Co-operatives operate in all sectors of the economy and society. They operate internationally and can help to foster a sustainable development worldwide.

They encompass a wide range of business services that meet a variety of economic, social and cultural needs.

Co-operatives are driven by more than the pursuit of profit and are run by a set of values and principals.

Co-ops are democratically owned and controlled by their members, their employees and their customers.

The International Youth Co-operation Network aims to put young people involved or interested in co-operation and co-ops in touch, and to encourage people to promote the co-operative way of working and to get involved in influencing its future development.