Given the lessons learned from the crisis and the evolving financial innovations, in the last decade central banks have played an increasing role in the coordinated activities of the national policymakers tilted 2/3  BIS central bankers' speeches  towards financial education and inclusion. Hence, central banks are active participants and promoters of the financial education process in almost all countries. The benefits are apparent: educated entities estimate risks and understand monetary policy stance better, the better the understanding of the economy and finances, the smoother the functioning of financial markets; the more efficient financial markets; the stronger monetary policy transmission and the credibility of the central bank. In this context, let me briefly touch upon several activities our institution has embarked on in this area. Financial education and financial inclusion have formally become part of our agenda. We have widened the scope of educational activities, by wider portfolio of educational articles, more inclusive approach to financial education and closer cooperation with other regulators. The National Bank supported the organization of the European Money Quiz for teenagers with educational activities for the teaching staff, and has been proud of our high school students who won the second place in Europe. Very importantly, there is an ongoing process of preparation of the National Strategy for Financial Education and Inclusion, which we believe will pave the way for more educated and more inclusive society. Dear guests, This workshop proves that apart from national initiatives to elevate and promote financial knowledge, regional initiatives are on board as well.

Anita Angelovska Bezhoska: Opening address - Fifth Meeting of the Regional Working Group for Financial Education of Southeastern Europe Opening address by Ms Anita Angelovska Bezhoska, Governor of the National Bank of the Republic of North Macedonia, at the Fifth Meeting of the Regional Working Group for Financial Education of Southeastern Europe, Skopje, 27 September 2019. * * * Distinguished representatives of the central banks, Dear representatives of international institutions, Dear guests, ladies and gentleman, It is my great pleasure to give the opening address at the Fifth Meeting of the Regional Working Group for Financial Education of Southeastern Europe, hosted by our national bank. I am more than certain that joint fora, such as this one, are important venue for raising our awareness and knowledge on matters of mutual interest. And, there is no dilemma that financial education, as a spotlight of this working group, is an issue of mutual interest gaining prominence and importance among all stakeholders – central banks, regulators, financial services providers, consumers. We are all faced with rapidly evolving financial landscape, in which being knowledgeable means being capable of reaping the benefits and mitigating risks. Now allow me to shed some light on a couple of important dimensions such as relevance of the financial literacy and the benefits it brings to the society, the specific circumstances that brought this issue to the fore in the last decade, the role played by the central banks in this segment, the current state and the challenges ahead for the region and our country.