Sevilla, Spain
Excellencies,
Dear Colleagues,
It is an honour to join you at this high-level event on the role of Regional Commissions in advancing the Financing for Development agenda.
At the outset, I wish to highlight that the Regional Commissions were instrumental in shaping the landmark Compromiso de Sevilla, and throughout the preparatory process for FfD4.
Their regional dialogues and evidence-based policy briefs were foundational to the regional priorities -- as reflected in the Compromiso de Sevilla.
This vital role of the Regional Commissions must continue as we move from commitment to action.
Excellencies, dear colleagues,
The Sevilla Commitment provides a renewed and actionable roadmap to achieve our global goals.
Allow me to highlight three key deliverables:
First, a concrete plan to close the $4 trillion SDG financing gap. This includes tripling MDB lending, doubling ODA to enhance domestic public resource mobilization and help countries achieve a 15% tax-to-GDP ratio, and more effectively leveraging private investment.
Second, a robust package to address the escalating debt crisis. This features a debt facility to lower the cost of borrowing and reduce debt service, a global debt registry, the mainstreaming of “pause clauses” in lending, and a greater voice for debtor countries in the global debt architecture.
Third, a significant push to reform the international financial architecture. This will be achieved by amplifying the voice of developing countries in international financial institutions, and expanding access to emergency funding through a new SDR playbook.
The Sevilla Platform for Action provides concrete initiatives to accelerate the implementation of these commitments, building early momentum. As we move forward, the Regional Commissions will be essential.
Excellencies, dear colleagues,
Implementation must be advanced across national, regional, and global levels.
The Compromiso de Sevilla recognizes the critical regional layer – committing to strengthen regional financing mechanisms and arrangements to deepen regional integration.
Regional Commissions are uniquely positioned to facilitate regional knowledge sharing, promote peer learning, and integrate regional perspectives into the global FfD follow-up.
My Department, UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, is committed to supporting this regional-to-global process.
I look forward to our continued collaboration to ensure the success of delivering the Sevilla Commitment.
Thank you!