(1st informal meeting) Preparatory Committee for the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, Third Session

I call to order the first formal meeting of the third session of the Preparatory Committee of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development. Thank you very much. Good afternoon, everybody. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, comrades, colleagues, on behalf of my co-facilitators and myself, I would like to welcome you all to this informal meeting to begin the first meeting, first reading of the zero draft outcome document of the fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, which was circulated on 17th January and presented to all member states on the 22nd of January. Let me give you some guidance on the proceedings. At the outset, we'd like to outline some guidance on the conduct of our proceedings over the next days. As co-facilitators, we will be open and be receptive to your views and input. As announced at the briefing on 22 January, during the readings, we will go chapter by chapter, collecting comments, proposals and reactions to the contents of the draft, and we will do this reading based on the flow of the document, meaning we will start with the chapeau titled quote, a renewed global financing framework, end quote, and move on as soon as all comments are exhausted for each section. For this exercise, the text will be projected on the screen for everyone to follow. However, please note that the on-screen edits will not be made during this session to allow for more effective reading. As previously noted, as co-facilitators, we encourage member states to focus more on the feasibility of the proposals, contained in the document and not on their language edits. After the conclusion of this third session of the PrepCom, we will review and assess the comments and proposals and will produce a first revised outcome document to be released the week starting 10th of March. We urge distinguished delegates to be concrete and focused in their comments and proposals so that we can hear, we can have a clear understanding of their positions. Delegations are requested to provide their comments in writing by e-mail to, and the e-mail address is, FFD4@un.org. And also you can send them to estatements@un.org. Before giving the floor to the first speaker, I kindly request delegations to observe time limits of five minutes for delegations speaking on behalf of groups and three minutes for states speaking in their national capacity, as well as other speakers. We reserve the right to adjust time limits as necessary in case we have a long list of speakers. In order to keep track of time, a countdown clock will be visible on the screen to alert speakers when it is time to conclude their statements. As necessary, The microphone will be automatically deactivated when the time limit has elapsed. Speakers on behalf of groups shall inform the secretariat in order to be given precedence in the order of speakers. So just to reiterate, we'll go chapter by chapter as stated, starting with the first chapter. I now invite countries to make their request for the floor. I recognize the representative from Iraq, who will be followed by the representative from South Africa. And I recognize representative from Iraq, speaking on behalf of G77. You have the floor.

Thank you. Distinguished co-facilitators, distinguished delegates, allow me first to express our appreciation to the co-facilitators for their efforts in preparing the zero draft. We recognize the dedication and commitment that have gone into crafting this document, which serves as a comprehensive framework to guide our collective efforts in addressing the pressing challenges faced by our members. It is imperative that the outcome reflects the priorities, needs and aspirations of developing countries while ensuring a fair and balanced approach that upholds the principles of multilateralism and international cooperation. As we turn to the global financing framework section, I have the honor to present the following views on the current text on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. Paragraph two requires stronger language on the reform of the international financial architecture rather than simply calling for support. We recall the language contained within the Addis Ababa Action Agenda on the need to advance fully towards any equitable global economic system in which no country or person is left behind. And call for its urgency to be reflected in the document. Additionally, we need an outright reference to the SDG financing gap of… 4.3 trillion US dollar, as well as to reaffirm our commitment to support the SDG stimulus goal of providing $500 billion annually in international public finance to facilitate closing this financing gap. In paragraph four, we suggest revisiting the listing of challenges We need a more balanced approach to the reference to rapid technological change. We also propose using the term climate and disaster related impacts instead of risks, as these impacts are already materializing and accelerating. I think we stop here or how many paragraphs?

We're going up to paragraph four. Okay.

That's it. Thank you.

I presume you're, all right. Thank you so much. Yeah. Thank you. Thank you very much, Iraq. We now give the floor to the representative from Palau. followed by, and after that we'll have South Africa, Palau then South Africa.

