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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220629T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220629T143000
DTSTAMP:20260929T235925
CREATED:20220624T223719Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220624T223719Z
UID:10001686-1656507600-1656513000@ngocongo.org
SUMMARY:Can Harnessing Blue and Thematic Bonds Build a Sustainable\, Regenerative Ocean Economy?
DESCRIPTION:On Wednesday\, June 29\, at 1pm ET\, join the NGO Committee on Financing for Development for an official virtual side event of the 2022 UN Ocean Conference! \nA multilateral expert panel will discuss what blue and thematic bonds are\, how they’re working in practice\, and how to optimize them as building blocks toward a regenerative\, sustainable ocean economy. \nRegister here: us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEvc–%20%20prD4sG9eXXTtidrPei5J2Xe3tQPb8 \nSpeakers: \n\nH.E. Mr. Ian Dereck Joseph Madeleine\, Ambassador\, Permanent Mission of Seychelles to the United Nations\nMr. Stephen M. Liberatore\, Head of ESG/Impact – Global Fixed Income for Nuveen\, a private investor in the Seychelles blue bond\nMr. Greg Fisk\, Global Lead – Climate Risk and Resilience\, Senior Principal Consultant\, BMT\nMr. Nicola Mercusa\, Sustainable Finance Hub\, Debt and Bond issuance expert advisor\, UNDP H.E. Leon Kaulahao Siu\, Minister of Foreign Affairs\, Kingdom of the Hawaiian Islands\nDr. Megan Davis\, Ph.D.\, Research Professor\, Florida Atlantic University\, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute/ Queen Conch Lab\nAdditional NGO speakers to be confirmed\n\nModerator: \nMs. Anita Thomas\, Chair\, NGO Committee on Financing for Development; Representative to the UN\, Women First International Fund (formerly Virginia Gildersleeve International Fund) \nCo-organizers:  General Board of Church and Society of The United Methodist Church\, PEAC Institute\, ManUp Campaign\, United Religions Initiative\, Dominican Leadership Conference\, Africa Development Interchange Network\, Conference of NGOs in Consultative Relationship with the United Nations (CoNGO)\, Temple of Understanding \n\n\n\n\n__________________________________________________________________________________________ \nCoNGO Notes: The NGO Committee on Financing for Development is a Substantive Committee of the Conference of NGOs in Consultative Relationship with the United Nations. For more information on the NGO Committee on Sustainable Development-Vienna\, please visit congocsd.wordpress.com. For more information on the NGO Committee on Sustainable Development-NY\, please visit ngocsd-ny.org.
URL:https://ngocongo.org/event/can-harnessing-blue-and-thematic-bonds-build-a-sustainable-regenerative-ocean-economy/
LOCATION:worldwide/virtual
CATEGORIES:CoNGO Events,CoNGO Member Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ngocongo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Blue-Bond-FFD-Conference-6.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220629T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220629T143000
DTSTAMP:20260929T235925
CREATED:20220624T223719Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220624T223719Z
UID:10002243-1656507600-1656513000@ngocongo.org
SUMMARY:Can Harnessing Blue and Thematic Bonds Build a Sustainable\, Regenerative Ocean Economy?
