Queen Máxima of the Netherlands arrived this Sunday, June 12, at the end of the day in Abidjan, capital of Côte d’Ivoire. The Queen is resuming her field visits as the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development (UNSGSA).
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Queen Máxima resumes field visits for UNSGSA
Since 2009, Queen Máxima has been appointed Special Advocate to the United Nations Secretary General for Inclusive Finance for Development (UNSGSA). The UNSGSA targets policymakers with the goal of expanding financial inclusion globally, working closely with public and private sector partners. Queen Máxima, who worked in the financial sector in New York before becoming a member of the Dutch Royal Family, fulfills this mission throughout the year and also presents her report on inclusive finance annually.
In recent months, Queen Máxima had been content with virtual meetings, due to the health measures in force all over the world. This Sunday, June 12, Queen Máxima got off her Air France plane at 9 p.m., after landing in Abdijan, where she resumed her working visits. On the tarmac, she was welcomed by the Prime Minister of Côte d’Ivoire, Patrick Achi.
Also read: Queen Máxima takes an interest in ABN AMRO report on inclusiveness in financial services
Inclusive finance in Côte d’Ivoire
Queen Máxima’s visit will focus on financial health and the continued development of affordable and secure financial services in the country. The application particularly concerns women, small agricultural enterprises and disadvantaged groups.
Pictures: #UNSGSA Queen Máxima is greeted by Côte d’Ivoire Prime Minister @ACHIPatrick4 moments ago after she landed in Abidjan ahead of this week’s country visit to promote #financialinclusion in Ivory Coast & Senegal on 13-16 June. More: https://t.co/ICPHJfrUSE pic.twitter.com/Dn1QVpHCZS
— UN SG’s Special Advocate Queen Maxima (@UNSGSA) June 12, 2022
Arrival Sunday evening, the visit of Queen Máxima does not begin until Monday. From June 13 to 16, she will carry out her mission for the United Nations. After Côte d’Ivoire, the Queen of the Netherlands will join Senegal. “Both countries have the opportunity to be at the forefront of financial inclusion in West Africa, with growth being driven by digital payments. As a result, both have the potential to be leaders in the region”explains the UNSGSA.
According to the World Bank’s latest Global Findex report (2017), 41% of Senegalese aged 15 and over have a bank account. This represents a 34% increase since the previous report in 2014. During her trip to Côte d’Ivoire, Queen Máxima is expected to make several visits with First Lady Dominique Ouattara, who is involved in microfinance for women.
