“Advancing Financial Inclusion for Refugees and Forcibly Displaced People (FDP)” is the theme of the European Microfinance Award 2024.

This plenary on the topic of the Award launches a stream of sessions dedicated to FDPs’ financial inclusion across the second and third days of the conference. The plenary will unfold in two parts.

In the first part, Patricia Abdelnour will engage in a conversation with Manar Zeinaldin and Rooh Savar, two refugees currently residing in France and Luxembourg, to gain personal insights into the challenges and successes in accessing financial services throughout their displacement journey.

The second part will feature a panel discussion moderated by Daria Fiodorov (IRC) and joined by a distinguished panel: Micol Pistelli (UNHCR), Craig Churchill (ILO), Suzanne Valkenbom (WFP), Ricardo Garcia Tafur (IFC), and Aqrchet Diana Salume (Opportunity Bank Uganda). This panel will delve into how advancing financial inclusion for FDPs can unleash opportunities for all stakeholders, including financial service providers (FSPs). The panel will advocate that understanding and overcoming the barriers faced by both FDPs and FSPs is crucial to unlock the potential benefits for FDP, host communities, and FSPs. Key topics of discussion will include:

• Setting the context and understanding the humanitarian frontline support;
• Promoting an inclusive financial ecosystem;
• Tools for Successful partnerships among the humanitarian, development and private sector to effectively promote financial inclusion;
• Exploring the business case for Financial Inclusion;
• Example of a successful FSP experience, lessons learned and challenges;
• Advocating for a people-centered approach;
• FI as part of a broader socio-economic integration;
• Recommendations for future FSPs in engaging with FDPs.

This session aims to inspire actionable strategies that bring financial inclusion to the forefront of the strategies of all stakeholders working and supporting FDPs.