DESCRIPTION:On Wednesday\, June 29\, at 1pm ET\, join the NGO Committee on Financing for Development for an official virtual side event of the 2022 UN Ocean Conference! \nA multilateral expert panel will discuss what blue and thematic bonds are\, how they’re working in practice\, and how to optimize them as building blocks toward a regenerative\, sustainable ocean economy. \nRegister here: us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEvc–%20%20prD4sG9eXXTtidrPei5J2Xe3tQPb8 \nSpeakers: \n\nH.E. Mr. Ian Dereck Joseph Madeleine\, Ambassador\, Permanent Mission of Seychelles to the United Nations\nMr. Stephen M. Liberatore\, Head of ESG/Impact – Global Fixed Income for Nuveen\, a private investor in the Seychelles blue bond\nMr. Greg Fisk\, Global Lead – Climate Risk and Resilience\, Senior Principal Consultant\, BMT\nMr. Nicola Mercusa\, Sustainable Finance Hub\, Debt and Bond issuance expert advisor\, UNDP H.E. Leon Kaulahao Siu\, Minister of Foreign Affairs\, Kingdom of the Hawaiian Islands\nDr. Megan Davis\, Ph.D.\, Research Professor\, Florida Atlantic University\, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute/ Queen Conch Lab\nAdditional NGO speakers to be confirmed\n\nModerator: \nMs. Anita Thomas\, Chair\, NGO Committee on Financing for Development; Representative to the UN\, Women First International Fund (formerly Virginia Gildersleeve International Fund) \nCo-organizers:  General Board of Church and Society of The United Methodist Church\, PEAC Institute\, ManUp Campaign\, United Religions Initiative\, Dominican Leadership Conference\, Africa Development Interchange Network\, Conference of NGOs in Consultative Relationship with the United Nations (CoNGO)\, Temple of Understanding \n\n\n\n\n__________________________________________________________________________________________ \nCoNGO Notes: The NGO Committee on Financing for Development is a Substantive Committee of the Conference of NGOs in Consultative Relationship with the United Nations. For more information on the NGO Committee on Sustainable Development-Vienna\, please visit congocsd.wordpress.com. For more information on the NGO Committee on Sustainable Development-NY\, please visit ngocsd-ny.org.
URL:https://ngocongo.org/event/can-harnessing-blue-and-thematic-bonds-build-a-sustainable-regenerative-ocean-economy-2/
LOCATION:worldwide/virtual
CATEGORIES:CoNGO Events,CoNGO Member Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ngocongo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Blue-Bond-FFD-Conference-6.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220427T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220427T093000
DTSTAMP:20260929T235925
CREATED:20220425T141532Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220425T203836Z
UID:10001638-1651046400-1651051800@ngocongo.org
SUMMARY:Exploring Digital Finance's Real Promises and Challenges for Development
DESCRIPTION:Exploring Digital Finance’s Real Promises and Challenges for Development \nJoin the NGO Committee on Financing for Development on Wednesday\, 27 April 2022\, 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. EDT for this official side event to the 2022 ECOSOC Financing for Development Forum. \nRegister here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0qc-6orjsuGdFhyWHfljp7ZNxV526Onoc7 \nSpeakers: \n\nMs. Cina Lawson\, Minister of Digital Economy and Transformation of the Republic of Togo (TBC)\nDr. Purva Khera\, Economist\, International Monetary Fund\nMr. Johannes Ehrentraud\, Senior Advisor\, Financial Stability Institute\, Bank for International Settlements\nMs. Sofie Blakstad\, CEO of hiveonline and author of Fintech Revolution: Universal Inclusion in the New Financial Ecosystem\nMs. Anneleen Vos\, Seionr Economic Policy Officer\, International Rescue Committee\nMr. Prabhat Labh\, CEO\, Grameen Foundation India\nMs. Mercy Buku\, Program Leader\, Toronto Center\n\nModerator: Mx. Anita Thomas\, Chair\, NGO Committee on FfD\, Representative to the UN\, Women First International Fund \nCo-sponsors: ManUp Campaign\, Change Management Solutions\, Sisters of Charity Foundation\, African Development Interchange Network\, IBVM \nBackground: \nThe UN Secretary General’s task force on digital finance in its report titled “People’s Money: Harnessing Digitalization to Finance a Sustainable Future\,” spells out the transformational impact digital finance can have on sustainable development. Providing relief for millions around the world\, supporting businesses\, and protecting jobs and livelihoods\, digital finance served as a lifeline during the COVID-19 pandemic. A World Bank tally of policy responses to the pandemic finds that at least 58 governments in developing countries used digital payments to deliver COVID-19 relief\, of which 36 countries made payments into fully transactional accounts that were being used for saving beyond simply withdrawing cash. According to the GSMA\, international remittances processed via mobile money increased by 65 percent in 2020. \nProponents of digital finance highlight its strong capabilities to reduce transaction costs\, the potential of Artificial Intelligence to provide fair and equitable treatment of credit applicants\, and the scalability of cloud technology\, through the use of blockchain technology\, to allow consumers to transact remotely