Global Financial Inclusion Training (G-FIT) Program
Dates: 15th - 19th June, 2025 (Sun - Thurs), Venue: Badamdar Hotel, Baku, Azerbaijan

On the 18th of May 2025, we are excited to host an inaugural session, which will be followed by a delightful dinner. This gathering presents a unique opportunity to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds, fostering new friendships and cross-border acquaintances.
06:00 pm onwards
Registration & Welcoming the Guests
07:00 pm – 07:15 pm
Opening Remarks by Dr. Alok Misra, Chairperson – Global Alliance for Financial Inclusion (GAFI)
07:15 pm – 07:30 pm
Introduction to the Training by Syed Mohsin Ahmed, Honorary CEO – GAFI
07:30 pm – 08:00 pm
Motivational Session on ‘Global Perspectives, Unified Goals: A Story of BRAC & BRAC International’
by Mr. Malik Asif Russd , Head of Operations, New Markets, Microfinance – BRAC International
Holdings B.V
08:00 pm – 09:00 pm
Panel Discussion: United for Growth: The Role of Cross-Border Alliances in Advancing
Microfinance Goals
Moderator: Syed Mohsin Ahmed, Honorary CEO – GAFI
Panelists:
09:00 pm onwards
Welcome/Inaugural Dinner
09:00 am – 09:15 am
An overview of Azerbaijan Microfinance Industry by Ms. Jhale Hajiyeva, Executive Director at Azerbaijan Micro-finance Association
09:15 am – 10:15 am
Power Talk 1 – Building a Holistic Digital Finance Ecosystem: Unlocking Opportunities for MFIs
Speaker: Mr. Rishi Raithata , Digital Finance and Inclusive Insurance Expert and Co-Chair at Financial Inclusion Forum (FIF-UK)
10:15 am – 10:30 am
Coffee Break
10:30 am – 03:30 pm (incl.lunch break)
Track 1 – Senior Management
Workshop Session II – Charting a Path of Resilience
and Success in Times of Uncertainty
Trainers: Mr. Daniel Rozas, Senior Microfinance
Expert – e-MFP
Ms. Donna Nails – Development Finance & Risk
Management Specialist
Track 2 – Mid-level Management
Workshop Session I – Sustainable Finance: Making Financial Institutions USSEPM & ESG Compliant
Trainer: Ms. Rula Mheissen, Client Protection Specialist and Head of Outreach to the
Middle East and North Africa at SPTF
03:30 pm – 04:30 pm
Panel Discussion: Risk Management 2.0: Innovations for a More Resilient Microfinance Sector
Moderator: Mr. Daniel Rozas , European Microfinance Platform
Panelists:
• Mr. Timothy Tarrant, CEO – FINCA Azerbaijan
• Mr. Haaris M. Chaudhary , CEO & President – Mobilink Microfinance Bank Ltd.
• Mr. Firoz Anam , Chief Risk Officer – CreditAccess Grameen Ltd.
• Mr. Nadir Gul , CEO – Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund
09:00 am – 10:00 am
Power Talk 2 – Climate Change and Microfinance: Building Resilience in Vulnerable Communities
Speaker: Mr. Michael J. McCord, Managing Director – MicroInsurance Centre at MILLIMAN
10:00 am – 10:30 am
Coffee Break
10:30 am – 03:30 pm (incl.lunch break)
Track 1 – Senior Management
Workshop Session I – “Data-Driven Decision-Making
for Inclusive Financial Institutions”
Trainer: Mr. Blaine Stephens, Independent Advisor
Inclusive Finance & Fintech
Track 2 – Mid-level Management
Special Session I: Time with a Leader
Dr. Rashid Bajwa, CEO – NRSP to have live chat and
discussion on his company’s growth, challenges and
personal perspective
09:00 am – 10:00 am
Power Talk 3 – The Evolving Landscape of Financial Inclusion: Unlocking Synergies in Microfinance to Achieve
Triple Bottom Line Goals
Speaker: Mr. Yasir Ashfaq, CEO – Pakistan Microfinance Investment Company (PMIC)
followed by Q & A
10:00 am – 10:30 am
Special Session: An Overview on Affordable Housing Products
Speaker: Victor Mints, Housing Finance Specialist – IFC
followed by Q & A
10:30 am – 12:00 am
Workshop Session – Inclusive Product Design through Human-Centered Approaches
Trainers: Mr. Abhishek Anand , Partner & Associate Director Inclusive Banking & Enterprise Development –
MicroSave Consulting
Mr. Shobhit Mishra , Senior Manager – MicroSave Consulting
12:00 pm Onwards
Departure for Field Visit to Rural MFI in Azerbaijan
09:00 am – 10:00 am
Panel Discussion – Global Regulatory Landscape: Navigating Challenges, Seizing Opportunities
Moderator: Dr. Alok Misra , Chairperson – Global Alliance for Financial Inclusion (GAFI)
Panelists:
• Md. Abdul Awal , Executive Director – Credit & Development Forum (CDF)
• Mr. Iqbal Ahammed , Executive Director- Bangladesh Extension Education Services (BEES) &
Vice-Chairman of BoD- Credit and Development Forum (CDF)
• Mr. Aamir Khan , President – HBL Microfinance Bank & Chair – Pakistan Microfinance Network
(PMN)
• Mr. Anura Athapattu, Chairman, Berendina Micro Investment Company
10:00 am – 10:15 am
Coffee Break
10:15 am – 01:15 pm (incl.lunch break)
Track 1 – Senior Management Workshop Session III – Leadership Development in Financial Inclusion
Trainers: Ms. Roshaneh Zafar, Managing Director – Kashf Foundation
Ms. Saira Soofi, Chief Legal Officer and Company Secretary – Kashf Foundation
Track 2 – Mid-level Management
Workshop Session II: Convergence of Microfinance &
Islamic Finance
Trainer: Mr. Zubair Mughal , CEO – Al-Huda CIBE
01:15 pm – 01:30 pm
Vote of Thanks: Syed Mohsin Ahmed , Honorary CEO – Global Alliance for Financial Inclusion (GAFI)
01:30 pm onwards
Certificate Distribution