Road to Seville: reform proposals for FfD4 from the United Nations regional commissions

This policy brief, prepared by the five United Nations regional commissions, identifies the critical challenges faced by emerging and developing countries in closing the financing gap to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It highlights systemic shortcomings in the global financing framework, including unmet development finance commitments, high public debt and a financial system misaligned with sustainability needs. The brief outlines key strategies for reform, focusing on enhancing domestic public resources, improving debt sustainability and fostering inclusive economic growth. It emphasizes the need for stronger tax collection mechanisms, better debt management frameworks and increased international cooperation to combat tax evasion and illicit financial flows. Additionally, it calls for the reform of global economic governance to ensure fair representation of developing countries in international financial institutions. The brief also advocates for leveraging private finance, including through the issuance of thematic bonds and the facilitation of remittances, to support development goals. Overall, the document underscores the urgency of systemic reforms to mobilize resources effectively and accelerate implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.