The city of Busan is hosting a week of events from July 3 to 5 in celebration of “Cooperative Day,” culminating in a commemorative event on July 5 at City Hall’s international conference hall.
The aim is to raise public awareness about the role of cooperatives and strengthen solidarity and cooperation among citizens and organizations.
“Cooperative Day” is observed globally on the first Saturday of July. It was established in 1923 by the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) and later designated by the United Nations as an official day to recognize the importance of cooperatives in sustainable development. This year marks the second “International Year of Cooperatives,” the first being in 2012.
In line with this, Busan’s program includes:
Commemorative Ceremony (July 3): Held at Busan City Hall, the ceremony welcomed around 200 cooperative leaders and 100 guests. It featured an awards presentation, congratulatory speeches, and cultural performances, including a calligraphy showcase.
Cooperative Forum (July 3–4): Held at the same venue, this forum offered lectures and talk concerts under the theme “Cooperatives Create a Better World,” inviting experts and citizens to explore the cooperative model and its contributions to society.
Traveling Music Performances (July 3–4): A cooperative music group visited local children’s centers and social welfare facilities, presenting gala concerts to engage and uplift local residents.
In addition to these events, Busan City is launching a new initiative this month titled the “Cooperative Citizen Empathy Expansion Project.” This project focuses on educating citizens—especially children, seniors, and people with disabilities—about the values and social roles of cooperatives through targeted care-related programs and promotional campaigns.
Busan officials stated that the initiative goes beyond celebration, aiming to expand civic understanding and participation in the cooperative movement as a vital component of the social solidarity economy.
