At the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), held in Sevilla, Spain, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) emphasized its commitment to supporting Member States in mobilizing both public and private investments to accelerate sustainable industrialization and advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The conference underscored the necessity of shifting traditional development approaches to foster stronger collaboration among development finance institutions, international financial institutions, and the private sector. This shift is essential for generating investment in key industrial sectors such as manufacturing, agro-processing, and local value addition.
A key outcome of FfD4 was the adoption of the Compromiso de Sevilla, a declaration through which Member States reaffirmed the importance of blended finance in promoting industrialization. The agreement also highlighted the need to support developing countries in building productive capacities and enhancing their integration into global trade systems.
UNIDO engaged actively with governments, financial institutions, and private sector representatives at the event. It showcased a series of flagship initiatives aligned with its core goals, including ending hunger and establishing fair, sustainable supply chains. These initiatives represent UNIDO’s broader agenda of inclusive and sustainable industrial development.
The conference also served as a platform to increase visibility for UNIDO’s service portfolio. This included policy guidance on aligning industrial and science, technology, and innovation (STI) policies; blended finance models; the upcoming Transformation Pathways Fund; and innovative financial instruments designed to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
FfD4 attracted over 15,000 participants, including nearly 50 Heads of State and Government, ministers, business leaders, and representatives from development organizations and international financial institutions, making it a significant forum for dialogue and partnership-building around the future of sustainable development financing.
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