and seamlessly across multiple platforms. \nWhile the experience of COVID-19 has proven that digitalization can transform economies and lives\, it needs to be shaped with both its advantages and potential risks in mind in order to bring everyone into the digital age. For technology to benefit everyone\, private sector innovation must be supported by the appropriate public goods such as the public provision of foundational infrastructure\, access to electricity\, mobile and internet coverage. \nAs in the case of any disruptive technology\, without combining technological advances with sound policy measures\, digital technology cannot deliver on its potential to meaningfully advance financial inclusion for everyone\, including the more than 2 billion unbanked people globally. Delivering on promises to advance financial inclusion can only be considered meaningful when the account holder has a fully functional account that they utilize to save\, make payments\, obtain manageable credit\, and mitigate economic risks and is simply not utilized to withdraw cash from cash transfers from the government\, which is overwhelmingly the case at this time. \nBy examining successful strategies that maximize digital finance’s potential while minimizing risks to the financial sector\, government revenues\, and at-risk populations\, attendees will gain a better understanding of how digital finance can sustainably advance development objectives. \n_______________________________________________________________________________________ \nCoNGO Notes: The NGO Committee on Financing for Development is a Substantive Committee of the Conference of NGOs in Consultative Relationship with the United Nations.
URL:https://ngocongo.org/event/exploring-digital-finances-real-promises-and-challenges-for-development/
LOCATION:worldwide/virtual
CATEGORIES:CoNGO Member Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ngocongo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Digital-Finance-4-27-page1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220427T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220427T093000
DTSTAMP:20260929T235925
CREATED:20220425T141532Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220425T141532Z
UID:10002225-1651046400-1651051800@ngocongo.org
SUMMARY:Exploring Digital Finance's Real Promises and Challenges for Development
DESCRIPTION:Exploring Digital Finance’s Real Promises and Challenges for Development \nJoin the NGO Committee on Financing for Development on Wednesday\, 27 April 2022\, 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. EDT for this official side event to the 2022 ECOSOC Financing for Development Forum. \nRegister here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0qc-6orjsuGdFhyWHfljp7ZNxV526Onoc7 \nSpeakers: \n\nMs. Cina Lawson\, Minister of Digital Economy and Transformation of the Republic of Togo (TBC)\nDr. Purva Khera\, Economist\, International Monetary Fund\nMr. Johannes Ehrentraud\, Senior Advisor\, Financial Stability Institute\, Bank for International Settlements\nMs. Sofie Blakstad\, CEO of hiveonline and author of Fintech Revolution: Universal Inclusion in the New Financial Ecosystem\nMs. Anneleen Vos\, Seionr Economic Policy Officer\, International Rescue Committee\nMr. Prabhat Labh\, CEO\, Grameen Foundation India\nMs. Mercy Buku\, Program Leader\, Toronto Center\n\nModerator: Mx. Anita Thomas\, Chair\, NGO Committee on FfD\, Representative to the UN\, Women First International Fund \nCo-sponsors: ManUp Campaign\, Change Management Solutions\, Sisters of Charity Foundation\, African Development Interchange Network\, IBVM \nBackground: \nThe UN Secretary General’s task force on digital finance in its report titled “People’s Money: Harnessing Digitalization to Finance a Sustainable Future\,” spells out the transformational impact digital finance can have on sustainable development. Providing relief for millions around the world\, supporting businesses\, and protecting jobs and livelihoods\, digital finance served as a lifeline during the COVID-19 pandemic. A World Bank tally of policy responses to the pandemic finds that at least 58 governments in developing countries used digital payments to deliver COVID-19 relief\, of which 36 countries made payments into fully transactional accounts that were being used for saving beyond simply withdrawing cash. According to the GSMA\, international remittances processed via mobile money increased by 65 percent in 2020. \nProponents of digital finance highlight its strong capabilities to reduce transaction costs\, the potential of Artificial Intelligence to provide fair and equitable treatment of credit applicants\, and the scalability of cloud technology\, through the use of blockchain technology\, to allow consumers to transact remotely and seamlessly across multiple platforms. \nWhile the experience of COVID-19 has proven that digitalization can transform economies and lives\, it needs to be shaped with both its advantages and potential risks in mind in order to bring everyone into the digital age. For technology to benefit everyone\, private sector innovation must be supported by the appropriate public goods such as the public provision of foundational infrastructure\, access to electricity\, mobile and internet coverage. \nAs in the case of any disruptive