Distinguished Co-Chairs,
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
I would like to express my deep appreciation to the Co-Chairs for their very able steering of the process. I would also like to express my heartfelt thanks to the co-facilitators, Ambassador Chola Milambo, Ambassador Merete Brattested, Ambassador Lok Bahadur Thapa, and Ambassador Alicia Massieu. Your exceptional leadership helped us tide over all difficulties and arrive at an ambitious and action-oriented outcome document.
I also extend my gratitude to Spain and many other Member States, whose generous support has been instrumental.
I further extend my profound thanks to all Member States and Stakeholders for the commitment, engagement and flexibility. You have demonstrated along this whole process. Congratulations to you all.
Excellencies, distinguished delegates,
We meet at a complex moment. Risks to the global economy have increased. Worsening trade tensions could further stifle growth.
Inequalities remain high and economic insecurity is on the rise. High debt servicing poses serious challenges to SDGs investment.
Financing lies at the heart of solving these pressing challenges.
FFD4 presents a rare opportunity to prove that multilateralism can deliver tangible results.
A successful FFD4 and a strong outcome will help rebuild trust and confidence in the multilateral system by forging a renewed financing framework that:
- First, reaffirm the centrality of the 2030 Agenda.
- Second, take decisive steps to address the financing gap, and tackle challenges associated with high levels of indebtedness and interest payments.
- Third, chart a pathway to align development cooperation with the needs of the most vulnerable, at a time of policy reset and shift.
- Fourth, foster a global financial architecture that is inclusive and responsive to national priorities and development needs.
The initiatives within the Sevilla Platform for Action will be crucial in amplifying the impact of the outcome document.
Excellencies,
Let me end by revisiting the mandate you entrusted to the Conference: identifying obstacles and constraints, as well as actions and initiatives to overcome these constraints; addressing new and emerging issues; and supporting reform of the international financial architecture.
The outcome document Compromiso de Sevilla, you adopted today successfully fulfils this important mandate. The outcome you adopted today, once again, has made it manifestly clear that multiallelism works for all and delivers for all.
It has been an honor and privilege for DESA to support you in this journey. We count on your continued commitment and leadership to ensure the upcoming FFD4 in Sevilla is a resounding success.
Thank you.