The Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), which concluded last week (scheduled from June 30 to July 3 or 4, 2025, in Seville, Spain), marks a critical moment in the ongoing global dialogue on how to effectively fund sustainable development. Its historical context and underlying rationale are deeply rooted in the evolution of the international financial architecture and the persistent challenges in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Based on an analysis of over 400 main events and side events from the FfD4 conference, a total of 11 themes emerge, encompassing the top 50 topics.
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I. Global Financial Architecture & Systemic Reform
Reform of the Global Financial System
Background and Context: The world is facing profound transformations, rising geopolitical uncertainty, and growing systemic risks, which exacerbate the widening financing gap for sustainable development. FfD4 presents a pivotal opportunity to rethink and reshape the international financial architecture, ensuring it effectively supports sustainable development and operates justly at global, national, and local levels. This reform aims to establish an economic system grounded in justice, solidarity, and sustainability.
Relevant Sectors: Global Governance, Macroeconomics, International Finance, Development Policy.
Top Countries and Geographies: Globally applicable, with mentions of G20 presidencies (e.g., Brazilian and South African G20 presidencies) as key fora for discussions.
Relevant Speakers and Leaders: Ms. Amina J. Mohammed (Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Chair of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group), Ms. Kristalina Georgieva (Managing Director, IMF), Dilma Rousseff (Chair of the New Development Bank), Mr. Ajay Banga (President, World Bank (TBC)), Mr. Makhtar Diop (Managing Director, IFC (TBC)), International Commission of Experts on Financing for Development.
Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) Rechanneling
Background and Context: There is a significant call for more effective utilization of the IMF’s Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) by channeling them through Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) to developing countries. The African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) have proposed a hybrid capital instrument mechanism that could leverage channeled SDRs by three to four times their value. The FfD4 calls for timely rechanneling and urges at least five countries to contribute by the end of 2025.
Relevant Sectors: International Finance, Development Banking, Monetary Policy.
Top Countries and Geographies: African countries (potential beneficiaries). Donor countries, particularly those with legal abilities and willingness to contribute (e.g., Euro area countries facing legal restrictions).
Relevant Speakers and Leaders: Not explicitly named for this specific theme in the provided sources beyond the institutions involved (IMF, AfDB, IDB).
Debt Sustainability and Debt Relief Mechanisms
Background and Context: Sovereign debt in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) has reached unprecedented levels, severely constraining their ability to invest in critical sectors and impeding sustainable development. The FfD4 outcome document acknowledges debt as a major obstacle and advocates for scaling up debt swaps and related instruments, simplifying their design, and reducing transaction costs. This includes promoting Climate Resilient Debt Clauses (CRDCs) and other innovative solutions to expand fiscal space and address the climate crisis.
Relevant Sectors: Debt Management, Public Finance, Climate Finance, Economic Policy.
Top Countries and Geographies: LMICs, Africa (e.g., 34 of 54 African countries spend more on debt servicing than health or education). Barbados, France, Kenya (co-hosts for Solidarity Levies). Portugal, Cabo Verde (for debt-for-development swaps). Spain, Panama, Honduras, Belize, Ecuador (for CRDCs). Latin America, South Africa.
Relevant Speakers and Leaders: Laura Carvalho (Global Director of Equity, Open Society Foundations), Fr Charlie Chilufya (Global Justice Advocate, Jesuits in Southern Africa), Rebeca Grynspan (Secretary General, UNCTAD), Martin Guzman (Professor, Columbia University, SIPA; Co-President, Initiative for Policy Dialogue). Carlos Cuerpo (Minister of Economy, Trade and Business, Spain), Ilan Goldfajn (President, Inter-American Development Bank), Yingming Yang (Vice-President, Asian Development Bank), Ryan Straughn (Minister of Finance, Barbados), Shari Spiegel (Director, Financing for Sustainable Development Office, UN DESA (Moderator, TBC)), Barbara Oldani (Lead, Sustainable Sovereign Debt Hub (SSDH)). Herman Kamil (Debt Management Unit, Ministry of Economy and Finance, Uruguay), Cristina Fróes de Borja Reis (Subsecretária Desenvolvimento Econômico Sustentável, Ministério da Fazenda, Brazil), Nimrod Zalk (Chief Research Officer, Climate and Development, Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance (NMSG), South Africa).
International Tax Cooperation and Solidarity Levies
Background and Context: Strengthening international tax cooperation for fairer and more progressive tax systems is a key strategy for mobilizing new and additional resources to bridge the financing gap. This includes proposals like the taxation of ultra-high-net-worth individuals and new levies for climate action and sustainable development, as proposed by the Global Solidarity Levies Coalition. FfD4 is seen as an important moment to advance these discussions towards a potential UN Tax Convention.
Relevant Sectors: Taxation, Public Finance, International Cooperation, Climate Finance.
Top Countries and Geographies: Brazil (under G20 presidency). France, Kenya, Barbados (Global Solidarity Levies Coalition). Africa Group at the UN (for UN Tax Convention). Europe.
Relevant Speakers and Leaders: Laurence Tubiana and Ismail Momoniat (Co-Leads, Global Solidarity Levies Task Force Secretariat). Representatives from the Ministry of Finance of Spain, Brazil, South Africa, Germany. Jean Sebastien Conty (Deputy Head of the Department of Global Affairs at the MFA, France).
