International Year of Microcredit (2005)

In 1998, proclaiming 2005 as the International Year of Microcredit (A/RES/53/197 of 15 December), the General Assembly requested that the Year's observance be a special occasion for giving impetus to microcredit programmes throughout the world. The Assembly asked all those involved in poverty eradication to take additional steps to make available credit and related services for self-employment and income-generating activities to an increasing number of people living in poverty. Governments, NGOs, the private sector and the media were invited to highlight the role of microcredit in poverty eradication, its contribution to social development, and its positive impact on the lives of the poor.

Events:

Symposium on the International Year of Microcredit: Promoting Financial Global Partnerships for Development (2 June 2005)

Press Releases:

UN Launches International Year of Microcredit 2005

Microcredit Extends Same Rights to Poor as Are Available to Everyone Else, Says Secretary-General in Message to Launch Ceremony for International Year

Microfinance Can Help Poor People Move beyond Day-to-Day Survival, Says Secretary-General at Launch of International Year of Microcredit 

Wall Street Women Team up with the United Nations on Microfinance

Brochure:

Microfinance and Microcredit: How can $100 change an economy?