The 72nd session of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) was held in May 2016 at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok. During the Commission, a high-level side event was organized by the Government of Bangladesh in collaboration with UNCDF and UNESCAP on, "Accelerating Financial Inclusion in Least Developed Countries in Asia and the Pacific: The Role of South-South and Triangular Cooperation".

Growing evidence shows that inclusive financial markets reduce rates of poverty and inequality. Financial inclusion further provides individuals and households to participate in the national economy, manage consumption and expand small businesses creating jobs that contribute to national savings. Panel members from Bangladesh, Cambodia, Kiribati and others shared the importance of country specific financial inclusion strategies in playing a catalytic role for encouraging markets to develop innovations in addressing last-mile challenges.