II. Public Finance & Domestic Resource Mobilization
Domestic Resource Mobilization (DRM)
Background and Context: As traditional financing sources dwindle, developing countries must enhance economic self-reliance through DRM to fund basic services. DRM is crucial for Africa’s sustainable financing and achieving the AU Agenda 2063. FfD4 emphasizes enhanced DRM via reformed tax administration, broadened tax bases, and improved public expenditure management. Tax gap analysis is identified as a key diagnostic tool for effective tax policy and administration reforms.
Relevant Sectors: Public Finance, Taxation, Economic Development, Governance.
Top Countries and Geographies: Least Developed Countries (LDCs) (facing low tax-to-GDP ratios). African countries.
Relevant Speakers and Leaders: ATAF Executive Secretary, Senior officials from African revenue administrations/Ministry of Finance. UNDP, World Bank, OECD. Ferdi, WAEMU Commission. The Addis Tax Initiative (ATI).
Public Finance Management for SDG Outcomes
Background and Context: This theme focuses on strengthening public finance systems to achieve specific development outcomes, aligning fiscal instruments with climate action, gender equality, and poverty reduction. Key elements include fiscal policy coherence, digital innovation in public finance systems, and strengthening governance with citizen participation.
Relevant Sectors: Public Finance, Governance, SDGs, Digital Transformation.
Top Countries and Geographies: Global South, developing countries. Uganda. Brazil, South Africa, Indonesia, Germany, Sweden.
Relevant Speakers and Leaders: UNDP, World Bank, OECD. Dr. Sam Mugume (Co-chair, Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action, Ministry of Finance, Uganda).
Sustainable Public Procurement
Background and Context: This involves discussing the role of sustainable public procurement as an innovative tool and policy solution for financing sustainable and inclusive national development.
Relevant Sectors: Public Administration, Procurement, Sustainability.
Top Countries and Geographies: Barbados.
Relevant Speakers and Leaders: Mr. Mervyn Jones (Senior Adviser, Circular Economy, Rijkswaterstaat), Mr. Jorge Moreira da Silva (Under-Secretary General and UNOPS Executive Director), Ms. Freya von Groote (Director, Partnerships & Liaison Group, UNOPS), Mr. Gianpiero Leoncini (Executive Vice President, Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF)), Ms. Kereeta Whyte (Deputy Permanent Representative of the Permanent Mission of Barbados to the United Nations).
Localizing Finance for Urban Development / Subnational Finance
Background and Context: The Addis Ababa Agenda recognized the significance of subnational finance. This theme emphasizes empowering local governments, particularly in Africa, to expand fiscal space and manage financial systems effectively for sustainable urban development. It also includes mobilizing climate finance for subnational governments.
Relevant Sectors: Urban Development, Local Governance, Public Finance, Climate Finance.
Top Countries and Geographies: Spain, Colombia, Cabo Verde, South Africa, Poland. African cities (e.g., DA-15 cities). Dhaka, Bangladesh; Kenyan cities; Central Bosnian Canton (case studies).
Relevant Speakers and Leaders: UN-Habitat, Global Task Force of Local and Regional Governments. African mayors. Civil society/academic expert on subnational climate finance, DFI/MDB expert, Governor or Finance Minister from a leading subnational government, Green Climate Fund or Adaptation Fund representative. Gino van Begin (Secretary General, ICLEI), Natalia Salazar (Head, Innovative Finance, ICLEI), Meggan Spires (Director: Climate Change: Energy & Resilience, ICLEI Africa), Johanna Granados (City Resilience and Climate Finance Advisor, GCoM), Priscilla Negreiros (Associate Director, CPI /CCFLA).
III. Private Sector Engagement & Innovative Finance
Mobilizing Private Capital in Emerging Markets and Developing Economies (EMDEs)
Background and Context: Less than 5% of global private assets are invested in Global South countries, creating immense pressure on their fiscal space. FfD4 aims to turbocharge private capital and unlock the power of public markets. This theme addresses persistent barriers to private capital mobilization, such as regulatory bottlenecks, market creation, and data transparency, with a focus on enhancing synergies between development actors and traditional investors.
Relevant Sectors: Private Finance, Investment, Economic Development, Financial Markets.
Top Countries and Geographies: Philippines, UK. EMDEs. Africa (domestic institutional investors). Middle East. Global South.
Relevant Speakers and Leaders: FSD Africa, Proparco, EDFI. EDFI members, private investors, development finance stakeholders, academia, government representatives, and policymakers. B20, BIAC, ICC. Standard Chartered, ILX Management B.V.. Makhtar Diop (Managing Director, IFC), Samuel Akyianu (CEO, Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund), Najada Kumbuli (Head of Africa, Visa Foundation), Muhammad Yunus (Founder of Grameen Bank), Wale Edun (Minister of Finance, Nigeria).
Blended Finance
Background and Context: In a resource-constrained context, blended finance combines concessional resources with private capital to mobilize additional funding for specific sectors. FfD4 offers an opportunity to align capital with SDGs, improving resource allocation, transparency, and effectiveness of blended finance tools. It is explored for specific sectors like marine biodiversity and industrial development.
