Queen Máxima to visit United Nations in New York
On the evening of Monday 28 August and on Tuesday 29 August, Her Majesty Queen Máxima will visit the United Nations in New York in her capacity as the UN Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development (UNSGSA).
On the afternoon of Tuesday 29 August Queen Máxima will present the UNSGSA 2022 Annual Report to Secretary-General António Guterres. The report, entitled ‘Creating a Path Toward Resilience and Opportunity’, demonstrates how accessible, affordable and secure digital financial services can enhance opportunities for development, especially among people on low incomes. According to World Bank Group’s most recent data 76% of adults worldwide now have a bank account. In 2011 that figure was 51% (Global Findex 2021). Access to savings accounts, insurance and affordable credit is the next step. Both in her UN work and in the Netherlands, Queen Máxima advocates for financial health to be supported in the design of financial products, services and policy. Examples include the automated saving of small amounts to build a financial buffer, insurance products tailored to people’s needs, and affordable loans for business or educational needs. Another theme is inclusive green finance, which provides access to financing to enable people to protect themselves against the effects of climate change.
On Tuesday Queen Máxima will also meet with staff at the office of the UNSGA for internal discussions.
Since 2009, Queen Máxima has been working worldwide in her capacity as the UNSGSA to make financial services available to all, including low-income groups and small and medium-sized enterprises, thus enhancing their opportunities for economic and social development. Queen Máxima has been honorary patron of the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI) since 2011.
Government Information Service, no. 201