H.M. Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development (UNSGSA), will attend the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos on 16-18 January 2024. The theme of the Annual Meeting is ‘Rebuilding Trust’.
The UNSGSA is set to engage in bilateral discussions with government representatives of various countries, the private sector and international development organizations about the progress of digital financial services and improving financial health. This includes for underserved groups like the poor, women, smallholder farmers, and small businesses.
On 17 January, a roundtable lunch discussion entitled 'Financial Health: Key to Empowerment and Sustainable Development' will take place, co-hosted by Queen Máxima and Mastercard CEO Michael Miebach. This roundtable will examine impactful strategies that financial service providers (FSPs) can utilize to improve the financial health of consumers. The conversation will focus on how putting financial well-being at the forefront can reinforce customer loyalty and trust, while also paving new pathways for business growth.
On 18 January, Queen Máxima will speak at the WEF event ‘Comparing Notes on Financial Inclusion’. Here too, tailor-made financial services are central, so that people can protect themselves against financial setbacks and build their future.
As UNSGSA, Queen Máxima is a Global Agenda Trustee for the World Economic Forum’s Global Challenge Initiative on the Future of the Global Financial System.
As UNSGSA, Queen Máxima is a member of the Stewardship Board of the WEF System Initiative on Shaping the Future of Financial and Monetary Systems, and of the Steering Committee of the WEF’s Digital Currency Governance Consortium. Since 2021, the Special Advocate has also been a member of the EDISON Alliance, a WEF initiative aimed at fostering digital inclusion in areas such as healthcare, financial services, and education.