Sevilla, 30 June  - The international community meets this week at a crucial moment to map out how countries can counter crippling debt and rising inequality and find consensus on how to finance global sustainable development, the UN Development Programme (UNDP) said today.  

The Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4) being held this week in Sevilla, Spain, offers a once in a decade opportunity for ambitious action to unlock funding to transform the lives of hundreds of millions of the poorest people around the world. 

Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals – a set of 17 interconnected goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030 - will cost an estimated US$4.3 trillion per year – a fraction of the total global wealth figure of US$450 trillion. Unlocking just one percent of this wealth would transform development, making the world more equitable, prosperous, and safer for all. 

The international community has already agreed to adopt the FFD4 Outcome. This agreement is a framework to support alliances of countries and other partners to work together on key actions to finance development. 

“This is a pivotal moment, a realistic and rare opportunity to get it right,” said Haoliang Xu, UNDP Acting Administrator. “Despite the immense challenges of a deeply polarized world, this global agreement demonstrates that we can come together to create solutions. The next step is clear: we must turn these commitments into action and bring FFD4 decisions to life. UNDP is ready to support countries in translating ambition into tangible development results.” 

UNDP is taking forward 11 initiatives selected as part of the Sevilla Platform for Action: announced today at FFD4, it mobilizes alliances that drive country-led action on financing sustainable development, including Integrated National Financing Frameworks (INFFs). INFFs provide a framework for governments to align their revenue and budget systems in order to mobilize capital for national sustainable development priorities. The INFF Facility, a joint initiative of UNDP, the UN Department for Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the European Union, and the Governments of Italy, Spain and Sweden, provides technical assistance, tools, and coordination to support governments in planning and implementing country-led INFFs. 

“The Sevilla Platform for Action is more than a commitment; it is a call for countries to begin immediate action on tangible priorities such as financial system reform, debt burden reduction, and unlocking public and private capital for sustainable investments. UNDP stands ready as a critical partner to support countries on this transition,” said Marcos Neto, UNDP Assistant Administrator and Director of the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support. 

UNDP has already laid the groundwork for this transition, with tools including: 

• INFFs, which help countries strengthen planning and overcome existing impediments to financing sustainable development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Innovative debt instruments (such as SDG and green bonds.
• Support for mobilization of domestic and private-sector resources. 

Through its partnerships, UNDP has already helped unlock US$870 billion in SDG−aligned investments between 2022 and 2024 and aims to mobilize US$1 trillion by 2025. 

The Sevilla Platform for Action is rooted in the principle of country ownership. Each nation drives its own development agenda based on its unique priorities and circumstances. UNDP supports countries by aligning global frameworks with national strategies and empowering governments to take the reins in designing and financing sustainable solutions. This country-led and globally aligned approach guarantees that progress is inclusive, context-specific, and ultimately transformative for the communities it serves. 

Note to editors:  

More information on UNDP-led initiatives selected as part of the Sevilla Platform for Action is available here. 

Media contacts: 

For more information about UNDP’s work through the Sevilla Platform for Action, contact christopher.hughes@undp.org. 

About UNDP:  

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet. Learn more at undp.org or follow at @UNDP.