Sunday, June 22, 2025
Home Blog

What is development financing?

0

These are among the 17 goals agreed by almost all countries, called the Sustainable development objectives (ODD). The plan is to hit these targets by 2030.

But we are late. A great reason? There is simply not enough coherent funding to make real progress.

This is why world leaders, economists and other decision -makers meet at the end of this month in Seville, Spain, for a major event called the fourth international conference on development funding. It is called a “unique opportunity” to rethink the way the world pays for sustainable development.

What is development financing?

Basically, development funding works to answer a simple question-how does the world pay for a more balanced and more balanced aid, trade and development system?

Traders in Madagascar. One of the most underdeveloped countries in Africa, transports charcoal on the market.

The global community’s response has been to create a system that mobilizes the entire international financial architecture – taxes, subsidies, trade, financial and monetary policies – to the development agenda.

Architecture aspires to be as inclusive as possible, engaging a wide range of funding sources allowing countries to become more self -sufficient so that their citizens can lead a healthy, productive, prosperous and peaceful life.

Development financing essentially consists in “changing the functioning of the system to ensure that developing countries can … actually invest in their future”, Shari Spiegel, director of Funding for sustainable development the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (Desa), says UN News.

Among these sources of financing are multilateral development banks which provide financial and technical support to developing countries. International and national commercial and revised trade policies also strive to relaunch development economies.

And, official development assistance (ODA) creates a channel through which aid from developed countries can flow directly to developing countries.

Why is development for development important?

From increasing debt and the decline in investments to help reduce development objectives, the current system fails to the people it is supposed to serve.

People everywhere pay the price:

  • The debt increases, investments decrease and helps the donors shrinks.
  • 600 million people could still live in extreme poverty by 2030 if we do not change lessons And it will take much more decades to reach the SDGs.
  • Today, 3.3 billion people live in countries that spend more to reimburse debt than for health or education.
  • In addition, billions of people will continue to live in countries that must prioritize debt payments on development.
  • This means less money for schools, hospitals, drinking water and jobs – the basics that people need to prosper.

And for people who face the consequences of the inaction of the world, it is an unacceptable chronology.

What systemic changes should be made?

As growing commercial obstacles and official development aid decreasing each year, an approach to financing financing for development is not sustainable.

The work began on a rapid public transport system connecting Delhi to Meerut in Uttar Pradesh, India.

The next conference in Seville offers the opportunity to change course, mobilize large -scale finance and reform system rules to impose people’s needs at the center.

The conference will bring together countries, representatives of civil society and financial experts to discuss new approaches to development financing.

Above all, this conference will also offer developing countries a headquarters at the table, so that their needs are treated in international financial decision -making.

What role does debt play?

In the current financing system, developing countries continue to pay exorbitant amounts to serve their debt while being confronted with borrowing costs which can be up to two or four times higher than their developed counterparts.

These costs tend to increase in particular during or directly during crisis periods, creating a feedback loop through which developing countries cannot afford to develop the very structures which would allow them to pay these costs.

“Faced with debt expenses and a high capital cost, developing countries have limited prospects of finance the objectives of sustainable development,” said UN secretary general, António Guterres.

© Unicef ​​/ Alssio Romenzi

Children stand at the door of a house in a district struck in poverty in Lebanon. (deposit)

What can we expect from the conference?

The secretary general said that “big ideas” and “ambitious reforms” would need to get back on the right track to end poverty, hunger and inequalities.

“” [The conference] Presents a unique opportunity to reform an overwhelmed, dysfunctional and unfair international financial system, “said Chief António Guterres of the UN.

Member States have reached an agreement on a project that will launch an ambitious set of reforms and actions that countries must fill to fill the financing gap of $ 4.

The United States has withdrawn from the conference process on Tuesday During the final negotiations on the result documentsaying he couldn’t get on board with the project.

The reform will partly come from the effective mobilization of all stakeholders – private and public, formal and informal, developing and developed – and aligning their incentives and commitments to a sustainable future.

This includes emphasis on multilateralism as the basis of all development, increasing taxes that directs public funds towards international development objectives, reducing the cost of capital for developing countries, restructuring existing debt and the search for even more innovative financing methods.

