ACCU, the Asian Confederation of Credit Unions organised their annual ACCU Forum 2025 in Manila September 11-12, 2025.
We as IRU – International Raiffeisen Union had the honour of being represented by our Secretary General, Andreas Kappes. For decades, ACCU and the IRU have close relations.
This year’s forum marked s special contribution within the global activities of the United Nations International Year of Cooperatives 2025. In her opening speech, ACCU CEO Elenita San Roque placed this year’s gathering in continuity with earlier events: the 2012 ACCU Forum held in the context of the first International Year of Cooperatives and the 2018 Forum dedicated to 200 years of Friedrich Wilhelm Raiffeisen. She underlined that the 2025 International Year of Cooperatives continues this legacy and offers a global stage for celebrating and strengthening the cooperative identity.
The Forum once again proved to be the leading annual platform for credit unions and cooperative leaders in Asia – a unique opportunity to exchange experiences, discuss emerging challenges, and jointly shape the future of cooperative finance in the region and beyond. Over 500 participants from 22 countries experienced a highly significant summit and got inspired by the truly cooperative spirit of unity, shared values, and the conviction that cooperatives are key in leading to sustainable development regionally and globally. Cooperatives Build a Better World!
➡️ IRU Contribution: “Raiffeisen as the heartbeat of German cooperatives”
As IRU, we actively contributed to the Forum. Andreas Kappes addressed the plenum on Day 1 with an inspiring message of how Raiffeisen’s legacy is alive in everyday life in Germany.
The presentation highlighted:
- the importance of self-help and self-administration as guiding principles,
- the relevance of a clear legal and regulatory framework to ensure strong cooperative governance, transparency, and entrepreneurial orientation,
- the role of cooperative auditing federations as an anchor of trust and accountability,
- and the power of unity in the group – the idea that cooperatives are strongest when they act together as a network.
These reflections sparked lively discussions on how cooperatives can remain resilient, member-driven, and sustainable while navigating financial and regulatory pressures. It was particularly encouraging that many other organizations and speakers also referred to Raiffeisen in their interventions. A clear sign of the lasting significance of Friedrich Wilhelm Raiffeisen and his cooperative principles for the global cooperative movement.
🙏 The IRU warmly thanks ACCU, CEO Elenita San Roque, Ranjith, and the entire ACCU team, for the excellent organization and impressive execution of the Forum. The commitment and passion of participants are a strong signal that the cooperative model will continue to play a vital role in shaping inclusive and sustainable communities in Asia and worldwide.
