2026 Distinguished Service Award Nominations Open
Global honor to be awarded at the 2026 World Credit Union Conference in Sydney
January 06, 2026
MADISON, Wis.—Nominations are open for World Council of Credit Unions’ 2026 Distinguished Service Award (DSA). First presented in 1986, this prestigious award honors those who have provided outstanding service to credit union development outside their home country.
World Council Director of Member Services Thomas Belekevich announced the search for individuals or organizations that are making an enduring contribution to the international credit union movement. “We strongly urge member organizations to nominate credit union leaders or institutions that personify the international spirit of cooperation and service as this is the only award of its kind in the world,” said Belekevich.
Individual recipients are those whose actions have significantly benefited global credit union development, while institutional recipients are organizations that have provided financial or technical assistance to develop international credit union movements and their service infrastructures over an extended period of time.
The nomination process is fully digital and can be completed online. Nominations must be made by a World Council member organization or a credit union affiliated with a member organization by March 6, 2026.
Recipients will receive a free registration to the 2026 World Credit Union Conference, July 19-22, in Sydney, Australia, where the winner(s) will be announced and presented their awards.
The DSA is not an annual award but is presented based on the proven achievements and worthiness of candidates.
World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) is the apex association for credit unions and other global financial cooperatives. World Council promotes the sustainable development of credit unions and other financial cooperatives around the world to empower people through access to high quality and affordable financial services. World Council advocates on behalf of the global credit union system before international organizations and works with national governments to improve legislation and regulation. Its technical assistance programs introduce new tools and technologies to strengthen credit unions' financial performance and increase their outreach.
World Council has implemented 300+ technical assistance programs in 90 countries. Worldwide, 74,634 credit unions in 104 countries serve 411 million people. Learn more about World Council's impact around the world at www.woccu.org.
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