Speech - 11th Annual General Assembly Meeting of the Alliance for Financial Inclusion

The 11th Annual General Assembly Meeting of the Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI) commenced on Monday with a focus on the theme "Resilient Economies, Inclusive Future". The AFI Board expressed gratitude to the Bank of Papua New Guinea for their warm hospitality and exceptional organization, welcoming them to their beautiful country. The network, comprising 90 institutions across 84 countries, was acknowledged for their unwavering commitment to inclusive financial systems worldwide.

The AFI Management Unit was commended for their hard work despite challenging circumstances. The 2026 theme underscores the current period of rapid transformation, with artificial intelligence, digital public infrastructure, climate change, cyber risks, demographic shifts and evolving economic models reshaping economies. These changes present challenges but also a unique opportunity for developing and emerging economies to leverage technological progress and climate resilience for broader and inclusive prosperity.

Inclusive financial systems are crucial for economic resilience, financial stability, financial health, and sustainable development. They help households withstand shocks, enable small businesses to grow, support women and young people in economic participation, and assist societies in adapting to a rapidly changing world. The AFI, established over 20 years ago, has provided a unique platform for translating policy commitments into practical reforms that have benefited millions.

However, the challenges ahead necessitate continuous evolution, helping policymakers anticipate risks, harness digital innovation, and deliver measurable outcomes.

The forum also highlights the importance of financial inclusion for Small Island Developing States and other vulnerable economies, whose experiences demonstrate that financial inclusion requires locally tailored solutions supported by global cooperation. The GPF 2026 logo, inspired by Papua New Guinea's Bird of Paradise, symbolizes interconnectedness and shared purpose among the network's members.

Over the next two days, discussions will focus on challenges such as maintaining financial stability, expanding sustainable finance, utilizing emerging technologies responsibly, and preparing for long-term risks.

The true measure of the forum's success will be the practical commitments, partnerships, and policy solutions that arise from the discussions. The ultimate goal is to build financial systems capable of surviving shocks while expanding opportunities, embracing innovation while protecting consumers, supporting economic growth while preserving the environment, and ensuring genuine inclusion. Success in these endeavors will demonstrate that resilience and inclusion are mutually reinforcing objectives.