At WCUC, Reuter Calls For Global Investment In Cooperative Leadership
By CU Today Staff —
SYDNEY, Australia— Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions President Mike Reuter called on credit union leaders worldwide to become active stewards of the cooperative finance movement during his keynote Tuesday at the 2026 World Credit Union Conference, urging attendees to strengthen the movement through leadership development, philanthropy and global collaboration.
Speaking to delegates from around the world, Reuter framed his remarks around the Foundation's 2026 theme, Tune In to Global Cooperative Finance, encouraging attendees to reflect on why they joined the cooperative movement and to invest in its future through expanding financial inclusion and developing the next generation of leaders.
“Belonging. Possibility. Legacy,” Reuter said. “Three words. Three notes in the chord that holds this movement together. And beneath them is a simple logic: movement ownership fuels philanthropy, philanthropy fuels impact, impact deepens ownership.”
During the keynote, Reuter recognized the 2026 Global Women's Leadership Network Scholars, World Young Credit Union Professionals Scholars and the newest International Credit Union Development Educator designees. He also announced plans for a new global community platform, supported by a donation from Sicredi, that will connect GWLN and WYCUP participants year-round through collaboration, mentorship and leadership development.
“The connections these programs create are as valuable as the curriculum,” Reuter added. “When a young professional in Indonesia can work through challenges with peers in Ecuador, Ukraine, Brazil or the United States, something shifts. New harmonies emerge.”
Reuter concluded by urging every credit union leader to invest in the Worldwide Foundation and the people shaping the future of cooperative finance.
“Don't leave the Worldwide Foundation as something you know about,” he said. “Leave as an owner of it.”
Leadership development remained the focus Tuesday evening as the Worldwide Foundation hosted its Global DE Social, sponsored by Velera and TruStage, bringing together Development Education graduates from around the world to reconnect, exchange ideas and welcome the newest International Credit Union Development Education designees into the global Development Education community.
Originally reported by CU Today.