“Seville is a moment in time. It’s really the start, not the end of the process. So now, the question is how to implement commitments? ” said Ms. Spiegel.

The reform of a broken financing system is difficult, but Ms. Spiegel is optimistic that multilateralism is up to par.

Originally published at Almouwatin.com

Media advisory – Agriculture and Fisheries Council of 23-24 June 2025

0
Media advisory – Agriculture and Fisheries Council of 23-24 June 2025

Main agenda items, approximate timing, public sessions and press opportunities. Source link

Source link

Media advisory – Agriculture and Fisheries Council of 23-24 June 2025

0
Media advisory – Agriculture and Fisheries Council of 23-24 June 2025

Main agenda items, approximate timing, public sessions and press opportunities.

Source link

Media advisory – EU-Canada summit, 23 June 2025

0
Media advisory – Agriculture and Fisheries Council of 23-24 June 2025

Main agenda items, approximate timing, public sessions and press opportunities. Source link

Source link

The UN chief “ seriously alarmed ” by the American bombing of Iranian nuclear sites

0

“I am seriously alarmed by the use of force by the United States against Iran today,” said the UN chief, reiterating that there is no military solution.

“” This is a dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge – and a direct threat to international peace and security. »»

President Donald Trump pronounced a television address to the nation from the White House at 10 pm, local time and said that Iranian nuclear installations in Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan had been “completely erased” describing the long -term bombing raid as a “spectacular military success”.

President Trump called on Iran’s management to “make peace” and return to negotiations on his nuclear program or to undergo a much greater wave of attacks.

The Iranian authorities have not yet confirmed the extent of damage to the three sites in central Iran. Earlier in the day, the Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs would have warned the United States against any involvement in the Iran-Israel conflict that broke out on June 13.

Fatal strikes

At least 430 Iranians have been killed in waves of strikes since then with around 3,500 injured, according to figures from the Iranian Ministry of Health.

In Israel, 24 civilians died in reprisal attacks according to local authorities with more than 400 missiles would have been dismissed to the country.

B-2 bombers were involved in American strikes, confirmed President Trump, dropping so-called “Bunker Buster” bombs on the Uranium enrichment site in Fordow which is buried deeply in a mountain south of the Téheran capital.

‘Avoid a spiral of chaos’

In his declaration, the secretary general reiterated his concerns expressed THE Security advice During Friday’s emergency meeting on the crisis that the conflict “could quickly become uncontrollable – with catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region and the world”.

He called on all the Member States to defuse the situation which threatens the stability of the Middle East and beyond, calling everyone to respect its obligations under the Charter of the United Nations and international law.

“” At this perilous hour, it is essential to avoid a spiral of chaos“, He added by calling for an immediate return to the negotiations between the parties at war.

“” There is no military solution. The only way to follow is diplomacy. The only hope is peace.

Originally published at Almouwatin.com

Ukraine: Security Council hears of escalating attacks, diplomatic developments

0
Ukraine: Security Council hears of escalating attacks, diplomatic developments

“As we are facing renewed escalation on the ground and crisis elsewhere, it is critical to maintain focused attention on the urgent need for peace in Ukraine,” said UN Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenča – one of two senior officials briefing the ambassadors.

In the three weeks since the Council last met on Ukraine, Russia has carried out unrelenting large-scale attacks on cities and towns, resulting in a significant rise in civilian casualties.

Deadly Kyiv attack 

A combined drone and missile attack on the capital Kyiv overnight on 16-17 June was one of the deadliest there in a year. At least 28 civilians were killed and more than 130 injured. Many others are still reported missing under the rubble of the 35 apartments destroyed that night.

Attacks also reportedly occurred in Odesa, Zaporizhzhia, Chernihiv, Zhytomyr, Kirovohrad, Mykolaiv and Kyiv provinces that same night, with two civilians reportedly killed and scores injured in Odesa. 

“These levels of death and destruction risk dimming hope for an immediate ceasefire and threaten to undermine prospects for a lasting peace,” he said. 

‘Dramatic increase’ in casualties

Data from the UN human rights office, OHCHR, reveals that at least 13,438 civilians, including 713 children, have been killed since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Another 33,270 civilians have been injured, including over 2,000 children.

