Busan City to Hold Various Events for This Year's 'Cooperative Day'

July 3-4, Weekly Events at City Hall International Conference Hall

Strengthening Solidarity and Cooperation... Promotion Activities and Cooperative Education Planned

Busan City will host the 'Cooperative Day Week Event' from July 3 to 4 at the City Hall International Conference Hall and other venues to promote the value of cooperatives in celebration of 'Cooperative Day 2024' (July 6).

2024 Cooperative Day Event Poster.

'Cooperative Day' is celebrated on the first Saturday of July every year. It was established in 1923 by the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) to promote the concept of cooperatives and encourage cooperative activities.

In Korea, the 'Framework Act on Cooperatives' was enacted in 2012, and since then, 'Cooperative Day' has been commemorated to raise awareness of the values of solidarity and cooperation.

The main events include ▲ the Cooperative Day Commemoration Ceremony (July 3) ▲ Cooperative Forum (July 4) ▲ Traveling Cooperative Music Performances (July 3-4).

The 'Cooperative Day Commemoration Ceremony' is held by local governments across the country. In Busan, it will take place at 10 a.m. on July 3 at the City Hall International Conference Hall, including an award ceremony for individuals who have contributed to cooperatives, presented by the mayor.

The 'Cooperative Forum' will be held at 1 p.m. on July 4 at the City Hall International Conference Hall for cooperative stakeholders and citizens. The forum will feature lectures and a talk concert under the theme of 'Sustainable Cooperative Management.'

The 'Traveling Cooperative Music Performances' will take place from July 3 to 4 at two social cooperative self-support centers in the city (Geumjeong-gu and Sasang-gu). The cooperative music performance group will visit the centers to perform for staff and local residents.

Alongside this week-long event, the city is also promoting education and publicity activities for social cooperatives engaged in care-related services for children, the elderly, and people with disabilities, to further expand public understanding of cooperatives.

Shin Changho, Director of the Digital Economy Bureau, stated, "The value of cooperatives goes beyond simple economic benefits; it strengthens social solidarity and promotes sustainable development in local communities. This is a great asset in solving various challenges our city faces. On the occasion of Cooperative Day, I hope that the spirit of cooperation and solidarity among cooperatives will help create a better society."