Relevant Sectors: Development Finance, Private Finance, Climate, Environment, Industrial Development.
Top Countries and Geographies: Not explicitly regional, but refers to "developing regions in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific".
Relevant Speakers and Leaders: UN DESA, University College London. UNIDO, UNCDF, Government of Egypt (TBC), Government of Madagascar (TBC). BCG, Standard Chartered.
Risk-sharing Instruments (e.g., Structured Portfolio Risk Transfers)
Background and Context: Development partners are encouraged to expand the use of risk-sharing instruments to mobilize private capital and enhance lending capacity towards the SDGs, thereby reducing the risk of capital for vulnerable countries.
Relevant Sectors: Risk Management, Private Finance, Development Finance.
Top Countries and Geographies: LDCs, SIDS, Fragile States.
Relevant Speakers and Leaders: African Development Bank (AfDB), European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), IDB Invest. Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), Caribbean Development Bank, Global Impact Investing Network, Donor Representatives (e.g., BMZ, EU), Srilata Kummila (Chief Investment Officer, UNCDF).
Outcomes-Based Financing (OBF)
Background and Context: OBF is highlighted as a mechanism to accelerate the impact of the SDGs by aligning stakeholders and financing around shared outcomes. The OECD is launching global guidance on OBF to help countries effectively adopt and scale these approaches. OBF models are already successfully applied in education, health, employment, and climate resilience.
Relevant Sectors: Public-Private Partnerships, Development Finance, Social Impact, Results-Based Aid.
Top Countries and Geographies: Colombia, Kenya, South Africa (TBC), Switzerland, United Kingdom (TBC).
Relevant Speakers and Leaders: Senior policymakers, international development organizations, and private sector representatives. Co-Organizers: OECD, Outcomes Finance Alliance Secretariat (Levoca, LLC).
Philanthropic Funding for Development
Background and Context: In an era of shrinking Official Development Assistance (ODA) budgets, philanthropy is increasingly expected to play a catalytic role in global development finance. Its contribution extends beyond financial resources, serving as a connector and driver of systemic change. Domestic resource mobilization and blended finance are identified as strategic areas where philanthropy can add significant value.
Relevant Sectors: Philanthropy, Development Finance, Capacity Building.
Top Countries and Geographies: Not specified geographically, but emphasizes local capacity building in partner countries.
Relevant Speakers and Leaders: OECD netFWD.
Innovations for Catalyzing Private Investment (e.g., Credit Enhancement Facilities)
Background and Context: The Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG) proposes a roundtable on unlocking local capital for local infrastructure in emerging markets through Credit Enhancement Facilities (CEFs). These facilities are designed to mobilize private sector resources, strengthen local capital markets, and support locally-led development by enabling domestic financial institutions.
Relevant Sectors: Private Investment, Infrastructure Finance, Local Capital Markets.
Top Countries and Geographies: Africa, South and Southeast Asia.
Relevant Speakers and Leaders: PIDG.
IV. Thematic & Sectoral Financing
Climate Finance
Background and Context: Trillions are needed annually to address climate adaptation, mitigation, and biodiversity loss, yet the global financial architecture remains misaligned with this urgency. There is an urgent imperative for scaled climate action, focusing on innovative financing mechanisms and pathways to reform financial systems. Climate finance metrics need to be re-evaluated to better measure access, ownership, and resilience.
Relevant Sectors: Climate Change, Environmental Finance, Green Investment.
Top Countries and Geographies: Latin America, South Africa (as leaders in climate finance discussions). Brazil (host of COP30, G20 presidency). African countries. LDCs, SIDS (vulnerable to climate impacts).
Relevant Speakers and Leaders: Governments of Brazil, Spain, and South Africa. UNDP, Presidential Climate Commission (PCC), AIIB, IDFC. UNEP/PAGE. UN Environment Programme (UNEP), Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), European Investment Bank (EIB), Climate Investment Fund (CIF), Green Climate Fund (GCF).
Water Security Financing
Background and Context: The FfD4 event aims to identify areas for scale-up and replication in water security financing, including the launch of the 2024 MDB Joint Annual Water Security Financing Report. There is a specific focus on leveraging opportunities for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs).
Relevant Sectors: Water Management, Infrastructure, Development Finance.
Top Countries and Geographies: SIDS, LLDCs.
Relevant Speakers and Leaders: Nadia Calviño (President, European Investment Bank), Axel van Trotsenburg (Senior Managing Director, World Bank Group), Ambroise Fayolle (Vice President, European Investment Bank), Carlo Monticelli (Governor, Council of Europe Development Bank (TBC)), Hun Kim (Director General, Strategy, Policy and Budget Department, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (TBC)). Edouard Pérard (Moderator, Head of Water Division, EIB).
Health Financing for Women, Children, and Adolescents
Background and Context: Catalyzing sustainable, country-led health financing is critical, assessing progress on the Addis Ababa Agenda and identifying shifts for the 2030 goals for health and gender equity. This involves leveraging blended financing tools and prioritizing high-return investments. Child health, education, and nutrition are recognized as key international development strategies to promote human capital and resilience in vulnerable populations.
