By Anjali Sharma
UNITED NATIONS – UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed.on Sunday said that the landmark Financing for Development conference in Sevilla has concluded with a renewed sense of resolve and a focus on action that can change lives worldwide.
She told the closing session of the summit that “The human consequences of rising debt burdens, escalating trade tensions and steep cuts to official development assistance have been brought into sharp relief this week,” after sizzling temperatures across southern Spain.
Ms. Mohammed said that the conference has delivered a strong response a unifying outcome document focused on solutions that reaffirms the Addis Ababa commitments made a decade ago, which seeks to “rekindle the sense of hope” through SDGs and shows that multilateral cooperation still matters and still works.
She welcomed Spain’s commitment to help launch a new UN Sevilla Forum on Debt, called it a crucial step in helping countries better manage and coordinate debt restructuring efforts.
Carlos Cuerpo, Spain’s chief finance minister at the closing press conference said “Sevilla will be remembered not as a landing zone, but as a launch pad for action, to improve livelihoods across the world.”
“Together, we have sent a strong message of commitment and trust in multilateralism that can yield tangible results to put sustainable development back on track.”
Li Junhua, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs and Secretary-General of the Conference said the week had proved the UN is “more than just a space for dialogue; it is a powerful platform for solutions that transform lives.”
“In Sevilla, we have demonstrated our collective will to confront the most urgent and complex financing challenges of our time,” the DESA chief underscored at the closing.
Ms. Mohammed told the closing press conference delegates had made “a serious and long overdue attempt to confront the debt crisis” while aimed to close the massive financing gap for the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
She reiterated the three main action areas for the Sevilla Commitment:
A major investment pushing to close the SDG financing gap
Concrete steps to address unsustainable debt burdens
A greater voice for developing countries in global financial decision-making
Over 100 new initiatives were launched under the Sevilla Platform for Action. These include a global hub for debt swaps, a “debt pause” alliance, and a solidarity levy on private jets and first-class flights to fund climate and development goals.
“This platform has sparked new partnerships, innovative solutions that will deliver real change in people’s lives,” Ms. Mohammed said.
She pledged that “They’re not a substitute for broader funding commitments, but a sign that creative thinking is finally breaking through.”
She acknowledged criticism from civil society groups about limited access to official discussions, she push for greater inclusion. “We hear you,” she declared.
Ms. Mohammed added that “this trust needs to be earned.”