technology\, without combining technological advances with sound policy measures\, digital technology cannot deliver on its potential to meaningfully advance financial inclusion for everyone\, including the more than 2 billion unbanked people globally. Delivering on promises to advance financial inclusion can only be considered meaningful when the account holder has a fully functional account that they utilize to save\, make payments\, obtain manageable credit\, and mitigate economic risks and is simply not utilized to withdraw cash from cash transfers from the government\, which is overwhelmingly the case at this time. \nBy examining successful strategies that maximize digital finance’s potential while minimizing risks to the financial sector\, government revenues\, and at-risk populations\, attendees will gain a better understanding of how digital finance can sustainably advance development objectives. \n_______________________________________________________________________________________ \nCoNGO Notes: The NGO Committee on Financing for Development is a Substantive Committee of the Conference of NGOs in Consultative Relationship with the United Nations.
URL:https://ngocongo.org/event/exploring-digital-finances-real-promises-and-challenges-for-development-2/
LOCATION:worldwide/virtual
CATEGORIES:CoNGO Member Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ngocongo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Digital-Finance-4-27-page1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220426T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220426T093000
DTSTAMP:20260929T235925
CREATED:20220425T141650Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220425T203755Z
UID:10001639-1650960000-1650965400@ngocongo.org
SUMMARY:Financing for Universal and Crisis-Responsive Social Protection and Decent Work: Proposals of 2021 UN Inter-Agency Working Group
DESCRIPTION:Join the NGO Committee on Financing for Development on Tuesday\, April 26\, from 8 – 9:30am EST for an official side event of the 2022 ECOSOC Financing for Development Forum on Financing for Universal and Crisis-Responsive Social Protection and Decent Work: Proposals of 2021 UN Inter-Agency Working Group \nSpeakers: \n\nH.E. Mr. Phillippe Kridelka\, Ambassador\, Permanent Representative of Belgium to the United Nations\nMr. Helmut Schwarzner\, Senior Social Security Specialist for the Americas\, Social Protection Department\, ILO Geneva\nMr. David Stewart\, Chief of Child Strategy and Social Protection\, UNICEF\nDr. Santosh Mehrotra\, Research Fellow\, IZA Institute of Labor Economics\, Bonn\, Germany\nMs. Tikhala Itaye\, Director\, Global Movement Building\, Women in Global Health\n\nModerator: Dr. Barry Herman\, Member Advisory Board\, Social Justice in Global Development \nRegister here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYsfuqqrjwiHtLVutntuRo0xgsa9K_vEKxP \nCo-sponsors: Vivat International\, Women First International Fund\, Salesian Missions\, International Labour Organization\, World Vision\, Social Justice in Global Development \nBackground: Social protection refers to assuring a basic income floor and access to basic healthcare throughout the life cycle. It should be provided universally to all people in need\, but that is far from current practice. While decent jobs\, including self-employment\, are mainly in the private economy\, meeting the qualifications for most jobs usually requires education and good health\, which are primarily public service functions. Thus\, programs to promote social protection and decent jobs entail adequate\, effective\, and fair national systems of taxation\, complemented by international assistance\, often in the form of technical assistance but also sometimes in aid-financed budget support\, as for low-income countries. \nThe experience of the pandemic laid bare inadequate systems to deliver cash transfers to compensate for the economic costs of the crisis and inadequate public health systems to deliver vaccines\, tests\, and protective equipment\, along with the very limited capacity\, especially in developing countries\, to maintain employment during the crisis-induced economic contraction. The pandemic experience requires us to think about preparing better “shock responsive” social protection and health systems and stronger counter-cyclical policies. Preparation\, in turn\, requires consideration of ways to mobilize the necessary domestic and international financial resources on an ongoing basis and with the capacity to meet the higher expenditure needs at times of crisis. \nWhile the inter-agency report concluded with 21 separate proposals\, speakers in the side event will be asked to discuss one or more of the proposals. There is no expectation that all 21 proposals would be covered\, nor is that necessary. What is necessary is to bring the attention of the FfD Follow-up Forum for consideration by policymakers the work of the 16 cooperating agencies in the task force and the civil society\, labor\, employer\, and youth stakeholders that were consulted in preparing the report. \n______________________________________________________________________________________ \nCoNGO Notes: The NGO Committee on Financing for Development is a Substantive Committee of the Conference of NGOs in Consultative Relationship with the United Nations.