Relevant Sectors: Health, Gender Equity, Child Development, Social Protection.
Top Countries and Geographies: Partner countries, Global South.
Relevant Speakers and Leaders: Global Financing Facility (GFF). Gates Foundation, Spanish Ministry of Health, Paris Peace Forum. High-level representatives from the Gates Foundation and the Paris Peace Forum (moderation). Ministries and high-level representatives from the Spanish Government, the French Government, the South African Government, the Chinese or, the Indian Government, the Brazilian Government (TBC). Co-hosts: Government of Spain, Government of Malawi, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), GFF, European Parliamentary Forum for Sexual and Reproductive Rights (EPF), and SEDRA – Federación de Planificación Familiar de España. Government of Ireland, World Vision.
Nutrition Financing
Background and Context: Malnutrition remains a persistent and devastating barrier to human development, undermining economic growth and deepening inequality. Despite its far-reaching impact, nutrition financing is critically under-prioritized across both global and domestic budgets, partly because nutrition policies often fall between different sectoral responsibilities (health, agriculture, education).
Relevant Sectors: Nutrition, Health, Food Security, Development Finance.
Top Countries and Geographies: Not specified geographically.
Relevant Speakers and Leaders: Results Canada, The Global Financing Facility, Global Health Advocates France.
Unlocking Energy Finance for West Africa
Background and Context: This theme focuses on addressing the concentration of energy finance and catalyzing renewables investments in West Africa by identifying innovative solutions to expand access to reliable and affordable energy. Pioneering initiatives, such as the ECOWAS Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Facility (EREEEF), are showcased for leveraging blended finance mechanisms.
Relevant Sectors: Energy, Renewable Energy, Infrastructure Finance.
Top Countries and Geographies: West Africa (ECOWAS region).
Relevant Speakers and Leaders: Sediko Douka (ECOWAS Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy & Digitalisation), Olagunju Ashimolowo (Vice President, Operations, EBID), Francis Sempore (Executive Director, ECREEE), Hugues Goa (Director, Public Sector Operations Department, EBID), Laura Munoz Pérez (UNCDF Regional Team in West and Central Africa).
Sustainable Industrial Development & Biotechnology
Background and Context: This involves unlocking private capital for industrial development through blended finance and promoting a future-oriented biotech industry in Africa. The focus is on identifying investment pathways for scientific infrastructure and establishing the necessary institutional frameworks to enable the biotechnology sector to thrive and remain in Africa.
Relevant Sectors: Industrial Development, Biotechnology, Investment, Science & Technology.
Top Countries and Geographies: Africa. Egypt, Madagascar (TBC).
Relevant Speakers and Leaders: UNIDO, UNCDF, Government of Egypt (Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation (TBC)), Government of Madagascar (TBC). UNIDO (co-host), World Bank, African Development Bank, IFC, African Government representatives, UN Global Compact, UN agencies.
Financing Decent Work and Social Protection Systems
Background and Context: This theme focuses on scaling impact for a more inclusive economy by financing decent work and exploring the role of progressive taxation and social protection systems in combating inequalities. It links to the Second World Summit for Social Development and calls for deepening cross-sectoral dialogue.
Relevant Sectors: Labor, Social Development, Public Finance, Taxation.
Top Countries and Geographies: Brazil.
Relevant Speakers and Leaders: United Nations Environment Programme – Finance Initiative (UNEP-FI), International Labour Organization (ILO). Magdalena Sepúlveda (Director, UN Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD), Independent Commission for the Reform of International Corporate Taxation (ICRICT)). Dr. Gilbert F. Houngbo (Executive Director, ILO (TBC)). Oxfam International.
Financing Solutions for Internal Displacement (IDP)
Background and Context: The global crisis of internal displacement affects over 76 million IDPs and 33 million returnees, with a significant estimated economic impact. FfD4 offers a unique opportunity to discuss financing for IDP solutions, leveraging data and evidence to guide government-led, development-anchored solutions and unlock long-term development financing.
Relevant Sectors: Humanitarian Aid, Development, Migration, Data, Governance.
Top Countries and Geographies: Central African Republic, Colombia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Libya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Somalia (countries making progress on national strategies).
Relevant Speakers and Leaders: International Organization for Migration (IOM). Representatives from affected Member States (e.g., Somalia, Nigeria, Colombia, Ethiopia). International Financial Institutions and/or regional development banks.
V. Governance & Transparency
Anti-Corruption and Financial Integrity
Background and Context: Combatting economic and financial crime, including illicit financial flows, money laundering, and corruption, must be mainstreamed into financing for development strategies. Financial integrity is crucial for effective development finance and requires robust follow-up on FfD4 outcomes, leveraging political and institutional momentum for reform.
Relevant Sectors: Governance, Law Enforcement, Financial Regulation, Anti-Corruption.
Top Countries and Geographies: UN Member States. Germany, Italy, Norway, France, Netherlands, USA, UAE, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Kenya, Thailand, Philippines, Mexico (potential event sponsors). Bangladesh, UK.
Relevant Speakers and Leaders: Executive Director of UNODC (confirmed), President of FATF (confirmed, as Member of the Mexican delegation), IMF. Transparency International.
