UK
Global Credit Unions Celebrate Bradford and Nepal Partnership. In a landmark moment for international cooperation, Bradford District Credit Union (BDCU) welcomed Mr. Meelan Dhakal, Chief Financial Officer of Pokhara Royal Savings and Credit Cooperative Society in Nepal, during his recent visit to the UK. This visit highlights the growing partnership between the two credit unions, both of which have expanded to over 10,000 members through community-focused initiatives, showcasing the shared values of the global credit union movement.
The partnership between BDCU and Pokhara Royal Savings and Credit Cooperative Society underscores the power of collaboration in fostering financial inclusion and community empowerment. Ian Brewer, Community Development Lead at BDCU, who previously worked in Pokhara with the YMCA in the early 1990s, reflected on the significance of this connection. “Having worked in Pokhara, it is particularly meaningful to see how credit unions in Nepal, like Pokhara Royal, have flourished. This visit underscores the power of cooperation and shared values in building stronger communities,” Brewer said.
A Warm Welcome in Bradford
During his visit, Mr. Dhakal met with the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Beverley Mullaney, at Bradford City Hall, where BDCU operates. The two exchanged flags as a symbol of friendship, and Mr. Dhakal received gifts celebrating Bradford’s designation as the UK’s City of Culture 2025.
The Lord Mayor expressed her delight at the visit, stating, “It was a pleasure to welcome Mr. Dhakal to Bradford and share our pride in being the UK’s City of Culture 2025. His visit highlights the importance of international collaboration and the fantastic work of Nepal’s credit unions. BDCU’s global connections reflect our city’s inclusive values and commitment to empowering communities.”
Exploring the Roots of Cooperation
Mr. Dhakal’s visit also included a trip to the Rochdale Pioneers Museum, the birthplace of the cooperative movement. This historic site served as a fitting backdrop for discussions on the shared principles of cooperation and mutual support that underpin credit unions worldwide.
Additionally, Mr. Dhakal met with a representative from the Association of British Credit Unions Limited (ABCUL) to explore opportunities for further collaboration between Nepalese and UK credit unions. These discussions involved the Nepal Federation of Savings and Credit Cooperative Unions Ltd. (NEFSCUN) and the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU), emphasizing the global reach and impact of the credit union movement.
A Shared Vision for the Future
The partnership between BDCU and Pokhara Royal Savings and Credit Cooperative Society is a testament to the transformative power of credit unions in fostering financial inclusion and community development. Both organizations have demonstrated how a focus on shared values and cooperation can create lasting positive change.
As Bradford prepares to celebrate its status as the UK’s City of Culture in 2025, this international partnership serves as a reminder of the city’s commitment to inclusivity and global collaboration. The visit by Mr. Dhakal not only strengthens ties between the UK and Nepal but also highlights the vital role credit unions play in empowering communities worldwide.