WASHINGTON—Credit unions in the U.S. were urged to play a greater role in spreading financial inclusion, democracy and freedom around the world by the chairman of the World Council of Credit Unions.
Grzegorz Bierecki, president of Poland's national trade association for savings and credit unions (NACSCU), told CUNA’s GAC that "Credit unions must do their part. We must share our knowledge, our experience and our dreams. It is the duty of free people to support freedom."
Bierecki stressed the importance of supporting credit unions in times of need. In response to the impact of recent conflict on Ukraine's credit unions, WOCCU’s board, including members representing U.S. credit unions, will travel to Ukraine in April to meet with the national credit union movement's leadership.
Bierecki thanked the U.S. credit union movement for its continuous commitment to credit union development, especially in countries without any that would benefit from their services.
Grzegorz Bierecki speaks to GAC.
"There are people who are willing to take up the task of building credit unions in their country—and I am speaking of the Republic of Cuba, with 11 million citizens striving for a better life," Bierecki said. "We hear their voice and will act wisely. I am confident that U.S. credit unions will also be involved."
Bierecki reminded the American audience to help World Council achieve its goal to add 50 million members by the year 2020.
"It is an ambitious goal, but once we note that, according to World Bank, there are 2.5 billion households in the world without access to fair credit or a safe place to save, it suddenly seems modest," Bierecki said. "American credit unions have the power to help achieve these goals and make a difference."
Bierecki closed with an invitation to attend the 2015 World Credit Union Conference this July in Denver, USA, saying, "Worldwide connections will be made, lessons will be shared across borders and cultures, and new opportunities for collaboration will be established."