Program Director Wolfram Zunzer panelist during Global Forum on Remittances, Investment, and Development Summit 2023 (GRFID)
From the 14th to the 16th of June, WIDU.africa participated in the THREE DAY 2023 Global Forum on Remittances, Investment, and Development Summit. Wolfram Zunzer, program head of the project by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH participated in a panel discussion on pivotal role of diaspora remittances in advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
From the 14th to the 16th of June, the THREE DAY 2023 Global Forum on Remittances, Investment, and Development Summit brought together visionaries, innovators, and experts from around the world to discuss the transformative power of digital remittances. And at the heart of this groundbreaking event was none other than WIDU.africa, showcasing its achievements and leveraging diaspora remittances to foster employment opportunities.
WIDU beneficiaries share experiences with visitors of event marketplace
Amidst a vibrant marketplace, WIDU.africa proudly shared its success story alongside three beneficiaries: Pure Purple, Lamu Nuts, and Takawiri. Each of these exceptional enterprises illuminated the diverse sectors that have flourished under WIDU's support. The marketplace buzzed with excitement and anticipation as visitors explored the innovative ideas and tangible impacts brought to life by the WIDU initiative.
Panel discussion on pivotal role of diaspora remittances
Taking the stage as WIDU's representative, the esteemed Program Head, Wolfram Zunzer, participated in a thought-provoking panel discussion centered on the pivotal role of diaspora remittances in advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With conviction and insight, Wolfram Zunzer shed light on the realities of SDGs in 2023, emphasizing the profound influence of remittance families and migrants on sustainable development.
“WIDU has been a trailblazer in championing financial inclusion, empowering businesses to formalize operations, and facilitating access to finance,” highlighted Wolfram Zunzer during the panel discussionand continued to advocate for the inclusion of informal sectors and stakeholders across various value chains in the pursuit of SDGs. The Program Head also underscored the pressing need for gender equality, highlighting WIDU's unwavering commitment to the Feminist Development plan. Recognizing that women are often the primary recipients of remittances, Wolfram celebrated WIDU's efforts to uplift and empower women through its initiatives.
Furthermore, he outlined the transformative potential of digital platforms and urged stakeholders to harness the skills and expertise of the diaspora community to drive private investments. He stressed the importance of leveraging these digital platforms and fostering financial inclusion within the informal sector, citing them as opportunities for growth and progress. Wolfram concluded his compelling address with a call to host countries, urging them to reduce taxes on diaspora investments—a gesture that would undoubtedly encourage diaspora members to invest back home and propel economic development.
Three days of opportunities and networking
The Global Forum on Remittances, Investment, and Development Summit proved to be a whirlwind of networking opportunities, referrals, and potential synergies for WIDU.africa. The stage was set for collaboration, innovation, and the forging of partnerships that will shape the future of financial inclusion and sustainable development.
As WIDU.africa continues its remarkable journey, empowered by the resounding success of the summit, we eagerly anticipate the transformative impact this trailblazing initiative will have on diaspora remittances, employment creation, and economic growth.
