Bridging continents to advance financial inclusion
In 2023, the Community of Practice (CoP) for Financial Inclusion was launched in partnership with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). This platform facilitates knowledge exchange and collaboration among policymakers across Asia-Pacific and Latin America, providing a neutral platform to discuss challenges and ideas, offering opportunities for shared learning and cooperation through diverse activities and initiatives.
The objective of the CoP is to accelerate capacity building among participating policy and lawmakers and political stakeholders in both regions on specific financial inclusion challenges. Through a range of targeted activities developed in cooperation with participants based on their needs and areas of mutual interest, the CoP provides direct support towards the implementation of successful policy measures.
Examples of support provided through the CoP include knowledge creation, knowledge exchange and training and technical assistance.
Knowledge creation
- Conducting policy focused research in collaboration with governments, and providing evidence to inform, the current financial inclusion environment and policies within CoP participant countries
- Identifying policy strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for collaboration between participants
- Producing case studies which demonstrate practical examples of best-practice policy approaches to achieve financial inclusion
- Providing expert advice to participants, including government departments and policymakers, on effective strategies to enhance access to formal financial services among vulnerable populations
Knowledge exchange
- Dissemination of original research conducted by the CoP as well as research conducted by external organisations
- Promoting the visibility of the CoP and house key information on activities and themes via the ESCAP website
- Hosting webinars, co-organised with external stakeholders, to provide general education and facilitate greater discussion and debate in a safe space on achieving best-practice financial inclusion policy implementation
- Organising study tours for policymakers to see innovative policy measures on financial inclusion ‘in action’ and to deepen the knowledge exchange between the participating policymakers
Training and technical assistance:
- Providing support to participants through policy guidance, provision of evidence, and the development and implementation of policies to advance financial inclusion
- Providing upskilling and capacity-building on economics, gender equity and financial inclusion
Cambodia Study Tour
In November 2023, the Community of Practice (CoP) organised a study tour in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, hosted by the National Bank of Cambodia. The event convened delegates from central banks and relevant government departments and ministries from Bhutan, Cambodia, Colombia, Fiji, Malaysia, and Nepal. Over the course of an intensive three-day program, participants engaged in workshops and site visits, as well as open dialogue, fostering cooperation and collective learning with a specific focus on developing strategies to advance women's financial inclusion.
Building knowledge and sharing experience
This 2023 publication was prepared by academics from the Griffith Asia Institute for the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and the Agencia Presidencial de Cooperación Internacional de Colombia (APC-Colombia). It provides policy guidance and advice and supports governments in Asia-Pacific and Latin America in promoting policies that foster inclusive and sustainable economies. It includes evidence and analyses of key strategies from both regions aimed at advancing the financial inclusion of women, rural communities, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The report serves as a foundation for dialogue and collaboration between policymakers and political stakeholders in these regions, offering valuable educational insights for global policymakers as well.
Program Partner
