What does it take to turn financial inclusion from a policy promise into a lived reality for refugees? At a Side Event during UNHCR’s 76th Executive Committee session, governments, financial institutions, and refugee entrepreneurs explored how to make financial services truly accessible to those forced to flee.
Financial inclusion is a cornerstone of recovery. In a recent event, UNHCR joined former refugee entrepreneurs, regulators, and financial service providers to exchange policy insights and share practical solutions that are helping refugees access the financial systems they need to rebuild their lives.
Sida, UNHCR and Grameen Credit Agricole Foundation launched a first-of-its-kind blended finance programme in Uganda. Some key learnings emerged from the successful initiative.
At the end of September 2024, world leaders are coming together in New York City to convene a variety of high-level events. Between 22-23 September, the Summit of the Future will take place, which has been described as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to mend eroded trust and demonstrate that international cooperation can effectively tackle emerging threats as well as opportunities.
What makes for effective public-private partnerships when it comes to advancing financial inclusion? Having common goals, trust, and knowing the strengths and limitations of partners.
Forcibly displaced persons, including refugees and internally displaced people (IDPs), as well as stateless persons are frequently underrepresented or invisible in national data. However, realiable and nationally owned data is vital to guide effective national policies and decisions that foster the inclusion of forcibly displaced and stateless persons around the world. Statistical inclusion of forcibly displaced and stateless persons refers to the process of systematically including these groups in national data production systems such as population and housing censuses, administrative registers or nationwide household surveys.
IFC and UNHCR are working to address persistent barriers to access to finance, a universal right and key factor for enabling self-employment, integration and self-reliance for refugees and migrants.
Refugees’ financial needs evolve over time. Access to affordable and useful financial services ena-bles their socioeconomic inclusion and helps them better plan for their future.
On World Cities Day, UNHCR celebrates the mayors and local authorities who show solidarity with their refugee, internally displaced and stateless residents.