From 25-28 February 2024, the Special Advocate's mission underlined a commitment to expand diverse financial services available to all Colombians. Despite a notable increase in bank account ownership among adults from 39% in 2011 to 60% in 2021, gender disparity remains a stark challenge—with a 64% account ownership rate for men contrasted by 56% for women.
Country Visits
UNSGSA encourages national strategic planning process for financial inclusion in Turkey
Woman entrepreneur in Ankara, Turkey. - Photo credit: Amina Tirana
In Ankara, the UNSGSA met with the Deputy Prime Minister, Governor of the Central Bank, and the Minister of Family and Social Policies. They discussed national strategies to accelerate… Read more
Keeping up the financial inclusion momentum in South Africa
South Africa has implemented a variety of policy reforms and service innovations with the aim of extending financial services across the country. - Photo credit: Amina Tirana
In meetings with the Deputy Minister of Finance, Governor of the South African… Read more
Collaborating with National Leaders to Advance Financial Inclusion in Mexico and on the G20 Agenda
Queen Máxima speaks at the launch of the G20 Financial Inclusion Peer Learning Program as the UNSGSA and in her capacity as Honorary Patron of the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion. - Photo credit: Amina Tirana
The UNSGSA and the President of… Read more
Financial Services, Consumer Protection and Agriculture in West Africa
This cooperative member managed the financial books, including to track of sales and payments of fruit products. These financial transactions were conducted in largely in cash as in this part of rural Mali there were few other convenient, affordable ways to pay… Read more
Exploring ways to diversify Vietnam’s service offerings for the poor
The UNSGSA met with the Vice Premier of Vietnam, the Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam, the Minister of Finance; and the President of Vietnam Women’s Union, to discuss how Vietnam could further increase access to savings and other financial services for the poor, and the role of comprehensive… Read more
UNSGSA discusses mobile banking, SMEs, and small farmers in Egypt
The UNSGSA promoted ways to accelerate access to savings, payments and other financial services for individuals and small and medium enterprises. She joined the Chairman of the Egyptian Financial Supervisory Authority (EFSA) to launch draft regulations for non-banking financial institutions. She… Read more
Toward an inclusive financial sector in post-conflict Liberia
The UNSGSA had wide-ranging consultations with the President of Liberia, senior government officials, banks, civil society and donors on creating an inclusive financial sector following years of conflict. She addressed the need for a strong regulatory framework, market leaders and innovative… Read more
UNSGSA discussed financial inclusion opportunities with Tanzania’s leaders
The UNSGSA met with Central Bank Governor, Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, and industry figures, among others. She launched a micro-health insurance initiative, led a multi-stakeholder discussion to facilitate dialogue across sectors and institutions and visited rural farmers.
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SME finance and microcredit on the agenda in Rwanda
The UNSGSA held consultations with the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning and Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda. She led a multi-stakeholder discussion focused on extending access, financing the value chain, and building enterprises. The UNSGSA made field visits to microfinance… Read more
