Nearly 2,000 delegates from 48 countries will gather in Dublin today for the largest World Credit Union Conference.
Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) president Anne O'Byrne said it was a major honour to host the event, which is organised annually by the World Council of Credit Unions.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern will open the conference, which will also be addressed by former president Mary Robinson, Minister for Finance Brian Cowen and economist David McWilliams.
John Hume will receive the 2006 Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his work in promoting the movement in Ireland.
The former SDLP leader founded Derry Credit Union and was the youngest president of the ILCU.
The World Council's Distinguished Service Award is the highest honour paid to individuals and institutions by the worldwide credit union movement and recognises an outstanding contribution to the international credit union development.