Queen Maxima Assumes New Role as UN Special Advocate for Financial Health
Exploring the Intersection of Finance and Human Flourishing
New York, NY — In a significant development for the United Nations and the global financial inclusion movement, Her Majesty Queen Maxima of the Netherlands has been appointed as the UN Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Financial Health. This new role marks a continuation and expansion of her previous position as Special Advocate for Inclusive Financing for Development, a post she has held with distinction for 15 years.
A New Chapter in Financial Inclusion
The appointment was announced in New York, where Queen Maxima has been a leading voice in advocating for universal access to financial services. UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted the importance of financial health in today’s volatile world, stating, In a world of economic uncertainty, conflict, and climate change, financial services are crucial for helping people take control of their lives and futures.
Building on a Strong Foundation
Queen Maxima’s new portfolio builds on her previous work, which has significantly contributed to increasing basic access to financial services worldwide. Today, nearly 80 percent of adults globally have at least a bank account, a testament to her advocacy and the efforts of her partners. However, as Queen Maxima notes, access alone does not ensure financial health.
Defining Financial Health
In our journey to financial inclusion, we must go beyond basic access, Queen Maxima explained. We want to ensure that people can use financial products and services that help them manage their daily finances, invest in their businesses, save for the future, and protect themselves against financial setbacks. These elements together form the cornerstone of financial health.
The Road Ahead
Despite the progress made, Queen Maxima acknowledges that there is still much work to be done. The work is never done, and as long as I continue to get energy from this work, I will continue to do it, she stated, emphasizing her commitment to the cause.
Conclusion
Queen Maxima’s new role as the UN Special Advocate for Financial Health represents a pivotal moment in the global effort to ensure that financial systems support the aspirations of people worldwide. As she steps into this new position, her insights and dedication will undoubtedly continue to shape the discourse and practice of financial inclusion, fostering a world where economic opportunities are accessible to all.
References
- United Nations (2024). Queen Maxima appointed as UN Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Financial Health. Retrieved from UN Website.
- NL Times (2024). Queen Maxima gets a new function at UN. Retrieved from NL Times Website.
For further information and updates, follow the UN’s official channels and the NL Times for the latest developments in global finance and social advocacy.
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