World Council of Credit Unions Issues Global Climate Policy Statement, Reinforcing Credit Unions’ Role in Climate Resilience and Sustainable Finance

MADISON, WI —The World Council of Credit Unions today released a new global climate policy statement, Advancing Climate Resilience and Sustainability Through Cooperative Finance, recognizing climate change presents both a significant financial risk and a strategic opportunity for credit unions and savings and credit cooperatives (SACCOs) worldwide.

As climate-related regulation evolves globally, credit unions must prepare for new risk management expectations while identifying opportunities to strengthen resilience and expand sustainable finance.

The statement outlines WOCCU’s commitment to supporting its members as they navigate an evolving regulatory landscape, strengthen climate resilience and expand access to sustainable financial solutions in their communities.

“Climate risk is becoming an increasingly material consideration for financial institutions globally,” said Paul Andrews, WOCCU Vice President of International Advocacy. “For credit unions, this creates both risk management challenges and strategic opportunities to support resilient, sustainable communities while continuing to advance financial inclusion.”

The policy statement recognizes that climate-related risks—including extreme weather events, shifting environmental conditions and the transition to a low-carbon economy, can directly impact financial stability through loan portfolios, collateral values and operational continuity. At the same time, it highlights the opportunity for credit unions to play a leading role in financing climate solutions and supporting equitable economic transitions.

Through the statement, WOCCU commits to:

• Advocating for proportional, risk-based regulatory frameworks that support credit unions’ cooperative model
• Providing guidance, training and resources to help institutions assess and manage climate-related risks
• Facilitating knowledge-sharing across the global credit union system
• Elevating the role of credit unions as leaders in sustainable and inclusive finance

The statement also emphasizes the critical role credit unions already play in advancing climate solutions at the local level—from financing energy-efficient housing and renewable energy projects to supporting disaster recovery and climate-resilient small businesses.

“Credit unions have always been about people helping people,” said WOCCU President and CEO, Paul Treinen.“That mission extends naturally to helping communities build resilience in the face of climate change, ensuring that the transition to a sustainable economy is inclusive, practical and grounded in local needs.”

The statement also underscores the need for coordinated global advocacy and continued engagement with policymakers, as climate-related regulatory developments accelerate across jurisdictions.

The full climate policy statement is available here: https://www.woccu.org/documents/Climate_Policy_Statement

World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) is the global trade association for the credit union movement, advancing cooperative finance worldwide. Through advocacy, education and more than 300 technical assistance programs in 90 countries, WOCCU advances financial inclusion and strengthens cooperative finance across diverse markets. Globally, more than 67,000 credit unions across over 100 countries serve more than 412 million people and hold over $3.8 Trillion (USD) in assets. Learn more at www.woccu.org.

Contact: Liz Stanislawski
Organization: World Council of Credit Unions
E-mail: lstanislawski@woccu.org

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