Implementation of the 1st United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty (1997-2006) and preparations for the International Year of Microcredit, 2005 : report of the Secretary-General

Focuses, in view of the upcoming observance of 2005 as the International Year of Microcredit, on the contribution of microcredit and microfinance to the implementation of the International Decade for the Eradication of Poverty (1997-2006) and examines the role that microcredit and microfinance can play in strategies to eradicate poverty, the challenges facing their future development and the role of Governments and the international community in providing poor people with greater access to financial services. Also discusses the preparations for the International Year already under way, and highlights the key initiatives and activities to mark the International Year planned by Governments, the UN System and other stakeholders. Includes recommendations. DAA

22 p.

Submitted in response to General Assembly resolutions 58/222 and 58/221 of 23 Dec. 2003.
Includes notes.