Thank you, Mr. co-facilitator, and many thanks to you and to all of the co-facilitators for their work. Palau will be speaking on behalf of the 38 member states of the Alliance of Small Island States, beginning on the first sections, paragraphs one to four. First comment will be on paragraph three. We believe that this can be streamlined further, not to distinguish or make any distinction between the various segments of or the thematic areas of the text, given that not all areas are highlighted in paragraph three. So we would suggest perhaps maybe just saying initiatives and efforts to scale up international development cooperation, for example. Together with the G77 and China, we would also support having a reference to the SDG financing gap to read something closer to at least uh 4 trillion US dollars for developing countries I think this is this needs to be reflected in the uh opening section of the text and then on paragraph four uh we would prefer to have a reference to both disaster related risk and impacts and then we would want to make a reference to the fact that Many commitments and pledges have not been fully met, and this can be reflected also in paragraph four. Thank you.

I thank the representative from Palau. I want to recognize the representative from South Africa. Thank you for your patience, and then we'll have representative from Iceland. South Africa, you have the floor.

Uh, thank you, and like others, we want to thank you for, uh, a good zero draft and for all the hard work, uh, you and your teams have, uh, dedicated to it. So on paragraph two, we, we, we also of the view that we need to reference the SDG financing gap. Uh, the, uh, figure in the UNCTAD World Investment Report from 2023 was $4.3 trillion. I'm sure it's, it's higher now, so we should insert the latest figure. We also should call for, um, I mean, we should, um, reflect the sense that if we, if we don't bridge this gap or fill this gap, we're going to fail in meeting the SDGs by 2030. So we need to reflect the sense of urgency here. so that we, we, we, given that there's, there's a deadline involved. And then we, we also agree that we need to, um, to reference the SDG stimulus, which is, would be the first step towards mobilizing 500 billion a year in international public finance to, to bridge this gap. Thank you.

I thank the representative from South Africa. I recognize the representative from Iceland, followed by the Philippines, then Angola. Iceland, you have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. I am honored to deliver this statement on behalf of Iceland. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the co-facilitators for their impressive work on this excellent zero draft. As progress towards the sustainable development goals is off track, it is clear that financing challenges need to be addressed in order to generate the momentum needed for reform and transformative change. We appreciate the constructive language and reference to the Addis Ababa Action Agenda that indeed must serve as the foundation for this outcome document. The Addis Ababa Action Agenda recognizes that gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but also a crucial driver of sustainable development and economic growth. In that context, we would like to highlight the importance of having a strong reference to gender equality and women's empowerment in this section, including the need for bridging the gender financing gap. Finally, we suggest adding a reference to demographic change as one of the challenges impacting the financing for development landscape, as shifting demographics greatly.

I thank the representative from Iceland. I now give the floor to the representative of the Philippines, then Angola. Philippines, you have the floor.

Mr. Chair, we reserve our comments for the next paragraph. Thank you.

Thank you for your efficiency. All right, so we'll have representative from Angola, and then we'll have the European Union. Angola, you have the floor.

Yes, thank you, co-facilitators. So I got the pleasure to deliver these comments on behalf of the African group. The African group aligns itself with the comments delivered by G77 and China. We want to make the following comments. So the zero draft contains only specific mentions to Africa. This compares negatively with the Addis Ababa African Agenda, which had 21 specific reference to Africa. including the numerous flagship projects of the African Union, Agenda 2063, and the first 10-year implementation plan, and specific references to the NEPAD and to the GA resolutions on Africa. We call for explicit commitments to the supporting continental initiatives such as the second 10-year implementation plan, the African Development Fund, and the African Continental Free Trade Adjustment Fund. African countries face particular structural challenges in terms of financing for development, which requires systemic action at the national, regional, and global levels. As such, the unique challenge of African countries need to be better reflected in the document to deliver truly transformative financing. Regarding to the section we are talking, Paragraph two in our vision needs to refer to the SDG financing gap of $4.3 trillion and the fact that we need to take urgent action now to ensure that we do not miss the goals, including the SDG stimulus proposal to provide 500 billion a year international public financing to help to close the gap. So I will come back on the next paragraphs. Thank you.

