Good afternoon colleagues, Ladies and gentlemen, Members of the media,
Over the last four days, over 10,000 people, over 50 heads of government and state, leaders of international financial institutions and businesses, have rushed through these corridors - pausing only occasionally for a cold drink - in pursuit of solutions to finance sustainable development.
Through formal sessions, 6 multistakeholder roundtables, 400 side-meetings and special sessions, and countless bilateral discussions – we have grappled with the challenge of how to close a widening SDG financing gap, in a moment of heightened global tension and uncertainty.
Now is a moment to take stock of what we achieved. ÌýÌýÌýÌý
We have agreed an outcome document – the Compromiso de Sevilla – that upholds the commitments made in Addis Ababa ten years ago, and seeks to rekindle the sense of hope embodied in the Sustainable Development Goals.
The outcome document contains three major areas of action.
First, an investment push to close the financing gap.
Second, a serious, and long-overdue attempt to confront the debt crisis.
And third, the elevation of developing countries across the international financial architecture.
In addition to the outcome document, the conference has witnessed the unveiling of more than 100 initiatives to turn the outcome document into action, through the Sevilla Platform for Action.
From a global hub for debt swaps to a debt pause alliance; a new tool for Multilateral Development Banks to manage currency risks, and the introduction of the world's first solidarity levy on premium-class flights and private jets to generate new resources for sustainable development including climate action.
This platform has sparked new partnerships and innovative solutions that will deliver real change in people’s lives.
In that spirit, I’m delighted to report today that the Spanish Government will support the UN Secretary-General, in consultation with Member States and stakeholders, to operationalize the Sevilla Forum on Debt.
This commitment, which was supported by Member States in the outcome document, will help countries to learn from one another and coordinate their approaches in debt management and restructuring.
As I think back over the past four days, I've been struck by three aspects about this conference.
First is the remarkable sense of resolve on display.
Second, the conference has been deeply practical.
And third, everyone is focused on implementation.
Taken together - resolve, practicality and implementation – this provides a basis for rebuilding trust.Ìý
This trust needs to be earned.
On that note, I want to acknowledge the frustrations expressed by civil society, who have contributed greatly to this conference but have not had the degree of access they expected.
We hear you and will endeavor to do better at future events.
The journey ahead will not be easy. The global challenges we face will not be overcome overnight.
But I leave Sevilla confident that we can walk that path together with clarity, courage, and commitment.
Let me conclude by expressing my deep gratitude to the people and Government of Spain, who have proven not only to be wonderful hosts, but have demonstrated outstanding leadership on sustainable
development.
Thank you.
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