European Microfinance Network + King Baudouin Award 2022 + QEC Laureate Concert

16 June 2022

What a day! 

In the morning Queen Mathilde, in her capacity of SDG advocate, opened the annual European Microfinance Conference by addressing the audience with a speech.

"Women (...) still have to overcome the burdens of stereotyping and domestic work, but also, sometimes, their own lack of confidence in their business skills. "

"One cannot overstate the importance, for those budding entrepreneurs who are the beneficiaries of microfinancing, of a benevolent support and counseling system. A system that supports them in the initial stages, as they design and submit their business projects, but also later, as their professional activities start developing. (...) However, as we saw with the COVID pandemic, unforeseen circumstances can harm the best business plan and the bravest entrepreneurs. We must draw lessons for the future."

"For new entrepreneurs, who are taking risks in uncertain times, psychological support should also be readily available. It could help them to buffer the shocks, build resilience, and find renewed strength after possible setbacks or even failure, to carry forward their plans and projects."

As a second activity, King Philippe & Queen Mathilde attended the award ceremony of the King Baudouin Award for Development in Africa.

It was handed out at the royal palace in Brussels to Somalian NGO "Elman Peace and Human Rights Centre" that works for peace and social justice in Somalia. Elman Centre wants to offer a voice to vulnerable groups in society. They enhance female empowerment and leadership among women and children.

Before the official ceremony, the royal couple had an audience with the representatives of Elman Peace.

And finally, at night, Honorary President Queen Mathilde attended the laureate concert of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize winner of the Queen Elisabeth Competition for cello at Bozar.