Thank you very much, Angola. And now recognize the representative from Morocco. I'm sorry, the European Union, then Morocco. EU.

Thank you. Thank you, Excellency. And I won't waste valuable seconds going into general comments as my ambassador did this morning, but just to say again that this is an excellent basis for our discussions and congratulations for that. And just two kind of general comments. One is on the timeline. You were saying that we would receive a draft in the week of the 10th March, and that's great, but anything, even partial texts or something before that would probably be appreciated in terms of coordinating groups. It's going to be a challenge with the timelines. And the second point is that I'll make some comments on the sections as requested, but we will also forward detailed suggestions. You don't need to follow these linguistic suggestions. in detail, but they are maybe for inspiration and to explain our comments in more detail. So I'll just quickly comment on this section. The first one is actually in relation to the title, and we have a suggestion to throughout the text rather than referring to a global financing framework, if it would make more sense to talk about a global framework for sustainable financing, if that is something that could be considered. A general remark on paragraph two is that it's a very negative characterization of the state of the IFA, which we don't entirely recognize, and we are going to propose some edits to basically say the same thing, that there's room for improvement, that we need to make efforts, but also recognizing that, A, it's not just the mechanisms and financial architecture that are solely responsible for failure and progress. and b) that we need to recognize a bit more what has already been done, what is already being done, so have the consistency there. We also agree with your intention to avoid agreed language, but in some places it may be that this will be the easiest solution. For example, the PACT language was very ambitious and it was tweaked to a very extreme extent, so there may be places where that might be the acceptable compromise, but I think we're still far from that. Just in more detail on the paragraphs, so in paragraph two, again, we'll suggest some tweaks to reflect that the financing is a major challenge, but there are other challenges that it's not maybe the only challenge. We will also suggest there that some pact language could be useful to take inspiration from. In paragraph three, we would like to add some more elements on the characterization of the environment, of the challenges. So in relation to inequalities and fragilities, a reference to environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, And so, and conflicts in addition to geopolitical challenges, um, in relation to the, how the, um, financing divide is, um, is drafted. We would suggest to draft that in a way that reflects that there are divides within and between countries, not necessarily between developed and developing only, but maybe broadening that language and adding that women, indigenous people and vulnerable, the vulnerable continue to be excluded from participating fully in the economy. We are suggesting two new paragraphs. One of them is recognizing that the achievement of human potential is not possible without full recognition of the contribution and rights of women and girls. And so we have a paragraph to suggest on that. And the second paragraph, which will suggest some language, we don't have it today, but which would refer to the three dimensions of sustainable development. Thank you, Chair. Oh, and if there would, if you could have a clock counting, that would be useful because I have a lot of comments and we'll try to get, squeeze them into the five minutes allocated. Thank you.

Thank you very much for your suggestions. I will try and get the clock going because we committed to it in the opening remarks. Thank you very much. I want to now recognize the representative from Morocco, followed by Guatemala. Morocco.

Thank you, Ambassador. I would like to express my delegation's appreciation to the work of the co-facilitators in producing a good basis for negotiation, and we welcome your efforts in this regard. Two brief comments regarding this first specific section. Generally, we welcome the attempt to address the critical challenges in financing for development in this section through emphasizing the need for transformative change. overcoming obstacles and enhancing fiscal space. However, we see that, and specifically paragraph two, could benefit from better setting the tone for the rest of the document in terms of the reality check that is needed for FFD and explicitly conveying the sense of urgency required in terms of addressing the shortfall in terms of financing for development and the need for immediate immediate action and decisive responses. We also joined the call of the G77 and African group regarding paragraph two to refer to the SDG financing gap of $4.3 trillion and thus the necessity to tap into practical solutions such as the SDG stimulus and the proposal to provide $500 billion a year to help close the gap. Thank you, Chair.

