Sustainable Development Minister meets with Mastercard Centre for Inclusive Growth President

Manama, Noor bint Ali Al Khulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development and CEO of the Economic Development Board (EDB), met with Shamina Singh, President and Founder of the Mastercard Centre for Inclusive Growth and Executive Vice President of Sustainability at Mastercard, during her visit to Bahrain. Singh was invited by the ministry be a judge at the Mastercard Challenge on Financial Inclusion's closing ceremony, held under the theme "Solving for the Future", and as a speaker at FinTech Forward 2024. The minister commended the leading role of Singh and the Mastercard Centre for Inclusive Growth in advancing global financial inclusion. She highlighted the impact of the centre's innovative initiatives that expand financial access and support policies and projects aimed at empowering individuals and institutions worldwide. She also commended the partnership between the ministry and Mastercard, emphasising the importance of collaboration with the private sector, both locally and internationally, to achieve Ba hrain's development goals. The minister noted that Bahrain's financial system has consolidated the status of the Kingdom as a leader in developing innovative digital financial infrastructure. This progress was achieved through expanding financial technology, mobile payment systems, regulatory updates, and promoting financial stability and integration. She added that emphasis was placed on encouraging digitalisation, enhancing financial literacy, and supporting financial innovation. Singh praised Bahrain's efforts in launching pioneering initiatives in the region and commended the Kingdom's focus on empowering youth and promoting financial inclusion. She noted that these initiatives are building a strong, sustainable economic foundation based on youth capabilities and creativity, contributing to long-term growth and prosperity. Source: Bahrain News Agency