VANCOUVER, B.C.–In one of its largest gatherings ever, the World Credit Union Conference has kicked off here with approximately 3,000 people in attendance from 60 countries.
The meeting, hosted by the World Council of Credit Unions, kicked off with a song and dance ceremony by members of the native Squamish nation, and later included presentations of the highest honors bestowed by the association.
The United States has the largest delegation of attendees, with the host country, Brazil, Ireland and Korea also sending strong contingents. It was noted during the opening ceremony that approximately six-million Canadians outside of Quebec are credit union members.
Standing O
Ukraine's flag during the opening flag ceremony.
During the traditional Parade of Flags ceremony that opens the World CU Conference, there was a loud cheer and standing ovation when Ukraine’s blue-and-gold flag was introduced and brought to the stage. A number of representatives of Ukraine’s CUs are on hand for the conference.
WOCCU’s Highest Honors
The World Council presented its highest recognition, the Distinguished Service Award, to:
- Brian Branch, the former president of WOCCU who led the organization for 11 years prior to his retirement. Branch worked with credit unions from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe during his career, among numerous accomplishments. Branch is not in attendance at the event.
Oleg Lebedko, CEO of Ukrainian Federal Credit Union in the U.S. Lebedko was recognized for his work in Ukraine, specifically since the country declared its independence in 1991. Since 2017, Lebedko has participated as a volunteer for the WOCCU Credit for Agriculture Producers’ (CAP) Project, traveling to Kyiv to create a strategic plan for the All-Ukrainian Credit Union Association (AUCUA). In 2021, Lebedko began serving on WOCCU’s International Governance Committee for the CAP Project, the association said.
“While this award is recognition of my individual achievements, I firmly believe it is a reflection of the extraordinary work carried out by many credit unions worldwide and, specifically, by the activists of the credit unions in Ukraine and Ukrainian diaspora credit unions in the U.S. and Canada, representatives of which are present here today," he said. "I want to dedicate this award to the brave and courageous Ukrainians, including many credit union employees and members, who have been fighting for the sovereignty and freedom of Ukraine."
Attendees at WCUC were greeted by beautiful weather in Vancouver.
Canada Presents Highest Honor
The Canadian Credit Union Association presented its highest honor, the Distinguished CU Leader Award, to Kevin Lukey, the retired CEO of Cornerstone Credit Union in Saskatchewan.
Lukey offered three “bits of wisdom.”
- “Be accountable for your actions and your behaviors”
- “Be passionate about what you believe in, open minded about others thoughts and beliefs. Help others to grow."
- "We’re here for one group of members, our members, our owners. We need to ensure we are putting their needs first in all of our panning and in all of our operations.”
Below are photos of some of the activities at the World CU Conference. CUToday.info will have full coverage from throughout the event.
The WOCCU board of directors.
A display by the Canadian CU Association in the exhibit hall.
Some members of the Kenyan delegation at WCUC.
Representatives of Guardians CU in West Palm Beach, Fla. at WCUC.
Singers during opening ceremony.