URL:https://ngocongo.org/event/financing-for-universal-and-crisis-responsive-social-protection-and-decent-work-proposals-of-2021-un-inter-agency-working-group/
LOCATION:worldwide/virtual
CATEGORIES:CoNGO Member Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ngocongo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Sheet-1-flyer_NGOsonFfD-side-event-Financing-for-Universal-and-Crisis-Responsive-Social-Protection-and-Decent-Jobs_2022-FfD-Forum.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220426T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220426T093000
DTSTAMP:20260929T235926
CREATED:20220425T141650Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220425T141650Z
UID:10002224-1650960000-1650965400@ngocongo.org
SUMMARY:Financing for Universal and Crisis-Responsive Social Protection and Decent Work: Proposals of 2021 UN Inter-Agency Working Group
DESCRIPTION:Join the NGO Committee on Financing for Development on Tuesday\, April 26\, from 8 – 9:30am EST for an official side event of the 2022 ECOSOC Financing for Development Forum on Financing for Universal and Crisis-Responsive Social Protection and Decent Work: Proposals of 2021 UN Inter-Agency Working Group \nSpeakers: \n\nH.E. Mr. Phillippe Kridelka\, Ambassador\, Permanent Representative of Belgium to the United Nations\nMr. Helmut Schwarzner\, Senior Social Security Specialist for the Americas\, Social Protection Department\, ILO Geneva\nMr. David Stewart\, Chief of Child Strategy and Social Protection\, UNICEF\nDr. Santosh Mehrotra\, Research Fellow\, IZA Institute of Labor Economics\, Bonn\, Germany\nMs. Tikhala Itaye\, Director\, Global Movement Building\, Women in Global Health\n\nModerator: Dr. Barry Herman\, Member Advisory Board\, Social Justice in Global Development \nRegister here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYsfuqqrjwiHtLVutntuRo0xgsa9K_vEKxP \nCo-sponsors: Vivat International\, Women First International Fund\, Salesian Missions\, International Labour Organization\, World Vision\, Social Justice in Global Development \nBackground: Social protection refers to assuring a basic income floor and access to basic healthcare throughout the life cycle. It should be provided universally to all people in need\, but that is far from current practice. While decent jobs\, including self-employment\, are mainly in the private economy\, meeting the qualifications for most jobs usually requires education and good health\, which are primarily public service functions. Thus\, programs to promote social protection and decent jobs entail adequate\, effective\, and fair national systems of taxation\, complemented by international assistance\, often in the form of technical assistance but also sometimes in aid-financed budget support\, as for low-income countries. \nThe experience of the pandemic laid bare inadequate systems to deliver cash transfers to compensate for the economic costs of the crisis and inadequate public health systems to deliver vaccines\, tests\, and protective equipment\, along with the very limited capacity\, especially in developing countries\, to maintain employment during the crisis-induced economic contraction. The pandemic experience requires us to think about preparing better “shock responsive” social protection and health systems and stronger counter-cyclical policies. Preparation\, in turn\, requires consideration of ways to mobilize the necessary domestic and international financial resources on an ongoing basis and with the capacity to meet the higher expenditure needs at times of crisis. \nWhile the inter-agency report concluded with 21 separate proposals\, speakers in the side event will be asked to discuss one or more of the proposals. There is no expectation that all 21 proposals would be covered\, nor is that necessary. What is necessary is to bring the attention of the FfD Follow-up Forum for consideration by policymakers the work of the 16 cooperating agencies in the task force and the civil society\, labor\, employer\, and youth stakeholders that were consulted in preparing the report. \n______________________________________________________________________________________ \nCoNGO Notes: The NGO Committee on Financing for Development is a Substantive Committee of the Conference of NGOs in Consultative Relationship with the United Nations.
