Preparations continue for financing our future

Momentum is building for the fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), set to take place in Seville, Spain, from 30 June to 3 July 2025. This pivotal event will support reforms of the global financial architecture to better address today’s challenges, including closing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) financing gap and addressing emerging issues.

The FfD4 preparatory process is ramping up on all fronts. The FfD Week, which was held from 28 October to 1 November 2024, brought together diverse stakeholders for discussions on financing issues. Highlights included a multi-stakeholder hearing, the annual meeting of the Global Investors for Sustainable Development (GISD) Alliance, a meeting of the International Commission of Experts on Financing for Development, an expert meeting on commodity price volatility and a capacity-building workshop for finance ministries from least developed countries. Over 20 side events fostered dynamic dialogue and collaboration across stakeholders.

On 22 November 2024, the co-facilitators of the FfD4 outcome document released an elements paper, drawing on nearly 300 inputs received from stakeholders ranging from Member States, international financial institutions, civil society organizations, the private sector, academia and the UN system. The paper presents potential policy solutions and ideas as a prelude to the outcome document, which will be negotiated by all 193 UN Member States. Among the proposals are measures to deliver a development-oriented debt architecture, strengthen the global financial safety net and advance SDG-focused investment strategies.

Looking ahead, the second FfD4 Preparatory Committee session, scheduled for 3 to 6 December 2024, will review these proposals and pave the way for the release of the zero draft of the outcome document. Engagements with academics and think tanks, through the Financing Dialogues: From Evidence to Action series, will enrich this process.

With high expectations and robust engagement, FfD4 promises to galvanize international cooperation and deliver transformative outcomes for sustainable development.

For more information: Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4)
 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Taisia Karaseva