The IDFR 2026 global event brought together governments, financial institutions, fintech providers, development partners, and diaspora communities to explore how remittances can drive long-term economic opportunities, particularly in rural areas.
Key participants included Gérardine Mukeshimana, Vice President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD); Jean-Sébastien Conty, Deputy Director for Global Affairs at France’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs; Zhyldyz Sulaimanbekova, Member of the Board of the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic; and Dilbar Abduganieva, Chief Financial Inclusion Officer at the Central Bank of Uzbekistan.
Held under the theme “Beyond Transfers: Turning Remittances into Rural Resilience, Entrepreneurship and Employment” and led in partnership with the French Presidency of the G7, the event marked the IDFR, a UN-recognized observance held annually on 16 June since its proclamation by the UN General Assembly in 2018.
With remittances exceeding US$650 billion in 2024 — remaining one of the most important and stable sources of external finance for low- and middle-income countries — discussions at the event focused on how these flows can go beyond meeting daily needs to support savings, entrepreneurship, climate adaptation, and employment when paired with stronger financial inclusion and digital access. Participants exchanged practical pathways for collaboration and innovation to unlock even greater opportunities for families and communities worldwide.