Agenda
Day 1 – Wednesday, June 29, 2022
11:00
Opening of Social Investors and Technology Fair
Meet sponsors, Investors and Tech Providers.
The Social Investors and Technology Fair will bring together socially – oriented donors and investors with MFIs seeking funding and provide a space for one-on-one to discuss funding needs opportunities, and explore potential new financial partnerships.
14:00–17:00
Lunch for MFC Members followed by the Membership Meeting
Discuss the MFC’s Strategy 2022–2025 based on 3 pillars: Network, Technology and Visibility.
Seize the opportunity to say farewell to Sanavbar Sharipova, Chairwoman of the MFC’s Board of Directors and Grzegorz Galusek long-standing MFC’s CEO.
Further details will be available soon. Stay tuned.
We encourage you to book a flight the day in advance to be on time for the meeting.
17:00–17:30
Coffee & Networking: Social Investors and Technology Fair
17:30–18:40Conference Opening Conference welcoming remarks Sanavbar Sharipova Founder of the IMON International, Chairwoman of the MFC’s Board of Directors, Tajikistan |
Keynote Speech Shiva Dustdar Head of EIB Institute (Dean), European Investment Bank (EIB), Luxembourg |
18:40–19:00Spotlight on New Financial Technology at the Era of Uncertainty |
19:00–21:00
Networking Cocktail Reception
Informal networking wine & snacks.
It’s a perfect opportunity to make new connections and deals, and lay ground for exciting partnerships.
Sponsored by 
Day 2 – Thursday, June 30, 2022
9:00–9:30
Coffee & Networking: Social Investors and Technology Fair
9:30–9:35
Conference Day #2 Opening
9:35–9:45Spotlight on SIFTA: a New Technical Assistance Programme for Microfinance and Social Finance Providers under investEU Bruno Robino Deputy Head of Climate and Social Finance Advisory Division, at the European Investment Bank |
9:45–10:45Plenary session #1: Migrants, Refugees and the Climate Crisis: a New Microfinance Frontier?A range of major forces are causing profound changes in our socio-economic environment and ways of life. The war in Ukraine along with geo-political turbulences, climate change and wealth inequalities will increase human migration. What can microfinance institutions realistically do to mitigate the climate change and tackle the migration and refugee crisis? What is the role for investors and policy makers? What kind of existing solutions and experience can we tap in?
Panellist Marc de Sousa-Shields Lead Technical Specialist, Rural Finance and Markets, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Egypt Panellist Alexander Lehmann Head of Sustainable World Academy, Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, Germany Panellist Arkadiusz Lewicki Director of the National Contact Point for Financial Instruments of the European Union Programmes |
10:45–11:30
Coffee & Networking: Social Investors and Technology Fair
11:30–11:45Spotlight on LIBOR to SOFR Transition and All You Need to Know About ItLIBOR is phasing out and it is critical for microfinance institutions to understand how they may be affected as markets and regulators adjust to a new benchmark rate.  Yassine Boudghene Head of the Financial Policies and Methodologies Division in the Finance Directorate of the European Investment Bank (EIB) |
11:45–12:45Plenary session #2: Microfinance Investing in Uncertain Times: Outlook, Products and SolutionsThis session will provide an update and overview of the various types of investment opportunities and how to think about them in the context of political and economic uncertainty while planning to achieve your MFI’s goals. It will also discuss the impact of the war in Ukraine on microfinance and the post-pandemic investment outlook.
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12:45–14:15
Lunch & Networking
14:15–14:30Spotlight on the New Financial Instruments for Western Balkans Roberto Estellés Programme Manager at Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations, European Commission, Belgium |
14:30–15:30Plenary session #3: Technology and Uncertainty: Key Insights on Building the Digital Future of MicrofinanceAll MFIs in Europe and Central Asia are digitizing their operations to a certain extent, although most institutions lack a specific strategy to use technology. What are the most promising, successful and investment worthy approaches to digitalization so that the MFIs can reap the benefits that technology offers? Can digital technology in microfinance play a role in mitigating the risks associated with the crises that affect the world? Where can the funding for the digital turn around come from?
Panellist Sami Lahoud Senior Vice President Global Partnerships and Infrastructure, Mastercard, United States Panellist Christian Ruehmer Co-Founder and CEO of |
15:30–16:00
Coffee & Networking: Social Investors and Technology Fair
16:00–16:15Spotlight on Impact Management |
16:15–17:15Plenary session #4: Fair Finance for Women: how to Invest with Gender Lens?Numerous research shows that investing in women facilitates the inclusive economic growth. Microfinance institutions have always played a significant role in advancing gender issues, but what are some new strategies for advancing gender equality? What investment opportunities exist to support women entrepreneurship?
Panellist Laura Fernández Lord Head of Sustainability and Women’s Empowerment, BBVA Microfinance Foundation (FMBBVA), Spain Panellist Erdal Kocoglu Director of Turkey, Caucasus and Central Asia Regional Office, Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, Turkey |
17:15–17:30MFC Member Engagement Award Ceremony & Conference Closing Gabriele Giuglietti MFC Council Director, Director in Charge of International Development Activities of Banca Etica, Italy |
18:00
Networking Gala Dinner & Boat Cruise
Spotlight on the Social Mission of Banca Etica: Gabriele Giuglietti
Spend a memorable evening cruising along the Bosphorus Strait. Enjoy spectacular views of Istanbul at night and the sights along the waterway, a delicious 3-course dinner and a diverse program of traditional entertainment on board.
Sponsored by 
