MONTREAL— The World Council of Credit Unions has shared the results of a just-released study identifying success factors for credit unions in climate finance, capacity building, funding and regulatory frameworks at the 8th Annual United in Sustainability (UIS) Summit.
Hosted by United Nations Federal Credit Union (UNFCU), the summit provides a platform for credit unions, their leagues and associations and partners globally to share best practices, actionable ideas and new resources on sustainability, WOCCU said, adding that this year’s theme is local impact on a global scale, with learnings for organizations just starting or advancing their journeys.
Angelina Tracy, WOCCU VP-strategic growth and global programs, gave a presentation that drew from World Council’s recently published study, “Unlocking Global Climate Capital through Credit Unions,” which was made possible by Climate Finance Fund.
Sources for Report
This study draws on three complementary data sources:
- WOCCU’s 2024 Statistical Report, which covered 76 countries in the global south
- A survey of 186 credit unions across 40 countries
- Semi-structured interviews in seven countries offering deeper qualitative insight.
WOCCU said that together, the sources offer an indicative picture of how credit unions in the global south are positioned for climate and inclusive finance.
‘Reach & Readiness’
“Credit unions across emerging markets demonstrate substantial reach and readiness to channel inclusive, climate-related finance,” Tracy told the meeting. “Nearly all report outreach to vulnerable groups—especially women and youth—who frequently make up the majority of their members and borrowers. About half of total lending is directed to low-income households, informal enterprises and smallholder farmers, reinforced by education and community programs that promote inclusion and climate awareness.”
According to WOCCU, such climate finance activity is still emerging but steadily expanding, with products linked to renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and green housing.
Extension of ‘Mission’
“For many of the surveyed credit unions, climate action is viewed as an extension of their founding mission to strengthen member well-being and community resilience, rather than as a compliance or donor-driven goal,” WOCCU said. “With targeted support for capacity building, blended finance, and standardized reporting frameworks, credit unions are well positioned to serve as trusted, community-based intermediaries—linking global climate capital with the local resilience and inclusion it aims to achieve.”
International Panel
WOCCU said Tracy presented the findings of WOCCU’s climate finance study as part of an international panel on the ways partnerships accelerate impact, the role of community-led innovation and the global replicability of sustainable solutions.
Others joining the panel were:
- Tracy Fortino, Director of Sustainability & ESG, First West Credit Union, Vancouver, Canada.
- Pat Morrissey, Chief Marketing Officer, Synergy Credit Union, Cork County, Ireland.
WOCCU’s Climate Finance Study can be found here.
