UN Adopts Seville Commitment to Tackle SDG Funding Gap
UN Member States have adopted the Seville Commitment, a bold global agreement aimed at mobilizing resources to bridge the US$4 trillion annual gap hindering the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The decision was made during the opening day of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4), taking place from 30 June to 3 July 2025 in Seville, Spain.
Adopted by consensus, the Seville Commitment lays out transformative actions to reshape the global financial architecture, strengthen the capacity of multilateral development banks, and curtail illicit financial flows. It also emphasizes unlocking private investment to create decent jobs—especially for youth—and lowering the cost of capital for developing economies, with a strong focus on African nations.
Spain’s President Pedro Sanchez Perez, who also presides over the General Conference, hailed the leadership of Zambia, Mexico, Nepal, and Norway in successfully co-facilitating the adoption of the outcome document.
He specifically commended their role in ensuring the agreement reflected the voices of Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
Leading Zambia’s delegation, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Mulambo Haimbe, S.C., M.P., said the Seville Commitment represents a turning point for developing countries seeking equitable access to affordable financing.
He noted the accord aligns with President Hakainde Hichilema’s call for global financial reform, particularly to benefit LDCs.
“Zambia’s priorities, especially around lowering borrowing costs, boosting trade and investment, and driving infrastructure development, are at the heart of this agreement,” said Haimbe. “This commitment strengthens Zambia’s vision for resilient, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth.”
Zambia played a pivotal role through its Permanent Representative to the UN, Dr. Chola Milambo, who ensured that the Global South’s priorities were embedded in the final framework. The Seville Commitment is expected to enhance the voice of developing countries in shaping a fairer global debt architecture and push for transparent debt resolution mechanisms.