URL:https://ngocongo.org/event/financing-for-universal-and-crisis-responsive-social-protection-and-decent-work-proposals-of-2021-un-inter-agency-working-group-2/
LOCATION:worldwide/virtual
CATEGORIES:CoNGO Member Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ngocongo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Sheet-1-flyer_NGOsonFfD-side-event-Financing-for-Universal-and-Crisis-Responsive-Social-Protection-and-Decent-Jobs_2022-FfD-Forum.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20211105T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20211105T143000
DTSTAMP:20260929T235926
CREATED:20211108T022234Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211108T022234Z
UID:10001550-1636117200-1636122600@ngocongo.org
SUMMARY:Revisiting Financing for Development
DESCRIPTION:In preparing to mark the 20th  anniversary of the first United Nations International Conference on Financing for Development held in Monterrey\, Mexico in March 2002\, a process that promised so much\, it is only prudent to reflect on the history of the Financing for Development (FfD) processes\, especially considering the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on efforts to curb the widening of the gap between the rich and poor\, both within and among countries. During these trying times\, the poor and the most vulnerable are left at the mercy of ineffective regional and global policies. We are also witnessing the erosion of personal freedoms\, even within the so-called bastions of democracy. Individual and corporate greed seems to be dictating the direction of these financial policies. \nIn light of the pandemic and a looming global recession\, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres sounded the alarm: “We must act quickly and decisively to protect people and strengthen societies in the face of this shock\, which comes on top of a global climate emergency\, soaring inequality and growing discontent with the economic and social order in general.” \nThe premise of the FfD process has been to eradicate poverty\, achieve sustained economic growth and promote sustainable development in an inclusive and equitable global economic system. There needs to be a systemic transformation of the global financial architecture and global division of labor towards achieving a just\, green\, equitable and gender-sensitive recovery in the current and post-COVID-19 scenario. \nFinancial regulations that turn a blind eye toward tax-havens are indicators of the extent to which the privatization of wealth has generated today’s culture of shortsightedness. Morality is not arbitrary. The well-being of our planet and its 7.5 billion human inhabitants require a readjustment of perspective that justly distributes wealth\, recognizing that shared prosperity sustains life. \nAs civil society organizations\, we have the moral obligation\, the responsibility and needed insights\, and opportunities to join in advocating to change this narrative. This moment calls for a greater vision of the world that ought to be\, than the empty promises of our current global social compact.  This is the time to join forces to remove the malignant growth of addiction to individual/private gain/profit and promote communal gains and wellbeing by advocating for financial structures that support collaboration\, transparency\, and accountability. \nWe\, as civil society\, have the ability and insight to change the narrative. Let us start by reviewing our individual and collective roles and the prospects of the FfD process to invigorate our plan of action to bring about the change for which we have been clamoring. \nRegister here! \n__________________________________________________________________________________________ \nCoNGO Notes: For more information on the NGO Committee on Financing for Development\, an official Substantive Committee of the Conference of NGOs in Consultative Relationship with the United Nations\, please visit ngosonffd.org. Likewise\, for more information on the NGO Committee on Sustainable Development-NY\, please visit ngocsd-ny.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on Sustainable Development-Vienna\, please visit congocsd.wordpress.com. 
