In response to the U.S. Department of State’s 90-day stop-work order on all USAID-funded international development projects, World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) reduced its Global Programs’ staffing levels.

The decision will not impact WOCCU’s international advocacy work, or its engagement, education and networking activities—including the 2025 World Credit Union Conference (WCUC) in Stockholm, Sweden, July 14-16.

“WOCCU is not closing its doors. All the services we provide to our member network of 80-plus national and regional credit union associations and other industry partners will continue without interruption ,” said Elissa McCarter LaBorde, WOCCU president/CEO.

“We are facing a tough moment, but we are committed to continue our development work. WOCCU’s Global Programs will pivot, rebuild and continue to do the things we believe in, because they are based on the proven model of cooperative finance that both uplifts communities and brings a solid return for our investors and funders, including in the U.S.,” she added. “We remain committed to the cooperative movement and its work around the globe to advance financial access through credit unions and deliver measurable, long-term benefits for the communities they serve."