FOREWORD

It has always been important to know how to manage one own personal finances, make a budget, save for retirement, and avoid becoming victims of financial fraud. Yet, in the early 2000s, only a few were considering financial education as a policy priority. Financial literacy was regarded as an interesting topic for academic research and one of the relevant factors for supporting pension reforms, but it was not very high on the overall financial and economic policy agenda.

The discourse around financial education could not be more different today. After a global financial crisis and in the midst of another global social and economic crisis, after more than 20 years of research, policy making, implementation and advocacy, not only financial education is globally recognised as a key element in a trilogy meant to empower financial consumers, alongside financial inclusion and financial consumer protection, but it is considered an essential life skill that all, from young to old, should possess in order to lead productive, empowered, resilient financial lives and to support individual financial well-being.

Financial literacy is now recognized by most stakeholders from global leaders, regulators, educators, parents and children to business and academic communities as part of the skillset essential for all. And efforts to increase its reach, impact and effectiveness are growing by the day. The Global Money Week campaign is a testimony to the impetus that financial education has created around the world. Over the years, the campaign has transformed from a start-up initiative in a true global scale effort, which has continued to increase in reach and depth.

As Chair of the OECD International Network on Financial Education, I am proud that today the OECD/ INFE is successfully spearheading Global Money Week, building on the efforts from Child and Youth Finance International. It is an honour and a privilege to work with organisations from over 100 countries around the world to help making sure that children and youth have access to high-quality financial education, learn about money matters from a young age and are able to take smart financial decisions that can improve future financial resilience and financial well-being.

Despite the difficult circumstances under which the GMW was held this year, organisations from around the world have joined their virtual hands with enthusiasm in an effort to ensure that children, young people, their parents and teachers have the resources and tools to improve financial literacy.

These partners from around the globe have shown resilience, commitment and passion for financial education. On behalf of the OECD/INFE and the GMW Team, I wish to warmly thank all of them!

André Laboul

Chair of OECD/INFE, Senior Counselor for Financial Affairs OECD