Kathmandu, Nepal, played host on September 14-16, 2023, to the highly anticipated Asian Credit Union Forum, a gathering that brought together financial leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders from over nineteen countries across Asia. Under the theme of “Building Credit Union Momentum: Purpose, People, and Passion,” the forum explored the vital role of credit unions in pursuing financial inclusion, sustainability, and digital transformation. Among the highlights of the event was the recognition of Tagum Cooperative for their consecutive ACCESS Gold Branding Validation awards.
One of the standout moments of the Asian Credit Union Forum was the recognition of Tagum Cooperative. Tagum Cooperative earned back-to-back and consistent accolades for the prestigious A-1 Competitive Choice for Excellence in Service & Soundness (ACCESS) gold branding validation. This prestigious award is proof of the cooperative’s commitment to excellence in the credit union sector.
The ACCESS branding validation evaluates credit unions on their performance and impact on their members, communities, and society as a whole. Tagum Cooperative’s consistent recognition reflects the dedication to the highest standards of service and financial responsibility.
Meanwhile, the forum was packed with insightful plenary sessions that delved into various aspects of the credit union movement, sustainability, and the role of technology.
On September 14, 2023, three plenary sessions were tackled, namely, (1)State of the World Credit Union Movement, (2) From Bangkok Declaration to Action: Our Progress and Next Steps, (3) Leveraging Digital Technology to Enhance Member Experiences
In plenary 1, experts and thought leaders provided a comprehensive overview of the global credit union movement. They discussed current challenges, opportunities, and emerging trends that shape the future of credit unions worldwide. It served as an important backdrop for understanding the context in which Asian credit unions operate.
Plenary 2 examined the progress made since the Bangkok Declaration and discussed the actions taken to advance the goals set forth in that declaration. It highlighted the collective efforts of Asian credit unions in driving financial inclusion and socio-economic development.
And plenary 3 explored how credit unions can leverage digital technology to enhance member experiences, improve operational efficiency, and drive growth. The discussion revolved around innovative solutions that credit unions can adopt to stay competitive in a rapidly changing financial direction and trends.
Additionally, plenary sessions such as the ACCU’s International Credit Union Development Journey and The Triple Bottom Line: Why Is It Important for Credit Unions? were also some of the highlights in the discussion.
ACCU’s International Credit Union Development Journey plenary session provided valuable insights into the Asian Confederation of Credit Unions (ACCU) journey in promoting credit union development across international borders. It shed light on the collaborative efforts and initiatives undertaken to strengthen the credit union movement in Asia and beyond. While the session on The Triple Bottom Line: Why Is It Important for Credit Unions? profoundly presented why adopting multiple frameworks to cooperatives is crucial to ensuring long-term sustainability and relevance and explained the approach for the evaluation of the cooperative’s impact on people, the planet, and profits.
The Asian Credit Union Forum 2023 proved to be an invaluable platform for credit unions to exchange knowledge, create collaborations, and chart a course toward a more inclusive and sustainable financial future. With the shared commitment to “Building Credit Union Momentum: Purpose, People, and Passion,” participants left the forum equipped with fresh insights and determination to drive positive change in their respective cooperatives full of knowledge. Kenneth M. Tayogandaga