Global business and government leaders gathered at the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Sevilla, Spain, for the International Business Forum. The event aimed to mobilize private investment for sustainable development, addressing the urgent need to unlock capital for impactful projects.
António Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, emphasized the crucial role of the private sector in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. The FFD4 Business Steering Committee, led by the International Chamber of Commerce and the Global Investors for Sustainable Development Alliance, spearheaded efforts to align business strategies with sustainable development objectives.
The Committee’s Communiqué highlighted key action areas for business leaders to drive investments in developing countries. It emphasized expanding investment vehicles, partnering with governments, aligning sustainability standards, reassessing financial regulations, and enhancing access to finance for underserved markets and enterprises.
Shinta Kamdani, CEO of Sintesa Group, stressed the importance of practical solutions to bridge the development financing gap and unlock investments where they are most needed. The call to align sustainability regulations across borders and incentivize long-term investments resonated with industry leaders.
John W.H. Denton AO, Secretary-General of the International Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the need for enabling environments to support finance for international development. Collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors were deemed essential to drive sustainable and inclusive growth.
José Viñals, Senior Advisor at Standard Chartered, highlighted the critical role of private finance in closing the global development financing gap. The Business Steering Committee stressed the importance of prioritizing sustainable development impact alongside investment volumes and urged a follow-up mechanism to track commitments made in Sevilla.
During the International Business Forum, the SDG Investment Fair showcased high-impact projects in developing countries. These projects, spanning energy, agriculture, and ICT sectors, demonstrated innovative approaches to public-private partnerships for sustainable development.
Li Junhua, Under Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, emphasized the need for action to close the investment gap in critical areas. The Business Steering Committee’s leadership in fostering partnerships between investors and industry alliances was commended as a step towards tangible progress.
The FFD4 Business Steering Committee, comprising global business groups and UN initiatives, played a pivotal role in coordinating private sector contributions to the Conference. By identifying challenges and fostering partnerships for sustainable finance, the Committee set the stage for impactful collaborations in driving sustainable development.
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