UAE Highlights Commitment To Sustainable Development At Fourth International Conference On Financing For Development

Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, attended the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4) in Seville, Spain. The event took place from 30 June to 3 July 2025 and was hosted by Pedro Sánchez, Prime Minister of Spain, and António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations.

During the conference, Reem Al Hashimy highlighted the necessity of enhancing partnerships and investing in sustainable solutions that integrate humanitarian, development, and peace efforts. She stressed that the UAE believes current challenges require not only stronger multilateralism but a reimagined version that is flexible, inclusive, and driven by innovation and technology.

The UAE has consistently supported vulnerable regions, especially low-income countries. Al Hashimy emphasised the nation's leading role in financing renewable energy projects and ensuring food and water security. Additionally, she noted the UAE's significant contributions to health systems worldwide.

The UAE has extended development assistance to over 100 countries. A substantial portion of this aid targets sectors aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This commitment underscores the UAE's dedication to addressing global challenges through strategic investments.

In support of environmental governance, the UAE will co-host the 2026 United Nations Water Conference with Senegal. This initiative aims to accelerate progress on Sustainable Development Goal 6 while building on COP28’s water legacy and the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative launched by the UAE President.

Seville Declaration and Future Partnerships

The UAE backed the adoption of the Seville Declaration, which prioritises inclusivity, resilience, and sustainable investment. As one of the top donors of Official Development Assistance (ODA), it has maintained an average contribution of 0.7% of its Gross National Income since adopting the SDGs in 2015.

Concluding its participation at FFD4, the UAE reaffirmed its commitment to forming forward-looking partnerships that yield concrete results. It stated: "The question is not only where we are headed – but how we get there. Our path must be efficient, future-focused, and rooted in the needs of the communities we serve."

With inputs from WAM