Sevilla, 1 July

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad) today signed a Statement of Intent to deepen their strategic partnership in support of more effective, equitable, and accountable public finance systems. 

The signing took place during the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4) in Sevilla, Spain. It marks a shared commitment to support the implementation of the FFD4 outcome document and to help countries close the financing gap for sustainable development through stronger domestic resource mobilization and more coherent fiscal policy. 

UNDP and the Government of Norway recognize that robust domestic public finance is a cornerstone of sustainable development. They will work together to strengthen institutional capacity, improve the efficiency and equity of public spending, and help countries align their fiscal policies with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) priorities – across climate, gender, equity, health, and nature. 

“Norway strongly believes that stronger systems for raising revenue and managing public spending is crucial for development and reducing inequality. Norway values UNDP’s collaborative approach with key global institutions and UNDP’s expansive network of country offices. UNDP can provide much needed support for development country governments, investing in the solutions that make the most sense in their countries”, said Minister of Development Åsmund Aukrust.  

As part of this partnership, Norway intends to support UNDP’s Public Finance for the SDGs initiative, which focuses on advancing integrated, outcome-driven public finance reforms. Areas of collaboration include digitalizing public finance systems, enhancing transparency and accountability, and promoting data-informed policymaking to ensure public resources deliver positive impact. 

FFD4 also reflects growing momentum for stronger regional partnerships to support sustainable development. UNDP and Norway are joined in Sevilla by the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) and the African Organization of English-speaking Supreme Audit Institutions (AFROSAI-E), long-standing collaborators in efforts to strengthen institutions across Africa. A Letter of Intent is expected to be signed with both organizations, underscoring a shared commitment to coordination, knowledge exchange, and regionally led solutions. 

“Strong public finance systems are the backbone of sustainable development. This renewed partnership with Norway, sealed here at FFD4, demonstrates our shared commitment to turning the Compromiso Sevilla into action,” said Marcos Neto, UN Assistant Secretary General and Director of UNDP's Bureau for Policy and Programme Support. “With regional leaders like ATAF and AFROSAI-E on board, we’re building smarter, more transparent systems that help countries align public finance with their national priorities – and ultimately, take charge of financing their own development.” The Statement of Intent between the government of Norway and UNDP lays the groundwork for a Financial Agreement to be finalized by September 2025, which will define the level of financial support and terms of cooperation. 

This renewed partnership underscores the vital role of public finance in achieving sustainable development and reflects a shared vision for scalable, country-led reforms that build long-term fiscal resilience.