URL:https://ngocongo.org/event/revisiting-financing-for-development/
LOCATION:worldwide/virtual
CATEGORIES:CoNGO Member Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ngocongo.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/pexels-photo-6416352.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20211105T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20211105T143000
DTSTAMP:20260929T235926
CREATED:20211108T022234Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211108T022234Z
UID:10002176-1636117200-1636122600@ngocongo.org
SUMMARY:Revisiting Financing for Development
DESCRIPTION:In preparing to mark the 20th  anniversary of the first United Nations International Conference on Financing for Development held in Monterrey\, Mexico in March 2002\, a process that promised so much\, it is only prudent to reflect on the history of the Financing for Development (FfD) processes\, especially considering the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on efforts to curb the widening of the gap between the rich and poor\, both within and among countries. During these trying times\, the poor and the most vulnerable are left at the mercy of ineffective regional and global policies. We are also witnessing the erosion of personal freedoms\, even within the so-called bastions of democracy. Individual and corporate greed seems to be dictating the direction of these financial policies. \nIn light of the pandemic and a looming global recession\, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres sounded the alarm: “We must act quickly and decisively to protect people and strengthen societies in the face of this shock\, which comes on top of a global climate emergency\, soaring inequality and growing discontent with the economic and social order in general.” \nThe premise of the FfD process has been to eradicate poverty\, achieve sustained economic growth and promote sustainable development in an inclusive and equitable global economic system. There needs to be a systemic transformation of the global financial architecture and global division of labor towards achieving a just\, green\, equitable and gender-sensitive recovery in the current and post-COVID-19 scenario. \nFinancial regulations that turn a blind eye toward tax-havens are indicators of the extent to which the privatization of wealth has generated today’s culture of shortsightedness. Morality is not arbitrary. The well-being of our planet and its 7.5 billion human inhabitants require a readjustment of perspective that justly distributes wealth\, recognizing that shared prosperity sustains life. \nAs civil society organizations\, we have the moral obligation\, the responsibility and needed insights\, and opportunities to join in advocating to change this narrative. This moment calls for a greater vision of the world that ought to be\, than the empty promises of our current global social compact.  This is the time to join forces to remove the malignant growth of addiction to individual/private gain/profit and promote communal gains and wellbeing by advocating for financial structures that support collaboration\, transparency\, and accountability. \nWe\, as civil society\, have the ability and insight to change the narrative. Let us start by reviewing our individual and collective roles and the prospects of the FfD process to invigorate our plan of action to bring about the change for which we have been clamoring. \nRegister here! \n__________________________________________________________________________________________ \nCoNGO Notes: For more information on the NGO Committee on Financing for Development\, an official Substantive Committee of the Conference of NGOs in Consultative Relationship with the United Nations\, please visit ngosonffd.org. Likewise\, for more information on the NGO Committee on Sustainable Development-NY\, please visit ngocsd-ny.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on Sustainable Development-Vienna\, please visit congocsd.wordpress.com. 
URL:https://ngocongo.org/event/revisiting-financing-for-development-2/
LOCATION:worldwide/virtual
CATEGORIES:CoNGO Member Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ngocongo.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/pexels-photo-6416352.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20210412T131500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20210412T144500
DTSTAMP:20260929T235926
CREATED:20210408T030210Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210408T030210Z
UID:10001256-1618233300-1618238700@ngocongo.org
SUMMARY:Digital and Financial Inclusion: Pathways to promote an inclusive Post-COVID-19 socio-economic recovery