Thank you very much. I now recognize the representative from Guatemala, who will be followed by a representative from the Russian Federation. Guatemala, you have the floor.

Thank you very much, Mr. co-facilitator, for giving me the floor. Guatemala aligns with the statement delivered on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. We'd like to take advantage of this opportunity to thank the co facilitators for the excellent work they've undertaken in the drafting of the zero draft. You can count on our delegation's support in ensuring that we have a successful outcome document. First impressions for this part of the document well, my delegation would like to state the following the scope of the paragraph we think the commitments need to be measurable and clear, and so we think that this is very important and it needs to be reflected. We support the fact that the document explicitly reflects the principle of joint but differentiated responsibilities following Rio+20. Poverty and inequality and how that is addressed in the document should be more comprehensive, taking into account different sorts of vulnerability. My delegation also highlights the importance of finding appropriate language to highlight the close link between the peace building agenda and financing for development, as peace, particularly positive peace and stability, are needed for there to be sustainable economic growth. All of this should reflect the complexity of this matter, taking into account commitments already entered into. Generally speaking, we believe that the document should strongly focus on institutional capacity building, as this is key for the provision of essential public services and social protection. That is particularly for paragraphs 9 and 14. My delegation will continue to actively participate in discussions. Thank you very much.

Mr. President, I thank the delegation from Guatemala and I recognise the delegate from the Russian Federation, followed by Colombia. Russia, you have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. At the outset, I'd like to thank the coordinators for preparing the zero draft and propose our proposals. In this section, we believe that the proposed title could create a correct understanding of its content. The term framework usually indicates a certain procedure or order of actions, but the text in describing a general picture of what is happening, the overall situation in this area. Therefore, I propose using the word landscape instead of framework. Paragraph 2, there is the word crisis used for sustainable development, which is a value-laden judgment, but internationalisation publications do not confirm there is any crisis and that term is not widely used. Therefore, we proposed specifying and adding precision to the use of the word crisis to avoid any misinterpretation. The use of the term agreement in the final document could lead to legal complications, so we'd like to suggest alternative solutions. We support a balance not only when it comes to financing for development, but also an analysis for existing problems, and we'll send our suggestions to the coordinators. We also oppose excessive climate alarmism in paragraph four and the rest of the text. Thank you.

I thank the representative from the Russian Federation. I now give the floor to the representative from Colombia, followed by Canada. So Colombia, you have the floor.

Thank you, co-facilitator. Colombia considers that the introductory section should be clear about the urgency of the meeting and its need. Paragraph two should clearly indicate the existing financing gap to achieve the SDGs since closing this gap is at the center of the purpose of the conference. We note that the balance between progress and urgent additional efforts that is being portrayed between paragraphs three and four, and we can go along with this approach. However, it is critical that the paragraph four addresses the need to substantially advance the reform of the international financial architecture, considering it is one of the central elements in the mandate of the conference and will be a key criteria to define the success of this negotiation process. The current formulation in paragraph four does not reflect a sense of reform and could even be interpreted as reinforcing existing dynamics. Additionally, we believe it is important for the document to call for greater recognitions of financing needs for countries in conflict and post-conflict transition within the zero draft throughout the document, not particularly in this section. Sustainable development cannot be fully achieved without addressing the structural challenges of territories affected by violence. Colombia urges the inclusion of a dedicated space for financing solutions tailored to countries facing internal conflict and transitioning to peace, ensuring equitable access to resources for stabilization and long-term development. Thank you.

I thank the representative from Colombia. I now give the floor to the representative from Canada, who will be followed by the representative from Argentina. Canada, you have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. Canada is of the view that the AAA remains a relevant and comprehensive framework to align financing flows to the SDGs and understood that there is a strong preference to maintain it as the fundamental element for FFD4. We wonder whether the framing of a renewed global financing framework in the zero draft suggests an approach which is contrary to this. We propose that the outcome document instead be grounded in a renewed commitment to upholding the goals and ambitions outlined in Addis. To this end, our initial view is that the outcome document could usefully take the form of an action strategy or plan to complement the AAA. We could also envision a declaration that confirms the continued relevance of the AAA and lists agreed actions to support and advance its implementation. FFD4 presents an opportunity to break out of old ways of thinking. However, the outcome documents proposals must still be realistic and actionable. If Addis already outlines the what we need to do, FFD4 should be the moment for us to determine how we're going to get there. Thank you.

