Queen Máxima Appointed UN Secretary-General's Special Advocate for Financial Health

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UNSGSA Queen Máxima delivers her first remarks as the United Nations Secretary-General's Special Advocate for Financial Health at the UN in New York, on 25 September 2024. Photo credit: Patrick van Katwijk

Her Majesty Queen Máxima of the Netherlands was appointed today by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres as the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Financial Health (UNSGSA) at UN Headquarters in New York City. This marks the end of her position as the Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development after 15 years.

"In a world of economic uncertainty, conflicts and climate upheaval, financial services are critical to help people control their lives and futures. As Special Advocate for Financial Health, Her Majesty Queen Máxima will build upon her vital work to ensure that financial systems can support the dreams, hopes and aspirations of people around the world." - United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres

Queen Máxima’s new UN portfolio is an extension of her work on financial inclusion. Nearly 80% of adults worldwide now have access to at least a financial account or other financial services such as loans, savings, and insurance (Global Findex 2021). However, good access to formal financial services does not necessarily translate into financial health.

"With 80 percent access to financial services, we have laid a solid foundation. We now want to ensure that people can use financial products and services that help them get a grip on their day-to-day income and expenses, that they can invest or save for long-term goals, that they can protect themselves from financial setbacks such as job loss or the effects of climate change, and that they have confidence in their financial future. These four elements together make up financial health.” - UNSGSA Queen Máxima

In her new UN role, Queen Máxima will work to empower people with suitable financial products and tools to enhance their financial health, protect against hardships, and promote a better future, while ensuring the financial system is safe, inclusive, and sustainable. A financial health approach focuses on enhancing outcomes by delivering customer-centered solutions, fostering a more inclusive and sustainable financial ecosystem that supports financial stability, resilience, and long-term prosperity for everyone.