Resources on social finance

  1. Video

    “This initiative has opened up the opportunity for me to access a loan so I can expand my business and cultivate more land” - Najim’s story

    11 September 2023

    Najim is a young Iraqi farmer who recently completed a financial education training with the ILO under its financial inclusion initiative implemented by PROSPECTS. The initiative is also helping Najim access a bank loan so he can cultivate more land and expand his business.

  2. Video

    Encouraging the use of digital technology to increase SME financial access

    02 March 2023

    This video introduces the PROMISE II IMPACT project that aims to strengthen the enabling environment to drive a more inclusive financial sector for SMEs, generating post-pandemic economic growth and employment opportunities.

  3. Video

    ILO PROSPECTS in Iraq supports livelihoods and decent work for refugees, IDPs and host communities

    19 February 2023

    The programme includes a financial inclusion initiative to support businesses to access loans and build their financial and business skills and the development of vocational training programmes in market-relevant occupations.

  4. Our impact, Their voices

    Entrepreneurial skills and access to finance support business development among refugees in Iraq

    24 January 2023

    Hishyar Bashir Sadoon is a Syrian refugee who owns a small construction business. He was recently able to expand his business under ILO’s financial inclusion initiative, targeting refugees, internally displaced persons and host community members.

  5. Video

    Iraqi entrepreneurs access loans to support growing businesses

    19 June 2022

    When Sandra was forcibly displaced, she set up a small business selling party decorations to support her young family. Now, with the support of the ILO, under an initiative with the Central Bank of Iraq and partner banks, Sandra and many others like her, have been provided with bank loans to start or expand their businesses, helping them realise their aspirations of becoming successful entrepreneurs.

  6. Video interview

    ILO’s Craig Churchill on the status of microinsurance today

    12 November 2013

    ILO TV interviews Craig Churchill, head of the ILO’s Microinsurance Innovation Facility and chair of the Microinsurance Network, on the rapid growth of microinsurance worldwide and its impact on economic development and poverty reduction. Mr. Churchill describes how the ILO Facility will work over the coming years to stimulate market development and expand access to microinsurance. The interview took place as the 9th International Conference on Microinsurance met in Jakarta to examine the status of microinsurance and discuss critical issues such as distribution, business models and investments.

  7. Video

    Migration and Microinsurance - Featuring Samia Kazi Aoul

    18 July 2012

    Migrant workers often face a gap in social protection. Samia Kazi Aoul speaks about how microinsurance may offer a means of providing this protection. She highlights some recent lessons learnt in the industry, including legal and regulatory constraints, marketing challenges and the importance of working with the right partners in order to gain migrants' trust.