Media Advisory: Financial Services for the World's Poor High on Agenda of Doha Summit on Financing for Development

Financial experts and dignitaries will convene on 29 November in Doha, Qatar as part of the International Conference on Financing for Development to discuss the impact of the current global financial crisis on the world's poorest populations and their ability to access a broad range of financial services: savings, health or crop insurance, remittances, and microcredit.

New York, NY (PRWEB) November 25, 2008

Financial experts and dignitaries will convene on 29 November in Doha, Qatar as part of the International Conference on Financing for Development to discuss the impact of the current global financial crisis on the world's poorest populations and their ability to access a broad range of financial services: savings, health or crop insurance, remittances, and microcredit. Panelists also will discuss the role of governments, regulators, and the private sector in promoting and advancing inclusive financial services, and integrating efforts and resources for development and poverty reduction.

WHO:     H.E. Mr. Marc Bichler, Ambassador and Director of Development Cooperation, Luxembourg and Chair of UN Advisors Group on Inclusive Financial Sectors (UNAG)
H.E. Mr. Bo Jerlström, Ambassador, Sweden and UN Advisor
Dr. Jeanette Thomas, Communications Director, CGAP
Dr. James Mwangi, President and CEO, Equity Bank (Kenya) and UN Advisor
Mr. Sanjay Sinha, Managing Director, M-CRIL and UN Advisor
Mr. David Morrison, Executive Secretary, United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF)

WHAT:    Side Event on "Mobilizing Domestic Financial Resources for Development: The Role of Microfinance." Topics will include the impacts of the financial crisis on microfinance and inclusive finance, and the role of governments, regulators, private sector corporations, and the donor community in building inclusive financial systems. The panel discussion is co-organized by UNCDF and the UNAG, a group of 25 experts from around the world assembled by the United Nations to advise the organization and its member states on issues related to microfinance.

WHEN:      Saturday, 29 November, 2008
     13:00 - 15:00

WHERE: Doha, Qatar--Sheraton Doha Resort and Convention Hotel, Al Maha Room

WHY:     Approximately two billion people still lack access to even the most basic financial services. Access to a diverse range of financial products and services can directly provide them with the tools to generate income, build capital, and properly manage unexpected risks, all of which will help them to pave their own way out of poverty.

About the UN Advisors Group
The UN Advisors Group on Inclusive Financial Sectors was established in 2006 and consists of 25 individuals representing Governments, central banks, regulatory agencies, microfinance institutions and other financial services providers, private sector financial institutions, civil society, development agencies and donors, and academia from all over the world. Its main role is to advise the United Nations system and member states on global issues relating to inclusive finance. The objective of the Advisors Group is to increase sustainable access of poor and low-income households and micro- and small entrepreneurs to a broad range of financial products and services through the development of inclusive financial sectors around the world. The Advisors Group worked with Governments, regulatory and supervisory bodies, central banks, academia and the private sector to identify and define the key issues constraining access to financial services and advised the United Nations on strategies and concrete steps that can be taken to remove these constraints. A full list of the Advisors and the Advisors Group key messages can be found at: http://www.uncdf.org/english/microfinance/advisors_group./

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