Youth Development and National Service Minister, the Honourable Foster Cummings, officially launched a year of activities in commemoration of International Year of Co-operatives (IYC 2025) on Wednesday January 22, at the Cipriani College or Labour and Co-operative Studies (CCLCS), in Valsayn.
Delivering the feature address at the Launch, hosted by the Co-operative Development Division (CDD) of the Ministry of Youth Development and National Service (MYDNS), in collaboration with the CCLCS, Minister Cummings acknowledged the Co-operative Movement for being “value-driven organizations that empower communities, build social capital and prioritize human wealth.”
Cummings reminded the Co-operators that “whether as members, leaders or advocates, we each have a role to play in building the Sector, that truly embodies the Theme: Cooperatives Build a Better World”. The Minister expressed his gratitude to the organizers, noting that the event “highlights the importance of unity in our shared pursuit of progress for the co-operative movement”; and further encouraged all stakeholders to reflect on how they can contribute to this transformative Movement during this year.
The United Nations (UN) first proclaimed IYC in 2012 and again in 2025, under a Theme that highlights the lasting global impact of Co-operatives; and emphasizes the Co-operative Model as a crucial solution for addressing various global challenges. This global recognition offers a unique opportunity to promote the values, principles and impact of Co-operatives in Trinidad and Tobago and the world at large.
Permanent Secretary – MYDNS, Mr. Narine Charran, stated that “the Co-operative Development Division within the Ministry will leverage the IYC, to promote the contributions of our local Co-operatives toward the social, economic and civil development in our country; creating new partnerships; and inspiring our youth to embrace the cooperative movement.”
Commissioner for Co-operative Development – MYDNS, Ms. Charmaine Mc Millan, who also spoke at the launch, gave an overview of the CDD’s Calendar of Events for IYC 2025.
The Ministry of Youth Development and National Service remains committed to bringing all stakeholders together to promote youth development and encourages civic-minded citizens to contribute to National Service across Trinidad and Tobago.
2025 IYC Calendar of Events
| Events | Dates |
| Stakeholders Meeting First Quarter | Friday 7th February 2025 – Trinidad Wednesday 12th February 2025 – Tobago (tentatively) |
| Second Quarter Meeting | Friday 16th May 2025 – Trinidad Wednesday 21st May 2025 – Tobago(tentatively) |
| Third Quarter Meeting | Friday 15th August 2025 – Trinidad Wednesday 20th August 2025 – Tobago(tentatively) |
| Fourth Quarter Meeting | Friday 5th December 2025 – Trinidad Wednesday 10th December 2025 – Tobago(tentatively) |
| Trade Fair/Health Fair/Expo | Friday 4th July 2025 – Trinidad & Tobago |
| Education Series | Monday 18th August 2025 to Tuesday 26th August 2025 – Trinidad Monday 8th September 2025 to Tuesday 16th September 2025 – Tobago (tentatively) |
| Eco Competition | 8th September 2025 to 8th October 2025(Prizes to be awarded on International Credit Union Day (17th October 2025) |
| E-book on CDD | To be created during the year 2025 and will be launched at the formal dinner carded for December 2025 |
| Formal Dinner | 12th December 2025 |