Princess Máxima Addresses VI National Conference in Moscow

As a member of the United Nations Advisors Group on Inclusive Financial Sectors, Princess Máxima of the Netherlands attended the VI National Conference “Microfinance in Russia: Building an All-Inclusive Financial System” in Moscow yesterday. The conference encompassed the goal to “promote the role of microfinance in improving access to financial services in Russia, fostering better standards of living and regional development through consolidating the efforts of all market participants and facilitating their dialogue with government.”

Some highlights from her address are below:

"Ladies and gentlemen, as an economist and former banker myself, I am convinced that a sound financial sector is an essential part of the development process. By now, research has convincingly shown that financial development and improving access to finance not only accelerates economic growth, but also reduces poverty and income inequality."

"Access to a wide variety of financial services and products, such as loans, savings, insurance products and remittances can be a powerful tool to generate income, build capital and protect people against risk. However, world financial systems are not inclusive today: well over two billion people do not have access to basic financial services."

Princess Máxima's entire speech from the VI National Conference in Moscow can be read here.