Integrated National Financing Frameworks (INFFs)
Background and Context: INFFs aim to foster a financial system that supports sustainable development outcomes at global, national, and local levels. The INFF Facility is scaling its operations and partnerships as a key Impact Initiative for the Seville Platform for Action, supporting UN Member States in implementing their commitment to INFFs and contributing to the FfD4 Outcome.
Relevant Sectors: Governance, Development Planning, Finance, Policy Coherence.
Top Countries and Geographies: The Gambia (launching its DFA and INFS). UN Member States, Spain, European Commission, Italy, Sweden (partners in INFF Facility).
Relevant Speakers and Leaders: UNDP, UNDESA, UNICEF, OECD, Spain, European Commission, Italy, Sweden.
Governance in Public Finance for Sustainable Development
Background and Context: This theme focuses on addressing the governance challenges, needs, and opportunities associated with implementing key FfD4 commitments, particularly concerning domestic public resources. It highlights how effectiveness, accountability, and inclusiveness mechanisms contribute to preventing resource leakages, restoring trust in public institutions, and mobilizing additional financing for development.
Relevant Sectors: Governance, Public Finance, Accountability, Institutional Reform.
Top Countries and Geographies: Not specified globally, but implies a focus on countries implementing public finance reforms.
Relevant Speakers and Leaders: UNDP’s Governance, Rule of Law and Peacebuilding (GRP) Hub, Ford Foundation, and the Trust, Accountability and Inclusion (TAI) Collaborative. UNDP ASG level, Global Policy Centre for Governance.
VI. Data & Monitoring
Investing in Data for Development
Background and Context: This theme highlights the critical intersection between data and finance, advocating for increased investment in data systems as a cornerstone of effective development finance. It aims to chart a path toward better-informed, data-driven development financing, contributing significantly to the Seville Outcome Document and Action Platform. The Medellín Framework for Action for Data for Sustainable Development is a key reference.
Relevant Sectors: Data Science, Digital Transformation, Development Planning, Statistics.
Top Countries and Geographies: Colombia (DANE). Norway.
Relevant Speakers and Leaders: DANE (Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadística, Colombia).
Innovative Data and Tools for MDB Impact Measurement
Background and Context: Measuring and reporting on the impact achieved by Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) is a critical focus for effective and accountable development finance, particularly in relation to private sector-supported activities and job creation.
Relevant Sectors: Data Analytics, Impact Measurement, Development Banking, Private Sector.
Top Countries and Geographies: Not specified regionally.
Relevant Speakers and Leaders: European Investment Bank (EIB). Respective UN Agencies.
Total Official Support for Sustainable Development (TOSSD)
Background and Context: TOSSD is an international standard for measuring all official and mobilized private resources flowing into developing countries for their sustainable development, as well as contributions to International Public Goods. It was called for in the Addis Ababa Action Agenda to monitor international development cooperation in all its forms.
Relevant Sectors: Development Cooperation, Data Monitoring, Official Statistics.
Top Countries and Geographies: Burkina Faso, Dominican Republic, Peru, Spain (co-hosts). South Africa, France.
Relevant Speakers and Leaders: Mr Risenga Maluleke (Statistician-General of South Africa and Co-Chair of the International Forum on TOSSD), Mr Sergio Colina (Director-General of Sustainable Development Policies, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Co-operation, Spain), Ms Shanti Bobin (Deputy Assistant Secretary for Multilateral Financial Affairs and Development, French Treasury, France).
Corporate Sustainability Reporting & Externalities
Background and Context: The current economic system often externalizes the costs of business onto society and the planet. FfD4 emphasizes the need to develop and adopt sustainability benchmarks, indices, and impact valuation methodologies to make impact comparable and actionable, thereby internalizing these externalities.
Relevant Sectors: Corporate Governance, ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance), Financial Reporting, Sustainable Business.
Top Countries and Geographies: Not specified geographically.
Relevant Speakers and Leaders: Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), UNDP.
VII. Partnerships & Cooperation Models
Strengthening PDB-CSO Relations
Background and Context: This theme focuses on strengthening relations between Public Development Banks (PDBs) and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to promote people-centered and locally led development. It seeks to identify areas for scale-up and replication, and improve cooperation models between PDBs and non-PDB partners.
Relevant Sectors: Development Finance, Civil Society, Partnership, Local Development.
Top Countries and Geographies: Brazil (ABONG), Ghana/Nigeria (National Development Banks).
Relevant Speakers and Leaders: Forus, World Bank, ABONG (The Brazilian Association of Non-Governmental Organizations), Bond. Mr. Remy Rioux (CEO, French Development Agency, President of the Finance in Common Secretariat). Ms. Sandra Martisone (Policy and Advocacy Manager - Sustainable Economic Development, Bond), Mr. Aly Z. Rahim (Program Manager, CIVIC / Global Lead for Citizen Engagement, World Bank), Ms. Haidy Ear-Dupuy (Head of the NGO and Civil Society Centre, Asia Development Bank TBC), Mr. Ali Kamal (Chief SDGs and Secretary to the SFF, Government of Pakistan).
