AFI’s global network has gathered in Riviera Maya, Mexico to begin the Global Policy Forum (GPF) 2011. Under the auspices of this year’s theme – Taking stock, setting goals, moving forward – policymakers from all parts of the globe have joined together to exchange ideas, discuss and debate issues pertaining to financial inclusion and inform policy decisions, with the ultimate goal of improving the lives of the world’s poor.

Almost half of the world’s adult population still lacks access to basic financial services. The GPF serves as the platform for enabling financial policymakers to come together as one community, critically assess progress and set concrete policy objectives and commitments for the future, in the move toward universal financial inclusion.

The GPF has already achieved remarkable success – through its previous iterations in Nairobi and Bali in 2009 and 2010 – in building the proper foundation for success in financial inclusion. The goal now is to assume a more proactive role in scaling up financial access, not only through smart and innovative policies, but through practical improvements to financial services that have positive, lasting impacts on consumers.

At present, AFI’s professional network includes 80 members, representing policymakers and financial decision makers from all regions of the world.