Partnerships and commentary on power imbalances dominate plenary sessions in Utrecht

Last week Aspect Works Director Jason Petrait attended Aflatoun International’s 6th bi-annual Global Social and Financial Skills Conference in Utrecht, hearing from grant-makers, central bankers and on-the-ground practitioners from around the world as they examined the necessity of financial and entrepreneurship education.

Thursday’s plenary kicked off with grant-makers from the Netherlands’ Nationale Postcode Loterij, the PMI Educational Foundation and the Vitol Foundation looking at fundraising trends they see in their organizations and across the sector. Speakers highlighted the importance of local decision-making, the need for unrestricted funds and the shift in funding to the global south. Long-term vision matters to these funders, with Marieke Rodenhuis, representative from the Postcode Loterij, stressing that prospective grantees need to have the pillars of governance, finance, board and monitoring right to both bring in resources and manage them. 

Panelists emphasized that the case for growth in civil society organizations is much different from the business case for growth. Themes panelists returned to included impact, scale and sustainability, with one speaker highlighting the significance of, “south-to-south relationships and gains of knowledge.” 

The day continued with a panel of representatives from central banks, a poster session documenting the incredible work being done in the field and breakout sessions from practitioners in Africa, Asia, Latin America and Europe. 

A big thank you goes out to Aflatoun International for allowing attendance from organizations outside of grantees. Being able to learn more about the exceptional financial education work happening around the world made for a worthwhile and inspiring day.