Triangular Cooperation
Background and Context: Triangular cooperation is highlighted as a model to innovate, mobilize, and leverage financing for development. It aims to foster strategic thinking on implementing FfD4 outcomes and build an inclusive network for follow-up, with the FfD4 draft specifically calling for enhancing triangular cooperation between traditional and emerging donors.
Relevant Sectors: International Cooperation, Development Finance, South-South Cooperation.
Top Countries and Geographies: Not specified, but includes emerging donors in the Indo-Pacific. Portugal.
Relevant Speakers and Leaders: Camões Instituto da Cooperação e da Língua Portugal, UN Office for South-South Cooperation.
Inter-Agency Pooled Funds for Unified Action
Background and Context: This theme emphasizes the political importance of pooled funding and UN coordination for development finance, aiming to reduce fragmentation and enhance effectiveness through inter-agency mechanisms.
Relevant Sectors: UN System, Development Cooperation, Fund Management.
Top Countries and Geographies: Not specified globally.
Relevant Speakers and Leaders: UN leadership, Member States.
Regional Commissions in FfD4 Follow-up
Background and Context: The UN Regional Commissions (ESCWA, ECLAC, ECA, ESCAP, ECE) play a crucial role in supporting member states in implementing FfD4 outcomes, promoting peer learning, consolidating capacity-building, and harnessing South-South Cooperation within regions. They address region-specific financing challenges and priorities.
Relevant Sectors: Regional Cooperation, Development Policy, Capacity Building.
Top Countries and Geographies: Africa, Europe, Asia and the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, West Asia. African Middle-Income Countries (MICs).
Relevant Speakers and Leaders: Ms. Thilmeeza Hussain (Director, Regional Commissions New York Office), Ms. Amina J. Mohammed (Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations), Mr. Li Junhua (USG DESA), High-level representative from Government of Spain. High-level official from one of the regional commissions (ECA coordinator). Ministers/high-level government officials from African, Asia/Pacific, European, Latin America/Caribbean, West Asia countries, PR of Zambia, PR of Nepal, PR of Norway, PR of Mexico.
Development Agencies: Translating FfD4 Ambition into Action
Background and Context: This theme examines how development agencies can address evolving challenges in international development cooperation through innovative approaches, enhanced collaboration, and practical solutions to mobilize additional resources. It also discusses enablers for effective implementation of FfD4 results and contribution to the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063.
Relevant Sectors: Development Cooperation, Aid Management, International Organizations.
Top Countries and Geographies: Brazil (ABC), Spain (AECID), African Union (AUDA-NEPAD), Norway (NORAD). Others TBC (GIZ Germany; ASEAN).
Relevant Speakers and Leaders: Ministers from Brazil, Spain (tbc), heads of development agencies (ABC, AECID, AUDA-NEPAD, NORAD, GIZ, ASEAN).
VIII. Vulnerable Countries & Specific Regions Focus
Least Developed Countries (LDCs) & Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Financing
Background and Context: LDCs and SIDS remain marginalized in global finance due to their small size, high risk, and complexity, hindering progress towards SDGs. FfD4 is a crucial opportunity to shape the global financing framework to benefit their needs, mobilizing financing, technical assistance, and capacity-building support for the Doha Programme of Action. Vulnerability to external shocks, climate change, and high debt are key challenges.
Relevant Sectors: Development Finance, Climate Resilience, International Cooperation.
Top Countries and Geographies: LDCs, SIDS, Fragile States (e.g., Burundi, Nepal, Palau, Timor-Leste, Republic of Korea, Cabo Verde, Singapore, Maldives, Seychelles, Mauritius, Comores, Guinea Bissau, São Tomé and Príncipe, Dominican Republic, Fiji, Vanuatu). Bangladesh, Lao PDR.
Relevant Speakers and Leaders: Pradeep Kurukulasuriya (Executive Secretary, UNCDF), Lisa Kurbiel (Head of Secretariat, Joint SDG Fund), Rabab Fatima (USG, High Representative of LDCs, LLDCs, and SIDS, OHRLLS), Cristina Isable Lopes da Silva Monteiro Duarte (USG, Special Adviser on Africa, OSAA). Prime Minister of Nepal (Chair of LDC Group). Mr. Dhani Ram Sharma (Joint Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Nepal), Mr. A H M Jahangir (Additional Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Bangladesh), Ms. Moukdavanh Sisoulith (Director General, MoFA, Lao People's Democratic Republic).
Fragile and Conflict-Affected Settings (FCAS) Financing
Background and Context: FCAS are particularly vulnerable to multiple shocks (climate, conflict, socio-economic fragility) and receive disproportionately less support for resilience building despite facing compounded challenges. FfD4 needs to address this fragility gap with policy and program solutions. Haiti is presented as a test case for financing strategies in complex, crisis-affected environments characterized by multi-dimensional vulnerabilities.
Relevant Sectors: Humanitarian Aid, Development, Peacebuilding, Crisis Recovery, Resilience Finance.
Top Countries and Geographies: Crisis-affected or fragile settings (e.g., Haiti, Central African Republic, Colombia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Libya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Somalia).
