S4E1 PEI Open House | From Vulnerability to Resilience: Exploring Financial & Economic Inclusion

People living in extreme poverty are exposed to significant risks and a sudden health emergency or natural disaster could cause a major setback for their household’s well-being. These shocks can destabilize a household, as the poorest people often lack access to the very resources they need to navigate challenges effectively. In this context, having the resources and resilience to seize a new economic opportunity is not achievable. Access to a wide range of financial services—loans, savings, and insurance—can equip households with the tools they need to anticipate, adapt, and recover from sudden shocks. These tools can also provide the stability and capital necessary to start or grow a business or diversify into new economic activities.

While about three-quarters of economic inclusion programs integrate financial services with other components like cash transfers, coaching, and training, critical questions remain: How can programs tailor financial services to build resilience and create value for poor and vulnerable people? How can programs maximize synergies between economic inclusion components to achieve better outcomes? How can these programs work with financial service providers and leverage digital technologies to deliver financial services? 

Watch this PEI Open House to learn how governments, NGOs, and other key stakeholders are facilitating access to financial services. The session will reflect on the intersection of financial inclusion services and economic inclusion programs and consider how programs can strengthen the ladder of opportunity for people living in poverty. During the event, PEI launched Financial Pathways toward Greater Resilience and Economic Inclusion, the latest In Practice publication, co-authored with World Vision International and other contributing authors, on the intersection of financial and economic inclusion.

Don't miss the lively Q&A where experts answer live audience questions on this vital topic.