The UN declares 2005 as the International Year of Microcredit!
The Virtual Library on Microcredit's
archive of activities and initiatives organized
as a part of IYM-2005
The
International
Year of
Microcredit
2005
 In 1998, proclaiming 2005 as the International Year of Microcredit (resolution 53/197 of 15 December), the General Assembly requested that the Year's observance be a special occasion for giving impetus to microcredit programmes throughout the world. The Assembly asked all those involved in poverty eradication to take additional steps to make available credit and related services for self-employment and income-generating activities to an increasing number of people living in poverty. Governments, NGOs, the private sector and the media were invited to highlight the role of microcredit in poverty eradication, its contribution to social development, and its positive impact on the lives of the poor.
Official logo of the International Year of Microcredit
Visit the official website of the International Year of Microcredit
The Year was launched on
18 November 2004 worldwide
"Microcredit is a critical anti-poverty tool - - a wise investment in human capital. When the poorest, especially women, receive credit, they become economic actors with power. Power to improve not only their own lives but, in a widening circle of impact, the lives of their families, their communities, and their nations."
- Kofi Annan, Secretary General of the UN
The International Year of Microcredit 2005 is a key acknowledgement from the world community of the importance of microcredit for overall economic development. GDRC is proud to be part of this community, raising awareness and building capacity on microcredit

Hari Srinivas - hsrinivas@gdrc.org
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