MADISON, Wis. – World Council of Credit Unions celebrated its 30th anniversary as the world's leading advocate and development agency for credit unions. Incorporated in 1971 and previously known as the CUNA World Extension Department, WOCCU at its formation consisted of three national confederations including the U.S., Australia and Canada, as well as a few free-standing leagues. By the end of May 1971, WOCCU had helped to form confederations for Asia, Latin America and Africa, along with additional free-standing leagues. In 2001, WOCCU, its regional confederations, national member organizations and affiliates in 85 countries with nearly 38,000 member credit unions serve more than 105 million people worldwide. "We are proud of the insight of World Council's founding organizations and their leaders who were able to look past boundaries of individual countries to strengthen and develop credit unions around the world," said WOCCU President and CEO Arthur Arnold.