Relevant Speakers and Leaders: Mercy Corps, UK Government. International Organization for Migration (IOM). UNDP, UN Special Envoy on Financing the 2030 Agenda (Dr. Mahmoud Mohieldin), Egyptian Ministry of Finance.
African Development Financing (AU Agenda 2063)
Background and Context: The AU Agenda 2063 aims to eradicate poverty and establish a united, democratic, and secure Africa, but faces significant funding challenges, including inadequate funding from member states, illicit financial flows, high debt levels, and inefficient tax administrations. FfD4 offers Africa a space to leverage its collective bargaining power to secure outcomes that serve its interests, including youth employment and women's empowerment.
Relevant Sectors: Regional Development, Public Finance, Governance, Economic Integration.
Top Countries and Geographies: African Union Member States. Sub-Saharan African countries (23 at risk of debt distress). Cameroon, Kenya, Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal.
Relevant Speakers and Leaders: African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF). AU Officials.
Financial Sector Resilience in Syria
Background and Context: A specific focus on immediate and intermediate actions to strengthen the financial sector's resilience in Syria.
Relevant Sectors: Financial Sector, Post-Conflict Recovery, Reconstruction.
Top Countries and Geographies: Syria.
Relevant Speakers and Leaders: Not specified beyond event title.
IX. Cross-Cutting Issues
Gender Equality & Feminist Foreign Policies in Finance
Background and Context: Gender equality, including sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), is foundational to sustainable development but is often inadequately reflected in FfD4 outcome documents. The conference is a crucial moment to reaffirm commitments to a gender-transformative financing agenda and address women’s burdens of care work, human rights, and labor rights. This includes exploring how investments in care systems reduce inequalities, create jobs, and build resilient economies.
Relevant Sectors: Gender Equality, Human Rights, Social Development, Public Finance, Foreign Policy.
Top Countries and Geographies: Global South. Spain. Mexico, Colombia, Canada, France, Liberia, Germany (co-hosts for Feminist Foreign Policy). Malawi. Various countries for Public Finance for Gender Equality (e.g., Egypt, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan, Colombia, Philippines, Uzbekistan, South Africa, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Uruguay, Dominican Republic, Kenya, Rwanda, Jordan, Lebanon, Honduras, Denmark, UK).
Relevant Speakers and Leaders: Ms. Eva Granados (Spanish State Secretary for International Cooperation (TBC)), Ms. Sima Bahous (Executive Director, UN Women (TBC)). Ms. Kristalina Georgieva (Managing Director, IMF (TBC)), Ms. Nadia Calviño (President, European Investment Bank (TBC)). Raquel Lagunas (UNDP Director of Gender Equality). Chimwemwe Grace Kussein (Chief Gender and Development Officer, Government of Malawi). International Center for Research on Women (ICRW), Feminist Foreign Policy Collaborative (FFPC), FEMNET, Walking the Talk. Thani Mohamed-Soilihi (Minister of State for Francophonie and International Partnerships, Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, France).
Youth Engagement and Financing
Background and Context: The FfD4 aims to explore innovative financing models and solutions that address barriers to youth access to finance and contribute to SDG advancement, emphasizing the role of youth in innovative and inclusive financing mechanisms across all four FfD4 thematic areas. It provides a platform for youth voices to be heard by key stakeholders, showcasing concrete, youth-led solutions to critical financing gaps.
Relevant Sectors: Youth Development, Entrepreneurship, Innovation, Social Investment.
Top Countries and Geographies: Africa, Europe (Africa-Europe Foundation event).
Relevant Speakers and Leaders: The Youth Cafe. Africa-Europe Foundation (AEF), European Commission’s Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA).
Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE)
Background and Context: This theme discusses mainstreaming the SSE in the FfD4 outcome document and its follow-up, sharing practical ways to scale out financing of SSE, especially in developing countries, and linking it to the UN resolution on SSE. It explores how to optimally scale financing of SSE entities based on good practices.
Relevant Sectors: Social Economy, Cooperative Development, Community Finance.
Top Countries and Geographies: Spain, Colombia, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire. Global South.
Relevant Speakers and Leaders: Ms. Sandra Moreno Cadena (Executive Secretary, RIPESS), Ms. Cristina Gonzalez Cebas (Deputy Director General of the Special Commissioner for Social Economy, Ministry of Labour and Social Economy, Spain), Dr. Alioune Dione (Minister of Microfinance and Social and Solidarity Economy, Senegal), Dr. Bruno Nabagné Koné (Minister of Construction, Housing and Urban Planning, Côte d’Ivoire), Mr. Mauricio Rodriguez (Director Social Prosperity Department, Colombia).
Indigenous Peoples and Development Finance
Background and Context: Despite global commitments, Indigenous Peoples remain marginalized from financial systems, development opportunities, and decision-making processes that affect their lands, cultures, and livelihoods. This theme aims to discuss practical approaches to delivering an SDG investment push that is inclusive and addresses the needs of Indigenous communities.
Relevant Sectors: Indigenous Rights, Development Finance, Social Justice.
Top Countries and Geographies: Nepal (Federation of Indigenous Peoples of Nepal in America (FIPNA)).
Relevant Speakers and Leaders: Federation of Indigenous Peoples of Nepal in America (FIPNA), Asian Indigenous International Network, Kathmandu.
