MicroCapital: Please describe one of the key issues to be covered this year at European Microfinance Week.
Christoph Pausch: The question of over-indebtedness is still the major risk for the sector, as identified in the most recent Banana Skins survey. We had a very successful plenary last year exploring the issue from a research perspective. This year, we’re taking a very different approach by bringing CEOs of leading microfinance institutions (MFIs) from three countries – Bangladesh, Morocco, and Mexico – to discuss how they’ve been dealing with the issue. Each of these countries has had a different experience, with Bangladesh having successfully averted a potential crisis by slowing market growth (as described in an excellent paper by Stuart Rutherford and Greg Chen). Morocco was one of the original “microfinance crisis” countries during 2008 and 2009, and the MFIs there have had an interesting experience in resolving the problems from that period. Finally, Mexico is a major market with serious concerns regarding over-indebtedness, and MFIs there are working to avert a potential crisis.
MC: What topics do you find are most in demand by participants?
Anne Contreras: This year with the focus on the prestigious Fifth European Microfinance Award on Microfinance and Environment, there are many sessions dedicated to this area. Also, 2014 is the UN’s International Year of Family Farming, which is reflected in our programme with a specific focus on agricultural finance. There is also demand for sessions for microfinance investors, for whom we are offering topics such as managing social responsibility during equity sales.
MC: Is there a speaker from whom you are particularly excited to hear?
CP: The panel on microfinance in conflict zones is new to us. We’re excited not only to welcome MFIs that are working in some of the most difficult environments, such as Syria and Afghanistan, but also Major David Beskow of the US Army, who will share how the military has been using microgrants to strengthen links with local communities and improve the lives of the most needy during some of today’s most difficult conflicts.
MC: What is new this year for the European Microfinance Platform (e-MFP)?
AC: I would like to highlight our developing partnership with the Microfinance CEO Working Group, which represents the leading microfinance networks: Accion, FINCA International, Freedom from Hunger, Grameen Foundation, Opportunity International, Pro Mujer, VisionFund International and Women’s World Banking. Since most of these organizations are based in the US, we think it’s a great opportunity to increase collaboration among e-MFP’s European members and our colleagues across the Atlantic. During our Action Group day, we’re hosting a working session co-organized by the Microfinance CEO Working Group and the Financial Inclusion Equity Council. It will explore the future of some of the core data infrastructure in the microfinance sector, including the MIX Market, Microfinance Transparency and other initiatives that are of critical importance not only to e-MFP members, but also to countless microfinance practitioners.
Anne Contreras, who works in investment management law at Luxembourg-based law firm Arendt & Medernach, serves as the Chair of the Board of Directors of e-MFP. Christoph Pausch is the Executive Secretary of e-MFP.
This sneak preview of European Microfinance Week is sponsored by e-MFP, a 130-member network located in Luxembourg.
Additional Sources and Resources:
European Microfinance Platform (e-MFP) to Host European Microfinance Week, November 12-14, 2014, With On-site Reporting by MicroCapital
More coverage of European Microfinance Week and the Action Groups of the European Microfinance Platform (e-MFP)
Do you know that MicroCapital publishes the MicroCapital Monitor newspaper each month?
Similar Posts:
- SPECIAL REPORT: Yikri of Burkina Faso Wins $110k European Microfinance Award for Progress Toward Food Security #EMW2023
- MICROFINANCE EVENT: European Microfinance Week; November 15-17, 2023; Luxembourg
- SPECIAL REPORT: European Microfinance Week 2023 Opens With Action Group Meetings, Including Investors Sharing Strategies for Measuring Social Performance #EMW2023
- SPECIAL REPORT: Investors, MFIs Continue to Wrestle with Sustainable Finance Disclosures Regulation (SFDR) #EMW2023
- SPECIAL REPORT: Green Action Group Celebrates 10th Anniversary at European Microfinance Week #EMW2023
