Celebrating Global Connections at the DE Social

Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions (WFCU) on Tuesday hosted a truly special gathering for graduates of Development Education (DE) programs—the Global DE Social. This annual tradition brought together passionate cooperators from around the world to connect, celebrate and reflect on the global impact of the DE movement.

With 70 DEs in attendance, including representatives from six of the eight national and regional DE programs, the event was a powerful reminder of the unity and shared purpose that DE cultivates across borders.

At least a third of the attendees were proud holders of the ICUDE (International Credit Union Development Educator) designation, and the evening also featured the official ICUDE 2025 Awards Ceremony, honoring the newest four designees present at the 2025 World Credit Union Conference.

Adding to the evening’s significance, the conversations were beautifully led by DEEU Directors Marlene Shiels and Lois Kitsch, representing our European host region this year, alongside WFCU President Mike Reuter.

Their insights and energy helped spark meaningful dialogue around the future of development education and the cooperative difference it continues to champion.

Thank you to all DEs who joined us and continue to carry the DE spirit forward in their communities and across the globe. Here's to the connections made, stories shared and the impact still to come.