DESCRIPTION:Virtual side event during the 2021 ECOSOC FfD Forum on Financing for Development \n\n\n\n\nDate & time: April 12 from 1:15 pm – 2:45 pm EST \n\n\n\n\nRegister in advance for this meeting (by 5:00pm EST on April 11): https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwpcOGopj4tE9OFujGTOC3FTT_-z2aMJ0Sr \n\n\n\nWorld Bank data (September 2020) indicates that 212 countries have planned\, introduced\, or put in place 1179 safety net payments and other social protection measures for the most vulnerable populations. But reports also show that digital exclusion and lack of access to a bank account\, in the form of a transactional or savings account or a digital wallet\, continues to pose immense challenges for those in marginalized communities\, especially women youth\, refugees\, and migrant workers in the informal sector\, to recoup benefits from government relief measures such as cash transfers and subsidies\, the very measures intended to help tide them over\, in a quick and timely manner. Women continue to face widespread barriers to financial inclusion. Globally\, of the 1.7 billion people that remain unbanked\, meaning they do not hold an account at a bank or a mobile bank provider\, approximately 1 billion are women and in developing countries. The 9% gender gap that existed over the last decade continues to persist. \nWhile businesses are increasingly offering consumers the option to transact through online and mobile platforms\, two major barriers prevent consumers from adopting these digital options: lack of internet connectivity (digital exclusion) and or lack of a bank account to receive or make payments (financial exclusion). In addition\, Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) face considerable challenges in accessing digital financial services and credit\, inclusive insurance schemes and online payment systems and retail platforms that will be keys for their survival in the post-COVID era. \nDigital financial inclusion is ever more critical for marginalized communities\, especially women\, youth\, refugees and informal migrant workers\, to recover from the crisis and to ensure the survival and sustainability of MSMEs. Long-term risks and barriers of entry\, including lack of access to Smartphone services due to marginalized populations’ inabilities to engage in contracts\, complex lending practices\, especially among women\, poor digital literacy and financial literacy and numeracy skills\, and lack of valid identification for refugees forced to leave all personal possessions behind\, to name but a few\, are significant obstacles that could cause more harm than good if not effectively managed. The Global community must act now to bridge the gaps and barriers restricting the world’s most vulnerable populations from meeting their financial needs. \nImplementing appropriate regulatory measures in a timely manner is essential for consumer protection and to ensure the funds reach those whom it is intended for. In the July 1\, 2020 Special Series Notes on COVID-19 of the International Monetary Fund\, experts noted that while the need for social distancing has put a spotlight on digital financial services\, scaling up too fast in times of crisis without appropriate regulatory mechanisms could pose a risk to stability and integrity. \nThe panel will explore the interlinkages between financial and digital inclusion\, innovative advancement in fintech and digital infrastructure to advance last-mile connectivity and address the challenges to financial inclusion faced by marginalized communities and MSMEs\, as well as propose measures to address regulatory challenges\, and disparities in broadband connectivity. \nPanelists: \n\nMember State representative (TBC)\nMs. Lois\, Bruu\, Vice President\, Humanitarian and Development\, Master Card Speaking on innovative initiatives to advance digital financial inclusion for marginalized communities\, especially women\, and MSMEs and recommendations to address financial\, economic\, structural\, and regulatory barriers to advancing financial inclusion for all\nMs. Purva Khera\, Economist\, International Monetary Fund Interlinkages between digital and financial inclusion\, financing challenges and advancement in fintech to address the challenges faced by MSMEs and marginalized communities\, including women\nMr. Jon Frost\, Senior Economist\, Innovation and the Digital Economy unit\, MED\, Bank for International Settlements Risks and emerging concerns around digital finance that could work contrary to goals to help marginalized communities\nRepresentative from civil society speaking on an innovative initiative/s to ensure reliable broadband connectivity for advancing digital financial services\, including last-mile connectivity (TBC)\nMs. Lydia Charles\, Founder and Executive Director\, Her Initiative\, Tanzania Challenges to financial and digital inclusion at the grassroots level\, especially for women\, and steps to take to address these challenges.\n\nModerator: Anita Thomas\, Representative to the UN\, Virginia Gildersleeve International Fund (DBA Women First International Fund); Chair\, NGO Committee on Financing for Development \n\n\n\nCo-sponsors:  \nVirginia Gildersleeve International Fund\, Sisters of Charity Federation\, Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Loreto Generalate\, Global Foundation for Democracy and Development\, New Humanity for the Focolare Movement\, Salesian Missions Inc\, Change Management Solutions\, Startnoo \n\n\n\n______________________________________________________________________________________________ \nCoNGO Notes: For more information on the NGO Committee on Financing for Development\, please visit ngosonffd.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on Sustainable Development-Vienna\, please visit ngocsdvienna.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on Sustainable Development-NY\, please visit ngocsd-ny.org. 
URL:https://ngocongo.org/event/digital-and-financial-inclusion-pathways-to-promote-an-inclusive-post-covid-19-socio-economic-recovery/
LOCATION:worldwide/virtual
CATEGORIES:CoNGO Member Events
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