H.M. Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development (UNSGSA), virtually presented her 2020 Annual Report to Secretary-General António Guterres on 8 October 2020.
Beyond Access and Usage to Quality
A key theme emphasized throughout the Special Advocate’s latest report is the important role of financial inclusion, particularly digital financial inclusion, in the context of COVID-19. It outlines that inclusive finance is especially relevant for underserved groups such as women, low-wage workers, and MSMEs, which have a heightened vulnerability to the impacts of COVID-19.
The report highlights much of the UNSGSA’s work and many activities to promote financial inclusion over the past 12 months.
For instance, the Special Advocate participated in meetings with top leaders from governments and the private sector where she supported and convened numerous key stakeholders to support and work together toward better policies and financial services to help people build better lives. This included a country visit to Pakistan and meetings with government officials and regional members of the CEO Partnership for Economic Inclusion (CEOP) in Indonesia.