I thank the representative from Canada. Now I'll give the floor to the representative from Argentina, who will be followed by the representative from the People's Republic of China. Argentina, you have the floor.

Thank you very much, Mr. Co-facilitator. First of all, we'd like to welcome this draft and the work done by the co-facilitators throughout this process in the run-up to the fourth FSD conference. Argentina would like to express a general reservation about the 2030 agenda, which we believe is made-up of legally non-binding aspirations which each state in pursuing their own sovereignty has the right to interpret and pursue freely. Given this, we reserve our national position as in terms of references to the 2030 Agenda and sustainable development, and this also covers paragraphs which go against the guiding principles of the protection of life, freedom and private property, and those which refer to gender and climate change. Argentina understands that the outcome document of the conference shouldn't merely be a reflection of the 2030 agenda but should rather pertain to development more broadly. Thank you.

I thank the representative from Argentina. I now give the floor to the representative from the People's Republic of China, who will be followed by the representative from Cuba. China, you have the floor.

Thank you, Chair.

China endorses the statement made by the representative of Iraq on behalf of the 277 and China. We appreciate the work, the enormous amount of work done by the co-facilitators. We believe the zero draft provides a useful basis for the consultations. The outcome, the preamble, the preamble is the pragmatic part of the entire outcome document. focusing on clotting political consensus and making solemn commitments. It needs to reflect political foresight and long-term thinking. It should not be overly lengthy. The card to paragraph one through four, we have three main proposals or comments. Firstly, At the summit of the future and in the pact for the future of respecting national leaders when emphasizing the humanity have undertaken to build a world of peace, security, prosperity, openness, inclusiveness and sustainability. The outcome document should reflect this important consensus by calling on the international community to practice true multilateralism, take joint actions across common challenges and achieve shared development. Secondly, we should make sure that the economic reform should move towards a more equitable direction while emphasizing what is emphasized in the acceptable action agenda to fully promote a fair global economic system leaving no one and no country behind. Thirdly, The greatest challenges currently facing the international community are unilateralism, protectionism, and acts of agreement breaking and group withdrawal. Paragraph four should highlight these challenges and rebuild trust and confidence in multilateralism.

Thank you.

I thank the representative from the People's Republic of China. I now give the floor to the representative of Cuba, who will be followed by the representative of Iran. Cuba, you have the floor.

Thank you, Mr. Co-facilitator. At the outset, I would like to thank the organization of this meeting, as well as the production of the zero draft. I would like to align my delegation's comments with those made already by the G77 and China and EOSIS. I would have a couple of comments in national capacity supporting those comments already made, including by several from the floor as well in their national capacity. We believe that though the international context is quite challenging with unilateralism at a rise, including blackmailing to the UN system by some countries, the best we can hope for is reverting to multilateralism. And this conference is at a moment, comes at a moment that we should take use of that. We believe that the text, to be adopted in Seville should be as ambitious as the context allows us, but it needs to be ambitious and it cannot go below, in our humble opinion, the threshold set by Addis ten years ago. We are on a tight schedule because the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which is the widest agreement on development, is five years from today to be adopted. So I would also echo the comments on the financing gap already made by the G77 and several delegations in national capacity in this part of the text. We believe it sets the tone for the conversation. Thank you.

I thank the representative from Cuba and now give the floor to the representative from the Islamic Republic of Iran, who will be followed by the representative from Honduras. Iran, you have the floor.

Thank you, Excellency, for the floor.