The number of civilian casualties in the first five months of this year alone totaled 5,144 – nearly 50 per cent higher than in the same period in 2024. Of this number, 859 were killed and 4,285 injured. 

“This dramatic increase is a result of intensified use of long-range weapons, both missiles and loitering munitions, against cities across Ukraine,” said Mr. Jenča. 

Ukrainian authorities report that between 1 and 17 June, Russian forces launched at least 3,340 long-range drones, including loitering munitions and decoy drones, and 135 missiles into the country. This compares to 544 long-range munitions launched during the whole of June 2024.

Attacks reported in Russia 

Escalating violence also continues to be reported in Russian regions that border Ukraine, though at a far lower level.  

In the Kursk region, a woman died in hospital a day after being injured in a Ukrainian drone attack while a man was killed, and five others injured, in a strike on a recreational centre. The UN was not able to verify these reports. 

“Let me once again unequivocally state – attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure are strictly prohibited under international humanitarian law, wherever they occur,” said Mr. Jenča, reiterating the UN’s condemnation.

Diplomatic developments welcomed 

Meanwhile, “important diplomatic developments have taken place on the challenging path towards a lasting peace in Ukraine.”  

Ukrainian and Russian delegations held their second face-to-face meeting in Istanbul on 2 June.  They reportedly exchanged written memoranda outlining their respective visions for a ceasefire and parameters for a future peace settlement. 

The sides also reached agreement for the large-scale exchange of prisoners of war, mortal remains and civilian detainees. Swaps have been carried out since then, with the latest round taking place earlier on Friday. The mortal remains of 6,057 Ukrainian and 78 Russian servicepersons also have been returned as of 16 June.

“We welcome the continuation of all meaningful diplomatic efforts, including the recent talks in Istanbul. We urge the sides to make tangible progress towards a ceasefire and a lasting settlement through continued talks,” said Mr. Jenča.

In the face of escalation, he called for redoubling efforts “to ensure that the fragile diplomatic process is not only sustained but becomes irreversible.”

Civilians bear the brunt

In the meantime, civilians continue to bear the severe consequences of the war, said Edem Wosornu, Director of Operations at the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

“As the war continues, millions of lives are impacted every day. Essential  services are disrupted, and vulnerabilities are deepening for nearly 13 million people in need of assistance,” she said.

Roughly 3.7 million people are displaced inside Ukraine, including 60,000 newly displaced from frontline regions since January alone. Almost six million citizens are now refugees, mainly in Europe.

Amid the intensifying hostilities, the Government continues to order the mandatory evacuation of families with children from front-line villages, she said.  However, for some people in these locations “attacks are so frequent  that evacuations themselves become a risky prospect.”

Humanitarians at risk

Ms. Wosornu noted that humanitarians also face growing threats. This year, two aid workers have been killed and 24 injured while delivering assistance, and some 68 incidents of violence impacting relief personnel, assets and facilities have been recorded. 

She said that “despite an operating environment beset by multiple risks and challenges,” humanitarians remain committed and engaged, and their operations continue. Between January and May, they reached some 3.4 million people with life-saving aid, including food, water, medicines, health services and livelihood support.

Humanitarians are seeking $2.6 billion for Ukraine this year, and $816 million, has been secured, she said, stressing the importance importance of “timely financial support”.

End the war

Ms. Wosornu concluded her remarks by renewing earlier calls for the Council to take urgent, collective action in three areas, including protecting civilians and ensuring safe humanitarian access to all in need.  

Ambassadors were also urged to ensure sustained financial support as “declining funding trends” threaten aid efforts.

Her final request was an appeal to “end this war, and until then, ensure that humanitarian concerns are a central part of discussions on a pause in fighting or longer-term agreement.” 

Source link

Media advisory – EU-Canada summit, 23 June 2025

0
Media advisory – Agriculture and Fisheries Council of 23-24 June 2025

Main agenda items, approximate timing, public sessions and press opportunities.

Source link

UN reiterates call for urgent de-escalation amid Iran-Israel conflict, worsening Gaza crisis

0
UN reiterates call for urgent de-escalation amid Iran-Israel conflict, worsening Gaza crisis

In a joint call to de-escalate, UN agencies have warned that further conflict risks triggering new displacement in a region already strained by decades of war and instability.

