I would like to reiterate my gratitude to the Government of Ethiopia for hosting the Third International Conference on Financing for Development.

This Conference has the potential to shape international cooperation for years to come.

A successful outcome is crucial for building trust and momentum towards the adoption of an ambitious post-2015 development agenda in New York in September and a universal agreement on climate change in December in Paris.

Since the Monterey Consensus in 2002, we have made great progress at the national and international levels in mobilizing financial and technical resources for development.

However, the gains have been uneven and new challenges have arisen.

This Conference is seeking to adopt a new global framework for financing the post-2015 Development Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals to be adopted in September.

Member States are in the final stages of their negotiations, with an agreement in sight.

I thank the many Heads of State and Government and Ministers who have come to Addis Ababa for their commitment to this effort. I also appreciate the participation of so many business leaders and civil society representatives.

This Conference shows the way forward – with Governments, international organizations, financial and trade institutions, business, and civil society all working together for sustainable development.

I am very encouraged by the strong momentum and ownership among all partners.

In addition, several new initiatives and commitments have been announced this week. These are an important pillar of the Conference outcome. More such announcements will come today and tomorrow, as well as in the weeks and months ahead.

Taken together, the results here in Addis Ababa can give us the foundation of a revitalized global partnership for sustainable development that should leave no one behind.

I urge the negotiators to keep that goal in mind as they finish their work. I look forward to working with all partners to seize the opportunities of the months ahead and to build a world of prosperity and dignity for all.

Thank you.