New initiative in Ecuador strengthens the financial and economic participation of refugees and displaced people
The event brought together representatives of the financial sector, cooperatives, business associations and technology organisations as well as development actors to discuss ways to improve the financial, economic and professional integration of migrants and refugees. It was centred around the study “Inclusión financiera y económica de personas en movilidad humana y refugiadas” (“Financial and economic inclusion of people in situations of human mobility and refugees”) by Dr. Jochen Hönow and Trixie Kaja Dreis. The study analyses key factors that influence this target group’s access to financial services and economic participation and provides important insights for the development of future support measures.
One highlight of the event was the panel discussion with representatives of DSIK from Ecuador and Colombia, as well as of the Venezuelan-Ecuadorian Chamber of Commerce (Cámara de Comercio Venezolano-Ecuatoriana, CCVE) and the Ecuadorian Chamber of Innovation and Technology (Cámara de Innovación y Tecnología del Ecuador, CITEC). Together they discussed challenges and opportunities for strengthening the financial inclusion, labour market integration and economic participation of displaced people and refugees.
In addition to this, cooperation agreements with CCVE and CITEC were signed during the event. These partnerships lay the foundation for joint measures to promote entrepreneurship, employability, financial inclusion and the socioeconomic integration of refugees and other displaced people in Ecuador.
The event demonstrated that sustainable solutions for social integration can only be achieved through close cooperation between different actors. Evidence-based research, cross-sector dialogue and strategic partnerships form the basis for creating more economic opportunities and social participation for vulnerable populations in the long term.