Peer-learning on Financial Education Initiatives

The course on Financial Education is an annual week-long program jointly organized by Oesterreichische Nationalbank (OeNB), the central bank of Austria, and JVI. This course serves to introduce participants to best practices and strategies employed in various countries while exploring diverse tools for financial education. Participants are encouraged to share their individual approaches to financial education, fostering interactive group work that facilitates mutual learning.

From January 29 to February 2, 2024, 18 lecturers, comprising both international researchers and Austrian experts, and participants from 15 countries exchanged on a range of topics including financial well-being, national strategies, websites, products, evaluation techniques, blind spots, and the targeting of special groups such as women. OeNB Governor Robert Holzmann offered his views on why financial education matters, what broad issues it should try to address, and how best to do it. He then participated in a panel discussion on the future landscape of financial education with Austrian financial literacy expert Professor Bettina Fuhrmann, behavioral economist Professor Michael Razen, and JVI Director Hervé Joly. The discussion was moderated by Stefan Humer, Head of the Financial Literacy Unit at OeNB. 

A poster session held at the OeNB building allowed participants to showcase their respective countries or institutions, aiming to highlight international efforts, measures, and collaborative teams in the realm of financial education. Furthermore, course participants visited the Money Museum and the Financial Life Park and engaged in social activities.

In addressing future participants, the course directors emphasized the value of diversity in experiences within the community and looked forward to the mutual learning opportunities that future courses will provide.

Marilies Jelovsek, Financial Literacy Expert, OeNB