About the APPG
All Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs) exist to focus Parliamentary attention and activity on a specific issue. APPG membership is restricted to Members of the House of Commons and House of Lords, but other interested parties, such as non-governmental organisations, academics and practitioners, may be invited to attend meetings.
A full register of APPGs can be accessed here.
Since being established in 2002 the APPG on Microfinance/Microcredit has become a leading forum for Parliamentarians, practitioners, academics and non governmental organisations interested in microfinance. The work of the APPG is both strategic and vital, to develop greater awareness and support for microfinance as a key development tool, reaching the poorest and most marginalised people in society.
Key Objectives:
- Ensuring that microfinance/microcredit is afforded greater political priority within the UK government, political parties and international community
- Providing a central forum for debate on issues relating to microfinance/microcredit for Parliamentarians and interested parties
- Challenging the Department for International Development to increase funding to microfinance/microcredit initiatives
- Beginning to see microfinance/microcredit mainstreamed in development dialogue and policy
- Co-ordinating and providing leadership for Parliamentary activity on microfinance/microcredit
- Using the APPG and its activities to educate Parliamentarians about the holistic impact of microfinance in delivering on the Millennium Development Goals
- Maintaining an APPG which is representative of all interested parties - for example, Parliamentarian, NGO, practitioner and corporate
Activities include:
- Organising regular meetings in Westminster, with guest speakers tackling key debates in the field of microfinance.
- Using all opportunities to raise the profile of microfinance/microcredit within Parliament, for example, tabling Early Day Motions and co-ordinating oral and written questions.
- Liaising with potential and existing organisations, including the Microfinance Club of London, and other relevant All Party Parliamentary Groups.
- Providing an information-sharing system through regular mailings to members and interested parties.
The Secretariat of the APPG on microfinance/microcredit is provided on a part-time basis by RESULTS, a citizen’s advocacy organisation working to end hunger and the worst aspects of poverty. Visit the RESULTS website for more information.
The work and activities carried out by the Secretariat are currently funded by two private donors and Clifford Chance plc. If you would like to support the work of the APPG please contact the Co-ordinator.