We also joining others and thanks you and your fellow co-facilitators for your job. And then we align ourselves with the statement delivered by Iraq on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. Just we wanted to highlight three issues. The first issue is that we believe that the finance for development is a pact for developing countries to achieve sustainable development. So the spirit and the focus of the document should be focused on the development development pillars. The second pillar, we agree with some of the colleagues that highlighting the holding multilateralism, we also believe that the spirit of the document should be focused on strengthening the multilateralism. And then we also wanted to mention that the challenges that we are suffering from, as some of the colleague highlighted, like the unilateral coercive measures should also be highlighted in the text. The reason is that one because having such a kind of hinders and problem, we cannot proceed. And then more than 40 countries in this organization suffering from the unilateral coercive measures, and this is a hinder to achieving a sustainable development. And then the last point of my delegation is that we support the comment made by the group of the African group regarding the highlighting the gap that exists to achieving the sustainable development.

Thank you. I thank the representative of Iran. I now recognize the representative from Honduras, who will be followed by the representative from Indonesia. Uh, Honduras, you have the floor.

Our delegation would like to thank the co-facilitators for the text, which we believe is a good starting point in the run up to Seville. You can count on our support. We believe that in terms of, the global financing framework, we need to have this reviewed and adjusted to these uncertain times. The new financial architecture for development must be aligned with current systematic challenges, allowing there to be agile and flexible responses to rapidly changing crises. As such, my delegation would like to highlight the following points. First, this new architecture requires governance reforms and greater participation from the Global South within international financial institutions. A far reaching reform should include a redefinition of the criteria for the allocation of resources, which should favour developing countries. Second, while the introduction of a subsection on the renewed global framework places at its heart human rights, there is no mention of intersectionality of rights, and there aren't any direct mentions either of the groups who are vulnerable, who are mentioned, however, in the Addis Ababa agenda. Third, adding the theme fiscal reforms to increase income, although later on this is addressed, we should take into account the fact that countries such as Honduras, which despite having improved its fiscal policy in terms of capacity and institutional improvements, well here we should talk about a transition from capacity towards progressivity for those Particular instances.

I thank the representative of Honduras. I now recognize the representative from the, from Indonesia, who will be followed by the Holy See, Brazil, Fiji, and Yemen. So, Indonesia, you have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. Um, Indonesia aligns itself with the intervention delivered by Iraq on behalf of the G77 and China, and we wish to add the following intervention in our national capacity. Indonesia joins other colleagues to extend our appreciation to the co-facilitators for the draft, which provides a good basis to continue our discussions. In this subsection, our inputs are as follows. First, Indonesia calls for stronger language on the advancement of the reform of the international financial architecture, such as one in paragraph two. We see that the current architecture is outdated and incapable of responding to present and future challenges. Therefore, we call for the stronger language to reflect the need for a fairer global financial system that ensures developing countries have a stronger voice in decision-making, particularly within the international financial institutions. Second one, we also support the idea to mention the figure of SDG financing gap, which accounts for $4 trillion at this moment. This will help us to monitor our progress on how, at the end, this document will help us narrow the financing gaps. Third one, in para four, we are of the view that deepening digital divide could be an alternative to replace rapid technological change to align with the context of the whole paragraph. Lastly, we are of the view that the commitment of aligning our efforts with the SDGs shall be mentioned in the subsection. Thank you so much.

I thank the representative of Indonesia. I now give the floor to the representative of the Holy See, then Brazil, Fiji. Holicea, you have the floor.

