Media Release |
Papua New Guinea to Co-Host the Alliance for Financial Inclusion Global Policy Forum 2026
The Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG) is proud to announce that Papua New Guinea will co-host the Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI) Global Policy Forum (GPF) in 2026. Governor Elizabeth Genia formally accepted the offer to host on behalf of Papua New Guinea on Friday 5 September during the 2025 AFI Global Policy Forum, a global assembly of central bank governors focused on strengthening financial inclusion.
Governor Genia said, “I am honoured that AFI has chosen Papua New Guinea to co- host the 2026 Global Policy Forum, where central bank governors and policymakers from around the world will gather to advance financial inclusion worldwide.”
Genia added, “This will not just be Papua New Guinea’s event. Our fellow Pacific island nations will stand alongside us as co-hosts, ensuring that the 2026 Forum reflects the shared values and aspirations of our Blue Pacific.”
Looking ahead to the theme of the 2026 Forum, Governor Genia highlighted, “Our focus will be on building resilient economies for an inclusive future. Across the Pacific we share the challenges of distance, climate change, and connectivity, but we also share solutions rooted in innovation, culture, and community.”
Papua New Guinea’s financial inclusion achievements will be on display at the GPF 2026. Financial inclusion is a key priority for the Bank of Papua New Guinea, underscored by the commitment to the 2018 Maya Declaration commitment to build responsible and sustainable financial inclusion.
Through partnerships with the financial sector, BPNG’s Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI) has been at the forefront of delivering real change in financial inclusion. Guided by the National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS), now in its third iteration (2023-2027), CEFI’s innovative programs will enable more than 2 million new bank accounts, expand access points to financial services and scale up mobile and
digital banking across the country, focused on meeting the needs of women and rural communities.
CEFI has also delivered financial literacy training to over 250,000 Papua New Guineans, including 120,000 women. Looking ahead, the NFIS aims to include at least 50% of Papua New Guineans in the formal banking network by 2030.
BPNG’s first lending under its innovative green refinance and guarantee facilities is on track for 2026, demonstrating Papua New Guinea’s green finance credentials. These facilities will unlock lending for investment in clean and sustainable solutions, strengthening PNG’s resilience against environmental and climate shocks while expanding sustainable lending to Papua New Guineans.
The AFI Global Policy Forum
Hosting the Forum in Port Moresby will showcase Papua New Guinea’s leadership as AFI’s trusted co-host on the global stage.
The 2025 Forum drew around 700 delegates, including about 50 VIP central bank governors. Similar numbers are expected in Port Moresby in 2026, bringing substantial economic benefits and valuable global media exposure.
Governor Genia’s Nomination to the AFI Board of Directors
During the forum Governor Genia also accepted a nomination to the AFI Board of Directors, representing Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Islands Regional Initiative grouping within AFI.
In accepting the nomination Governor Genia said, “I step into this role with a strong sense of responsibility. Papua New Guinea, like many developing economies, sees in AFI a unique platform where our voices are not just heard but shape global policy. I accept this nomination representing Papua New Guinea, but I am also committed to championing issues which are important to Papua New Guinea's Pacific friends and neighbours.”
Background
The Alliance for Financial Inclusion is the world’s leading international grouping on financial inclusion, comprising more than 80 central banks and financial regulators representing over 90 developing and emerging economies. Each year the Forum brings
together hundreds of international delegates, including central bank Governors, government ministers, development partners, and private sector leaders.
AFI is a global network dedicated to advancing financial inclusion through policy innovation, knowledge sharing, and peer learning. Its diverse membership spans Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Pacific, allowing regulators to exchange knowledge on expanding the use of banking services and extending life-changing sustainable credit facilities to previously underserved communities.
Authorised by:
Ms Elizabeth Genia
Governor
Media enquiries:
Margaret Bacca or Rosemary Lalaga
Ph: 322 7648 / 7516 (direct landline) or 78686563 / 78378273 (cell) Email: mbacca@bankpng.gov.pg / rlalaga@bankpng.gov.pg