Advancing Science for Sustainable Development at FfD4: Shaping the Future of Development Finance
Declan Kirrane
Science Summit 2025 | Africa-Europe Science Collaboration | Science For All Foundation | ISC Intelligence| Editor | Printmaker | FfD4 | UN STI Roadmaps | Indigenous Knowledge Systems
?? Science and Innovation Priorities for the UN Financing for Development Conference (FfD4)
??? 30 June – 3 July 2025 | ?? Seville, Spain
The Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) marks a pivotal moment in the global development agenda - the first Financing for Development conference in a decade (FfD3 took place in Addis Ababa in 2015) and likely the last before the critical 2030 SDG milestone. This high-level gathering will bring together global leaders, policymakers, and development finance experts to forge strategies for mobilizing resources and driving sustainable development.
Yet, science and innovation remain underutilized in global financing and policy frameworks. To address this gap, FfD4 will feature a dedicated Science Programme side event, “Advancing Science for Sustainable Development: Integrating Scientific Innovation into the Global Development Agenda.” This event will emphasize the critical role of science, technology, and innovation (STI) in tackling global challenges such as health, artificial intelligence (AI), food security, agriculture, and financial inclusion.
Why Science Matters for Development Finance
The recent zero draft of the FfD4 conclusions, released on 22 January 2025 by the co-facilitators (Mexico, Zambia, Nepal, and Norway), underscores the importance of science, technology, innovation, AI and capacity building in driving sustainable development. The draft highlights:
?? Technological advancements as key drivers of progress
?? Bridging digital divides to ensure equitable access to innovation
?? Harnessing digital technology for biodiversity, food security, health, resilience and sustainable finance for science.
Science Programme Objectives
? Showcase science’s impact on solving development challenges (climate, health, food security, AI)
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? Promote science-informed policymaking to integrate scientific evidence into finance strategies
? Strengthen collaborations between scientists, policymakers, and private sector leaders
? Advocate for increased investment - public and private - in research and innovation as a foundation for sustainable growth
Join the Conversation!
Science and innovation must be at the heart of development finance. Let’s ensure science-driven solutions are a central part of the FfD4 agenda.
?? Register now and be part of this critical dialogue!
#FfD4 #SustainableDevelopment #ScienceForDevelopment #Innovation #GlobalFinance #SDGs #STI
Alex Cahana, MD Nicole Patrice Pilar Gómez Eudy Mabuza Thandi Mgwebi Kenneth Davis Kasigila BRIAN O'CONNOR Iman Amar Aomar Ingrid Liekens Nora Boudghène Bernd Halling Rose Mosero, HSC, FIP Scott Cunningham Holy Ranaivozanany Dr.Razan AlArafah, DDS. MBA Martina De Sole Ciara Leonard Abdulaziz bin Talal Al-Saud Blen Adem Pilar Gómez