Thank you, Mr. Co-facilitator, and thank you to all of you for your work in preparing this draft. Regarding paragraphs one through four, we recognize that these foundational paragraphs set the tone for the entire document and reaffirm our collective commitment to a renewed global financing system which truly serves the integral development of all people. The Holy See emphasizes that any such system must be anchored in a fundamental moral obligation to ensure that the financial systems promote the inherent dignity of every human person and prioritize the needs of the most vulnerable. Central to such efforts is the eradication of poverty. As such, the Holy See believes there is a need for a clear and explicit reference to poverty eradication in paragraph two. Without this recognition, we risk undermining the commitment the entire global community made in 2015 to eradicate all forms of poverty and achieve sustainable development for all. Moreover, it's essential that this document explicitly aligns with the 2030 agenda. As we enter the final five years, covering half the lifespan of this declaration, it is critical that the urgency and ambition of our shared commitments remain at the forefront. While we welcome the reference to the agenda and its goals in paragraph four, the Holy See believes there is value in including a standalone paragraph that reinforces the centrality and implementation of the 2030 agenda as the guiding framework for sustainable development. Finally, we see the merit in having a paragraph dedicated to the cross-cutting issues that are touched on throughout the draft, including inter alia ending poverty and hunger, protecting our environment, addressing climate change, and enabling decent work. Thank you.

I thank the representative from the Holy See. I now give the floor to the representative of Brazil, then Fiji, after that Yemen, and then Australia. The representative from Brazil, you are well recognized.

Thank you, Chair. Brazil aligns itself with the comments made by Iraq on behalf of the G77, and I'd like to make a few comments in our national capacity. Just two very quick general comments on the context of this conference. and what this means to multilateralism at a time where it's facing tremendous challenges. Financing for development is a positive agenda. It's at the heart of the North-South dialogue and crucial to implementing our shared priorities and development goals as enshrined in the 2030 agenda. So we have responsibility here as a group to make sure that within the framework of this very positive agenda, we can achieve ambitious results as has been called for by other delegations. Very specific comments to the text, so we don't take too much time. With regards to paragraph two at the end, when we talk about reform of the international financial architecture, we would like to add to provide an effective safety net and to expand fiscal space and to increase the voice of developing countries. With regards to para four, we would like to add have not been sufficient and have not kept pace with rising needs. This is at the beginning and rising social and economic inequalities. When we speak about after increasing climate and disaster related risks, we mentioned technology. We would add rapid and not yet properly regulated a technological change. And after pandemics, we would suggest, um, so technological disease outbreaks, pandemics, continuous violence against women and girls, and rising geopolitical challenges. Thank you, Chair.

I thank the representative of Brazil. I now give the floor to the representative of Fiji, who will be followed by the representative of Yemen, then Australia. Uh, Fiji, you have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. Fiji wishes to first and foremost thank you, co-chairs, for your hard work and the leadership as reflected in the draft documents before us. In aligning with Fiji's intervention in the PR level consultations last fortnight, this draft document is comprehensive and has many of the core elements needed to be finalized and agreed upon. It is clear that global financing capacity beyond Addis Ababa action has been further widened. It is increasingly urgent in this FFD that stronger collaborative efforts that will reduce the financing gaps be instituted. We, as countries in special situations or the small island developing countries like Fiji, are highly vulnerable and should be at the center to this goal. With this, Fiji also aligns our reflections with that of the G77 in China as delivered by Iraq and the IOSIS as delivered by Palau. Just on the text from para 1 to 4, two points that we would like to raise in our national capacity. One is on the call to action and commitment on the reform of the financial architecture. Fiji supports the call for stronger language such as commitment and saying we commit instead of we support in paragraphs two. Along with this language, it is important to also articulate and make clear Under paragraph four of the SDG financing gap of around 4.3 trillion along, uh, the line on widening financing divides, as this has direct implications among others on the realization or lack of, uh, lack therefore in fulfillment of these SDG goals. In relation to paragraph four, the second point is regarding SIDS disaster risk. While we appreciate the inclusion of disaster language, we would also appreciate and prefer to use disaster impacts along with disaster risks, particularly for small island countries, as Fiji, like in many Pacific island countries, are not only at extreme risks, but we are also testament to the frequent and high impactful disasters. which has wrecked offshores from cyclones, flooding, and other changes, in addition to the climate change and sea level rise. Thank you.

I thank the representative from Fiji. And now I'll give the floor to representative of Yemen, who will be followed by Australia, then the United Kingdom, Paraguay. Yemen, you have the floor.

