A landmark event that united voices worldwide, the recently concluded Global Social and Financial Skills Conference, hosted by Aflatoun International in Utrecht, the Netherlands from November 1-3, 2023, brought together diverse stakeholders, including youth representatives, government officials, educators, civil society organizations, UN bodies and financial institutions.

The conference uncovered a serious shortage of basic life skills and financial literacy among children and youth in many countries, including Ghana. The conference focused on discussing practical strategies and successful programs to ensure more children and young people globally gain these crucial skills.

Notably, Savana Signatures has expressed its endorsement of the newly launched Global Declaration on Social and Financial Education, a testament to its commitment to advancing education. Savana Signatures has been recognized as a leading organization in the region in the field of social and financial education. Its programme Rural Youth Catching Up On Education has been recognized as a best practice of empowering children and youth with these essential skills.

Aligned with the United Nations Secretary General’s Vision Statement on Transforming Education, the Utrecht Declaration acknowledges the evolving needs of today’s children and youth in a rapidly globalizing world. It positions social and financial education as a catalyst for cultivating responsible global citizens who comprehend the intricate links between social issues and economic challenges.

The declaration addresses the inadequacies of current education systems in effectively tackling the social, environmental, and economic challenges faced by children worldwide. Emphasizing the integral role of social and financial education, it contributes to various Sustainable Development Goals, including ending poverty, promoting health and well-being, ensuring quality education, fostering gender equality, enhancing employability, addressing inequities, and confronting climate change challenges.

Released on 20 November, the Utrecht Declaration stands as a testament to the shared commitment of global advocates, including Savana Signature from Ghana, to equip the young generations with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate an ever-changing world. It calls for a future where every child has access to quality social and financial education, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals. Savana Signatures encourages other organizations to join this global movement by empowering children and youth of Ghana with essential social and financial skills.

Read the declaration here.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Stephen Kwabena Effah

Email: skwabena@savsign.org