United in Sustainability Summit 2026 Set for 17–18 November in New York
The United in Sustainability Summit 2026 will take place on 17–18 November in New York City, bringing together members of the global credit union industry to exchange ideas and practical approaches to sustainability. Hosted by the United Nations Federal Credit Union (UNFCU), the ninth annual summit will use a hybrid format, with activities scheduled at 320 Park Avenue in Manhattan and UNFCU’s global headquarters in Long Island City, Queens.
The event is organised by the United in Sustainability (UIS) Network, a community comprising credit unions, industry associations and partners. It aims to help organisations at different stages of their sustainability efforts share resources, discuss challenges and identify ways to create positive social impact.
United in Sustainability Summit 2026: Key details
The two-day event will focus on sustainability issues relevant to credit unions and the wider financial cooperative sector. Participants will have opportunities to share practices, explore emerging research and discuss how sustainability initiatives can support communities and organisational performance.
The summit is intended for organisations that are beginning their sustainability journey as well as those seeking to advance existing programmes. Its hybrid format is designed to provide a platform for industry participants to exchange ideas and learn from one another.
Event details
- Event: Ninth Annual United in Sustainability Summit
- Dates: 17–18 November 2026
- Locations: 320 Park Avenue, Manhattan, and UNFCU’s global headquarters in Long Island City, Queens, New York
- Host: United Nations Federal Credit Union (UNFCU)
- Network: United in Sustainability (UIS) Network
- Format: Hybrid
Climate resilience, inclusion and AI among summit topics
The programme will examine several areas where sustainability intersects with the operations, responsibilities and future development of credit unions.
Health, climate resilience and risk management
Sessions will explore the relationship between health and climate resilience, alongside adaptation and risk-management strategies for a changing climate. These discussions are expected to address the challenges and opportunities organisations face as they consider climate-related impacts.
Inclusion and socially responsible leadership
The summit will also address the culture of inclusion and how organisations can lead through operational change while maintaining a social purpose. These themes connect workplace practices and organisational decision-making with the wider role financial cooperatives play in society.
Artificial intelligence and the environment
Another featured subject is the environmental impact of artificial intelligence (AI). The programme will examine the relationship between AI and the environment as part of a broader discussion about sustainability challenges and opportunities facing the industry.
Workshops to examine governance, innovation and reporting
Experts working in community outreach, governance, digital and product innovation, member and staff well-being, and reporting frameworks will lead workshops and share insights.
The sessions are intended to present research and practical perspectives on the impacts, challenges and opportunities associated with sustainability in the credit union sector. Organisers also aim to explore how these efforts can reinforce the credit union difference while contributing to bottom-line growth.
By bringing together professionals with different areas of expertise, the summit will provide a forum for discussing how sustainability can be incorporated into organisational practices and decision-making.
UIS Network has more than 200 industry members
UNFCU founded the United in Sustainability Network in 2018. According to the announcement, the network now includes more than 200 members from across the credit union industry, representing organisations of different sizes.
The initiative grew out of financial cooperatives’ interest in continuing discussions about sustainability following the first UIS Summit, which took place at United Nations headquarters.
Since its establishment, the network has focused on connecting credit unions, associations and partners committed to making a positive local impact while contributing to a broader global effort.
Summit to advance sustainability discussions in the credit union sector
The United in Sustainability Summit 2026 will bring these discussions together over two days in New York. Its programme spans climate adaptation, health, inclusion, organisational change, AI and environmental considerations, alongside governance, innovation and sustainability reporting.
For credit unions at different stages of their sustainability work, the event is intended to offer a forum for exchanging experience, learning from emerging research and identifying practical approaches to social impact and organisational development.
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