About the International Year of Microfinance
The UN General Assembly designated 2005 as the International Year of Microcredit and has invited Governments, the United Nations system, concerned non-governmental organisations and others from civil society, the private sector and the media to join in raising the profile and building the capacity of the microcredit and microfinance sectors. Through a concerted, collaborative and spirited effort by all stakeholders, microcredit can assume an even larger role in the global strategy for meeting the international pledge of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the commitment to cut poverty in half by 2015.
“The International Year of Microcredit 2005 underscores the importance of microfinance as an integral part of our collective effort to meet the Millennium Development Goals. The challenge before us is to address the constraints that exclude people from full participation in the financial sector. The International Year of Microcredit offers a pivotal opportunity for the international community to engage in a shared commitment to meet this challenge. Together, we can and we must build inclusive financial sectors that help people improve their lives.” — UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan |
Last update: 22 October 2004