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GDI Hub Co-Hosts Event on the Future of Inclusive Finance

Sophie Glickman

Communications and Engagement Officer

Yesterday, the Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub) proudly co-hosted a pivotal event, "The Future of Financial Inclusion," in New York City, coinciding with the UN’s Conference of States Parties to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

Held in partnership with the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) and Small Enterprise Assistance Funds (SEAF), this landmark reception and panel discussion brought together a diverse and influential group of stakeholders from the finance, investment, and development sectors. Together, we explored how the global financial system can become a powerful catalyst for disability-inclusive development.

Opening the panel discussion, Minister Malhotra emphasised that disability inclusion is not about charity; it’s about opportunity and growth. The Minister underscored the $10 trillion potential in economic benefits from assistive technology, issuing a clear call to action for investors to join the UK Government in backing inclusive innovation through the AT2030 Programme.

Minister Malhotra speaking at a podium with a BSL signer in front
Minister Malhotra's opening address to the panel

Following this compelling opening, the expert panel offered rich insights and actionable strategies for transforming global finance through a disability-inclusive lens. The following emerged as key discussion points:

  • Advancing inclusive finance: The urgent need for embedded accessibility within internal systems, including suitable AI and inclusive banking platforms.
  • Transformative tech investment: Scaled innovations for persons with disabilities and older people, reframing assistive technologies as commercially viable rather than charitable.
  • Blended finance strategy: Combined different types of funding with a deliberate focus on disability inclusion to amplify development outcomes.
  • Innovative financial structures: Integrated grants, equity, and impact investments to achieve both commercial viability and meaningful human impact.
  • Next-generation impact investing: Highlighted a growing trend among new high-net-worth investors prioritising purpose, human rights, and inclusive prosperity.

The GDI Hub extends its profound thanks to our distinguished speakers for their invaluable contributions and commitment to this vital agenda: Astrid Couzian Kurukulasuriya (UNCDF), Paul Sheehan (SEAF), Pollyanna Wardrop (GDI Hub), David Hall (Lloyds Bank), Muhammad Atif Sheikh (STEP), and Iain McKinnon (GDI Hub).

We also thank our Senior Advisor, Cara Yar Khan, for her expert moderation of the panel.

Ultimately, yesterday’s event underscores a growing consensus among key stakeholders: the financial sector has the tools, the resources, and now, the compelling evidence it needs to become a driver of inclusion.

The GDI Hub remains committed to championing collaborative research and innovations to develop scalable and accessible inclusion solutions within the financial sector.

Explore the video below to gain more insights from the event: