***EDD2013 Thematic Programme on Inclusiveness, Equity & Social Protection
This year's edition of the European Development Days (26-27 November 2013) is approaching. Under the broader theme Towards a New Partnership for Development, the below panel discussions, project presentations and workshops on financing beyond ODA should be part of the programme.
If you have any suggestions or questions related to the activities proposed, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the focal points whose contact details are provided below. You are equally welcome to post on this group's blog to launch discussions or share your thoughts on these topics, and to share your knowledge on similar projects with the help of the projects functionality. Don't forget to tag your content with the EDD2013 thematic category.
For the final programme and practical details, please consult the EDD2013 website closer to the date.
Achieving Financial Inclusion with ICTs. How can we Leverage Digital Technology to Provide Financial Services to the Unbanked
Panel
Of the world’s 7 billion people, there are now 6 billion phone subscriptions globally compared with 2 billion or so bank accounts. In the past ten years, mobile phones have been introduced as part of the delivery mechanism for financial services. There services range from basic money transfer to a variety of banking and insurance products that can be partially delivered via mobile phone technologies.
The most notable successes have occurred in the larger; more developed emerging markets such as Kenya, South Africa and India. These models can be replicated in developing countries, representing an opportunity to scale mobile-enabled services that can help to facilitate financial service delivery in the absence of traditional modes of infrastructure.
Organised by The Consultative Group to Assist the Poor (CGAP), GSM Association, United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) ( magnus.magnusson@uncdf.org , carlos.escriva.gil@uncdf.org )
Social Protection for Inclusive Growth. Innovative Approaches in Social Protection for Inclusive and Equitable Growth
Panel
Social protection has emerged as a key development priority and an important target for ending poverty. It has gained particular momentum since the recent global financial and food crises, and the growing awareness of poor people’s vulnerability to climate- related disasters. Interest in social protection continues to expand as policymakers strive to secure hard-earned human development gains and to tackle increasing levels of inequality, which often threaten social and political stability. However, the discussion has focused less on how social protection can be best conceptualized and implemented in a decentralized context specifically by local governments. Electronic transfers to people in rural areas used to be unthinkable due to the non-presence of banks, challenges with electricity and the difficult accessibility. While these latest developments have created interesting opportunities for social transfer beneficiaries, financial inclusion is still not a reality in many countries.
Organised by Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences, United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) ( magnus.magnusson@uncdf.org , herte.gebretsadik@uncdf.org )