co-op Assembly 2025

Co-op Federation Assembly 2025: Australia Celebrates the UN’s International Year of Co-operatives

Join us in Sydney on Thursday, March 20, and Friday, March 21, 2025, to celebrate the UN’s International Year of Co-operatives (IYC2025) under the theme “Co-operatives Build a Better World.” This historic event highlights the role of Australian co-operatives in creating sustainable, resilient communities and advancing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Day 1: Art Gallery of NSW
Thursday, March 20, 2025
Held at the iconic Art Gallery of NSW, stunningly close to the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Day 1 will feature:

Keynote addresses from global co-operative leaders and Hon Dr Andrew Leigh MP marking the Australian launch of IYC2025.
Panel discussions and debates on topics such as marketing the co-operative advantage, co-operative housing models, and the state of Australian co-operatives.
Youth Delegates and Ambassadors, showcasing the next generation of co-op leaders.

Day 2: Teachers Federation Conference Centre, Surry Hills
Friday, March 21, 2025
Day 2 adopts an interactive ‘unconference’ format that combines co-ops for practical workshops and sector-specific panel discussions. Topics include:

• Sustainable food systems
• Housing co-operatives
• Indigenous enterprise
• Agricultural supplies
• Rural retailing co-ops
• Worker ownership

Learn from leaders: Hear from co-op experts, politicians, and practitioners, including Cathy Main (Barossa Co-op), Liz Thomas (Australian Housing Co-operative Alliance), Christian Johansson (Beyond Bank), and Greg Patmore (University of Sydney). Collaborate and innovate: Share knowledge, build connections, and explore strategies to strengthen the co-op sector.

Come to Australia and join us in Sydney to celebrate how co-operatives build a better Australia and world!

Book now to join us on March 20–21, 2025, in Sydney!