Inside the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development
The Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) concluded with the adoption of the Compromiso de Sevilla, setting out to address the widening financing gap for the Sustainable Development Goals. While the absence of the United States underscored geopolitical tensions, the agreement demonstrated that multilateralism remains possible—albeit shaped by compromise and cautious consensus.
The International Institute for Sustainable Development worked for more than a year informing the negotiations with evidence-based research. Domestic Resource Mobilization and debt sustainability emerged as priorities throughout the conference, dominating both formal sessions and side events. To support implementation of the FfD4 agenda, the Sevilla Platform for Action showcased over 150 initiatives across diverse areas including climate finance, tax reform, debt management, trade capacity-building, and more, aimed at boosting coordination and accelerating progress on development financing challenges. IISD launched a Coalition on tax expenditure reform at the Platform,
Read our experts' take on the conference.
Download report: Financing for Development in a Fragmented World
This report presents a pragmatic, data-driven framework to future-proof development finance amid growing global fragmentation, economic shocks, and rising uncertainty, with actionable recommendations for both national and international policy.
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Financing for Development in a Fragmented World
Ahead of the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development, this report presents a pragmatic, data-driven framework to strengthen development finance in an increasingly fragmented and uncertain global landscape.
The Compromiso de Sevilla and the Challenge of Financing Development
As the dust settles at FfD4, IISD summarizes where the conference made progress, where it fell short, and what lies ahead.
How FfD4 Helped Reinvigorate Political Will to Move Beyond GDP
Moving “beyond GDP” talks are usually technical. At the year’s biggest finance for development conference, FfD4, the arguments turned political and moral.
New Coalition to Drive Reform on Tax Expenditures Launches at FFD4 in Seville
New coalition builds on years of research and technical support to help governments reform tax expenditures and strengthen public finances.
FfD4 Countdown: A Watered-Down Proposal on Tax Expenditures Risks Undermining Countries’ Domestic Revenue Mobilization
Preferential tax treatments directly affect governments’ ability to fund sustainable development. At June’s Financing for Development conference, countries must commit to stronger oversight and reform of tax expenditures.
FfD4 Countdown: Countries Must Eliminate All Public Financial Flows for Fossil Fuels
Fossil fuel subsidies undermine domestic resource mobilization goals and holds back the transition to clean energy. The Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in July 2025 presents a huge opportunity to redirect this money for the benefit of people and the planet.
FfD4 Countdown: Strengthening trade policy for sustainable development
The Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) in July 2025 is an opportunity to redefine the role of trade policy frameworks in supporting sustainable and inclusive development.
FfD4 Countdown: Resource taxation must be part of the agenda at the Fourth Financing for Development Conference
The Fourth Financing for Development Conference (FfD4) presents a critical opportunity to address resource taxation, leveraging opportunities to enhance domestic resource mobilization and building on existing domestic and international efforts to promote fair and progressive taxation.
FfD4 Countdown: The Fourth Financing for Development Conference Must Address Urgent Debt Relief for Low-income Countries
The Fourth Financing for Development Conference (FfD4) in July 2025 is crucial to tackle sovereign debt issues. With 35 low-income countries in debt distress, urgent relief and global debt reforms are needed. Clear, actionable commitments must be made for effective debt relief and restructuring.
UN Tax Convention: What happened at recent negotiations, and what’s next?
This article analyzes key decisions made at the latest round of negotiations for a UN Convention on Tax and explores how the convention can be most effective tackling the challenges of developing countries.
IISD FfD4 Experts
Alexandra Readhead
Director, Tax and Sovereign Debt
Thomas Lassourd
Lead, Tax and Extractives
Ekpen Omonbude
Senior Policy Advisor
Fernando Morra
Associate
Anahí Wiedenbrüg
Senior Policy Advisor
Natalie Jones
Senior Policy Advisor
Liesbeth Casier
Lead, Public Procurement and Sustainable Infrastructure
Suzy H. Nikièma
Director, Sustainable Investment
Benjamin Simmons
Senior Director, Economic Law and Policy
David Uzsoki
Lead, Sustainable Finance
Maribel Hernandez
Senior Policy Advisor, Adaptation Finance
Alice Tipping
Director, Trade and Sustainable Development
Lynn Wagner
Senior Director, International Environmental Governance
Livia Bizikova
Lead, Monitoring and Governance