X. Cross-Cutting: Foresight & Future-Oriented Approaches
2050 Pathways for Sustainable Finance (Foresight Journey)
Background and Context: This theme involves exploring possible future evolutions of the role of finance in fostering sustainable development by 2050. It challenges existing assumptions and identifies new avenues of work by creating a safe space for collective questioning of established beliefs in green and sustainable finance across short, medium, and long-term horizons.
Relevant Sectors: Sustainable Finance, Future Studies, Strategic Planning.
Top Countries and Geographies: Global, involving both developing and developed countries.
Relevant Speakers and Leaders: High-level representatives from governments, regulators, public and private financial institutions, private sector, think tanks, NGOs.
Beyond GDP (Gross Domestic Product) & New Measures of Progress
Background and Context: This theme proposes a global alliance of countries and partners committed to advancing the integration of more comprehensive development considerations into policy and financing practices, moving beyond traditional economic indicators. It aims to highlight the importance of intergenerational equity in advancing beyond-GDP approaches as a crucial element of financing reforms for sustainable development.
Relevant Sectors: Economic Measurement, Development Policy, Sustainability.
Top Countries and Geographies: Spain (Lead partner), OECD, United Nations (Co-organizers).
Relevant Speakers and Leaders: UNCTAD, UNDP, UN ECLAC, AUDA-NEPAD, CAF, SEGIB, PAHO, India (RIS).
XI. Specific Financial Instruments and Modalities
Remittances and Diaspora Investments
Background and Context: Recognizing the vital contribution of remittances and diaspora investment to sustainable development in countries of origin, this theme focuses on reducing transfer costs, advancing digital solutions, and promoting financial inclusion.
Relevant Sectors: Migration, Finance, Digital Economy, Development Investment.
Top Countries and Geographies: Philippines, Guatemala, Senegal (Member States).
Relevant Speakers and Leaders: International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), European Commission, Italy.
Export Credits
Background and Context: This involves launching an inclusive dialogue on export credits and identifying key issues and priorities, linked to international solidarity and mobilization of private finance, originating from discussions on "international solidarity, transfers from rich countries to more vulnerable countries and the mobilisation of private finance".
Relevant Sectors: Trade Finance, International Cooperation.
Top Countries and Geographies: Guinea, Benin, Egypt, Denmark, France (represented at ministerial level).
Relevant Speakers and Leaders: Ismael Nabe (Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Guinea), Minister of Benin, Minister of Egypt, Minister of Denmark, Minister of France, OECD representative, 4P representative.
Access to Finance for MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises)
Background and Context: Bridging the formal-informal divide and promoting financial inclusion for entrepreneurship development. Supporting MSMEs is key to strengthening local financial systems and fostering sustainable economic development.
Relevant Sectors: SME Finance, Financial Inclusion, Entrepreneurship.
Top Countries and Geographies: Not specified geographically, but relevant for developing countries.
Relevant Speakers and Leaders: UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), International Organization of Employers (IOE). FSDO/DESA, German Savings Banks Association (DSGV), World Savings and Retail Banking Institute (WSBI), la Caixa Foundation, German Sparkassenstiftung for International Cooperation (DSIK).
Pre-arranged Finance for Climate Resilience (PAF)
Background and Context: This theme focuses on advancing SDGs in a riskier world by highlighting pre-arranged finance as a tool for climate resilience, sharing best practices, challenges, and opportunities at sovereign and meso/micro-levels. It addresses the need for risk-informed financial governance.
Relevant Sectors: Climate Finance, Disaster Risk Finance, Insurance.
Top Countries and Geographies: Not specified, but includes examples of sub-sovereign flood risk insurance in Ghana and agri-insurance in Uzbekistan.
Relevant Speakers and Leaders: Munich Climate Insurance Initiative (MCII), CVF-V20. African Risk Capacity (ARC), CVF-V20, UNCDF.
Taxonomies for Sustainable Finance
Background and Context: Emphasizes aligning financial flows with low-carbon, sustainable, and inclusive economic development goals, as per Agenda 2030 and the Paris Climate Agreement. Taxonomies are crucial tools for implementing Article 2.1(c) of the Paris Agreement, enabling the classification and scaling up of sustainable investments.
Relevant Sectors: Sustainable Finance, Climate Finance, Financial Regulation.
Top Countries and Geographies: Brazil (Ministry of Finance), European Union (co-funded by Euroclima).
Relevant Speakers and Leaders: GIZ, UN Environment Programme (UNEP), Ministry of Finance of Brazil, Delegation of the European Union to Brazil.
Early Warning Systems (EWS) Financing
Background and Context: Scaling up financing for Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems (MHEWS) and strengthening resilience through innovative climate finance. This is crucial for protecting lives and livelihoods against increasing climate impacts and reducing economic losses.
Relevant Sectors: Disaster Risk Reduction, Climate Adaptation, Climate Finance.
Top Countries and Geographies: Not explicitly regional.
Relevant Speakers and Leaders: World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
This comprehensive overview provides detailed insights into the key themes, their context, geographical relevance, and the prominent individuals and organizations driving these discussions at the FfD4 conference.
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