Joint Statement towards the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4)

We are now past the midpoint of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) timeline, yet significantly behind on meeting targets. Without meaningful reform and bold financial commitments, the gap between ambition and action will continue to widen—especially for the most vulnerable countries. The 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) is taking place in a context of growing economic instability and geopolitical fragmentation. This moment demands from the international community significant progress on critical issues within the current financing for development architecture.  

For countries in the Global South, the need to mobilise financial resources is more urgent than ever. FfD4 must deliver concrete, time-bound, and equitable commitments that address both 1) the structural failures of the global financial architecture and 2) the urgent resource constraints faced by developing countries. 

This statement was developed through the contributions of members of the Southern Voice network of leading Global South think tanks. It outlines recommendations to international stakeholders and national governments on directions for reform and/or specific actions which these parties should commit to, in Seville, to put sustainable development for all within reach. They concern: taking immediate steps to optimise the use of available resources; urgently lifting countries out of debt distress; accelerating the equitable mobilisation and use of domestic resources; and directing critical financing to climate action.  

Reforming the global financial architecture is one of the most urgent priorities for advancing the development agenda. Southern Voice will engage around this and other critical issues at FfD4 (Seville, Spain – June 30 to July 3), as well as at key political milestones throughout 2025 and beyond. Our network will be present in Seville, where we are co-hosting an event on financing care systems to help deliver the SDGs. We invite you to connect with us and engage with experts across the Southern Voice network on how to take these conversations forward (info@southernvoice.org)