The World Bank and a Collective Vision for Financial Inclusion

The Opportunity from Operation HOPE

In 1992, Operation HOPE set in motion a vision to navigate the transition from civil rights to "silver rights," aimed at enabling the underserved to benefit from free enterprise and capitalism. This initiative was not merely about imparting financial literacy; it was a profound commitment to altering the socioeconomic landscapes for millions. With its groundbreaking community uplift model, HOPE Inside, Operation HOPE has revolutionized how disenfranchised communities engage with the economy, earning it the "Innovator of the Year" award from American Banker magazine in 2016. Their vast impact led to their annual invitation to participate in the esteemed Civil Society Policy Forum hosted by the World Bank Group.

My Platform at The World Bank

After learning more about my experience surviving terrorism and its fiscal ramifications, Operation HOPE facilitated my participation in the Civil Society Policy Forum (CSPF) at the World Bank Group-International Monetary Fund Spring and Annual Meetings. It provided a unique opportunity for me and a broader discourse on financial inclusion. This forum is a cornerstone for discussions on global development issues, bringing together Civil Society Organizations, World Bank and IMF staff, and diverse stakeholders.

The Panel on Financial Inclusion

My address on the panel, "Financial Inclusion: Uplifting The Invisible Class," explored the critical theme of financial inclusion for terrorist attack survivors. Drawing from my personal experience in the 2016 Burkina Faso Cappuccino terrorist attacks, I shed light on the economic devastation such tragedies impose on survivors. My narrative aimed to bridge my own experiences with those of survivors in developing countries, emphasizing the urgent need for financial support and access.

Synergy with Fellow Panelists

My comments on the panel interwove seamlessly with the perspectives of my fellow panelists, each highlighting different facets of the "Invisible Class" within Civil Society. Marilyn Hoosen from Global Wealth Management, ML, focused on women and girls as the "Invisible Class," underscoring the gender-specific challenges and the critical need for their financial inclusion. Reverend Dr. Samuel Nixon, the founder of Humble 1, delved into the role of faith-based communities, pointing out how spiritual organizations can be pivotal in addressing financial exclusion within their congregations and communities.

Dr. Margaret Miller from The World Bank's Financial Inclusion Campaign brought the Universal Financial Access 2020 Campaign to the fore, a global initiative to extend financial services to those without them. Her insights offered a macro view of financial inclusion, complementing the more focused discussions on specific groups facing financial invisibility.

A Unified Call for Inclusion

The convergence of these diverse perspectives underscored a shared understanding: financial inclusion is multifaceted, touching on issues of gender, faith, and broader economic policies. My participation, courtesy of Operation HOPE, was about sharing my story and contributing to a collective vision. A vision where financial literacy and access act as foundational pillars for empowering the "Invisible Class," enabling them to emerge more robust in the face of adversity.

Through my key points, it became clear that civil society organizations worldwide must consider financial equity and inclusivity as we forge ahead, navigating the unfortunate realities of international terrorism in our society. My insights shared during the CSPF reinforce my commitment to innovate and expand impact, driving towards a future where financial empowerment is a reality for all.