The Effect of Financial Inclusion on the Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract

Financial inclusion is a topic of growing interest to researchers and policymakers, while creating a sustainable, just, and inclusive world where no one is left behind is a top priority in current times. The aim of this study is to provide a systematic review of the literature on the effect of financial inclusion on sustainable development goals, specifically to understand the effect of financial inclusion on Goals 1 (eradicate poverty), 2 (eradicate hunger), 4 (quality education), 5 (gender equality), 7 (renewable energy), 8 (jobs and economic growth), 10 (reduce inequalities), and 13 (climate action). The study concludes that there is a lot of evidence to show that financial inclusion is the primary tool for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. In addition, the authors note that there is a scarcity of studies linking financial inclusion to the quality of education, health, and the eradication of hunger; in contrast, there is a fairly large body of scientific evidence confirming the beneficial effect of inclusion on economic growth, poverty reduction, gender equality, and income.