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International Co-op Symbol


The Rainbow Flag
1925 - 2001

The Rainbow Flag was adopted as the official
co-operative symbol by leaders in the International
Co-operative Alliance (ICA) in 1925.


It includes all the colours of the flags of the world. While each of the seven colours contributes to the whole by symbolizing harmony and universal unity of all people, each represents a specific meaning:

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  • Red - courage to stand together

  • Orange - hope for the future 

  • Yellow - warmth, friendship and concern for others

  • Green -  growth in co-operatives and individually, as we learn more about ourselves and others

  • Sky Blue - unlimited horizons and possibilities  

  • Dark Blue - hard work and perseverance

  • Violet - respect for others

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"Cooperatives are people centered enterprises owned, controlled and run by and for their members to realize their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations." - International Co-operative Alliance (ICA)

International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) Logo

2001 - 2013

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In 2001, a new flag was adopted to avoid confusion with other well-known rainbow flags. The logo on this version depicted doves of peace emerging from a rainbow.

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Marquee_edited.jpg

Global Co-operative Marquee
2013 - Present

In 2013, the global Cooperative Marque was launched and became the new global cooperative visual identity, used to provide a 'promotional umbrella' and 'unity of purpose' for the global cooperative movement, it is the symbol that is in use today.

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