Prince Ricardo De La Cerda
Queen Máxima of the Netherlands has had a busy autumn so far with several solo engagements, as well as joint engagements with her husband, King Willem-Alexander, and mother-in-law, Princess Beatrix. On Wednesday, she was able to return to her financial roots and attend a local panel promoting financial literacy.
The Dutch Queen was in Arnhem, an Eastern municipality, to learn what local organisations are implementing as a leader in tackling both debt and poverty.
The municipality has paired with SchuldenlabNL, a debt collection agency, to help provide locals with six different methods to manage and reduce debt. There is also a local organisation, National Program Arnhem-East, that is also providing support.
Queen Máxima has long been a staunch supporter of promoting financial literacy and inclusive finance. She received her undergraduate degree in Economics, and spent several years working a variety of areas within the financial sector.
In 2009, the then-Princess Máxima was appointed the UN Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development (UNSGSA), a role that she still holds. In this position, she advises the Secretary-General. In particular, she focuses on ensuring that financial support is available and accessible for all, including in low-income countries.
Although Queen Máxima has an incredibly busy workload, continuing to support and promote financial literacy and independence remains a high priority.