The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) noted military strikes have led people in both Iran and Israel to flee their homes in search of safety from tit-for-tat missile strikes.

“Movements have been reported from Tehran and other parts of Iran, with some choosing to cross into neighbouring countries,” the agency stated. Meanwhile, “shelling has caused people in Israel to seek shelter elsewhere in the country and in some cases abroad.”

This region has already endured more than its share of war, loss, and displacement – we cannot allow another refugee crisis to take root,” said UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi. “The time to de-escalate is right now. Once people are forced to flee, there’s no quick way back – and all too often, the consequences last for generations.”

UNHCR urged countries in the region to respect the right to seek asylum and ensure humanitarian access to those affected, while calling on all parties to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure.

Nuclear risks rise as Iran facilities hit

The conflict escalated sharply following Israeli airstrikes on multiple Iranian nuclear-related sites in the past week, including a centrifuge manufacturing workshop in Esfahan, according to the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

“This is the third such facility that has been targeted over the past week,” Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi confirmed, noting that the facility had been under IAEA surveillance as part of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) – the nuclear deal signed with Iran in 2015, which the United States pulled out of in 2017.

“We know this facility well. There was no nuclear material at this site and therefore the attack on it will have no radiological consequences,” he said. However, Mr. Grossi warned that continued strikes on nuclear infrastructure are severely undermining nuclear safety and security.

Though they have not so far led to a radiological release affecting the public, there is a danger this could occur.”

The IAEA has been tracking damage to sites in Esfahan, Arak, Karaj, Natanz and Tehran since the Israeli military campaign against Iran began on 13 June.

 The agency has been providing regular updates to the UN Security Council, which has yet to reach consensus on a response. On Friday, ambassadors debating the escalation heard during an emergency meeting in New York UN Secretary-General António Guterres warn that if fighting escalated it could “ignite a fire no one can control.”

Gaza in ruins, Palestinians face starvation

The mounting regional crisis is unfolding against the backdrop of the war in Gaza, where humanitarian conditions continue to deteriorate.

On Saturday, the head of the UN agency for Palestine refugees (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini, painted a grim picture of life in the enclave during an address to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in Istanbul.

In Gaza, two million people are being starved,” he said bluntly. “The newly created, so-called ‘aid mechanism’ is an abomination that humiliates and degrades desperate people. It is a death-trap, costing more lives than it saves.”

Lazzarini described a territory devastated by nearly two years of conflict, with more than 55,000 reported dead by local authorities in the Strip – the majority of them women and children.

Survivors, he said, “are shadows of their former selves; their lives forever changed by unspeakable trauma and profound loss.”

In the occupied West Bank, displacement and destruction of public infrastructure are altering the demography of Palestinian camps, he added, in what he described as an effort to erase the prospect of a Palestinian State under the UN-backed two-State solution and strip Palestinians of refugee status.

UNRWA in the crosshairs

UNRWA has become an objective of this war,” Mr. Lazzarini warned, citing the deaths of at least 318 of the agency’s staff in Gaza since the 7 October terror attacks on Israel by Hamas and other militants, the expulsion of international staff, and a campaign of disinformation aimed at crippling its funding.

Despite these pressures, UNRWA continues to provide lifesaving services, including over 15,000 health consultations per day, waste management and shelter support.

UNRWA’s financial situation is now “dire,” the agency chief said. “Without additional funding, I will soon have to take unprecedented decisions affecting our operations across the region.”

He appealed to Member States to act urgently: “The sudden loss or reduction of UNRWA’s services will only deepen suffering and despair across the occupied Palestinian territory. It might spark unrest in the neighbouring countries. This is something that the region cannot afford, especially now.”

Source link

Weekly schedule of President António Costa

0
Media advisory – Agriculture and Fisheries Council of 23-24 June 2025

Weekly schedule of President António Costa, 23-30 June 2025

Source link

Media advisory – Foreign Affairs Council of 23 June 2025

0
Media advisory – Agriculture and Fisheries Council of 23-24 June 2025

Main agenda items, approximate timing, public sessions and press opportunities. Source link

Source link