Thank you very much, Yeah, being the last, one of the last ones, I think I don't have lots of comments to give, but it just on paragraph two, while the introduction acknowledges the global challenges of human suffering and systemic risk, I think it's very important to emphasize the interconnectedness of crises, such as the links between the climate change, economic instability, and food insecurity. So in Yemen, we have all these matters related to food security that worsened by climate shock and others. So we call for a holistic approach to address these interconnected challenges. So we recommend and we call for adding language on the interconnected nature of crisis and the need for integrated solutions that address climate and economic as well as food security.

Thank you.

I thank the representative of Yemen. I now recognize the representative of Australia, then UK. Australia.

Thank you, Chair. First of all, we'd like to thank the co-facilitators for preparing the zero draft and all their hard work. As to the particulars for paras one to four, we'd like to start in para one with a commitment to reaffirm commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 development goals. The 2030 Agenda is the indispensable guide to what we're working towards through FFD4 and this should be recognized in the first para. Para 2 calls out the international financial architecture as a key reason for why the SDGs are off track. Now we don't disagree that it has a role to play, however we see this being characterized in an unbalanced way because in reality it reflects all financing challenges among many other reasons. And why I raise this is in para three, we want to give due recognition to efforts to respond to challenges highlighted in para four, in particular international financial architecture reforms and those already made by international financial institutions. Otherwise, we risk abandoning efforts that have and will continue to support unlocking greater and more impactful finance to implement the 2030 agenda. Lastly, in para four, we'd like to give recognition that widening financial divides within countries have adversely impacted realization of sustainable development, not just across countries. Thank you.

I thank the representative from Australia. I now give the floor to the representative of the UK, who will be followed by Paraguay, Costa Rica, and Kiribati. United Kingdom, you have the floor.

Thank you co-facilitators for preparing a good zero draft, which is a strong basis for us all to build on. Recognizing that we're now discussing paragraphs one to four, we would like to start by giving this statement which relates to the whole global financing framework segment, but also applies to the remainder of the text. We want this document to set collective political ambition for global financial system reform and agree clear, realistic actions to unlock the urgent financing needed from all sources to deliver the SDGs. To be transformational, the text needs to address what progress has been made since 2015 and what work is already underway. What's changed since 2015 and the challenges that we now face. Our collective vision for the system to respond. And finally, how we can ensure finances spent with maximum impact for people and planet, including by addressing fragmentation. This will ensure that this critical document captures both the realities and interlinked challenges that countries are experiencing and the transformative solutions necessary to meet the moment that we're in. We need to bring more urgency to reform, to implement and update the Addis Toolkit. And to do this, We think the focus across the text should be on actions to shockproof the system and build resilience, to drive sustainable growth, scale up prearranged financing, develop new innovative financial instruments, unlock private capital, tackle unsustainable debt and illicit finance, support the needs of fragile and vulnerable countries, reform the MDBs, empower women and girls, and to leave no one behind. We want to see this thread of reform across the text to ensure that we have a financing framework that delivers for everyone everywhere. We look forward to working in partnership to agree a strong outcome and to ensure that these actions are agreed and implemented going forward. Thank you.

Thank you. I thank the representative of the United Kingdom and now give the floor to the representative of Paraguay, then Costa Rica. Paraguay, you have the floor.

Mr President, turning to the section about a global financing framework, we would highlight the importance of recognising and addressing the particular needs of countries in special situations, which includes landlocked developing countries. Given this, we are in favour of the priorities included in the new programme of action for landlocked developing countries for 2024 to 2034, we would be in support of that being integrated and duly taken into account in the global financing framework. Finally, in terms of different sources of financing to combat food insecurity and malnutrition, my delegation believes that all financing should be consistent with the rules governed by the multilateral trade system. and especially the WTO agreement on agriculture. Thank you.

Thank you very much. I thank the representative from Paraguay. I now give the floor to the representative of Costa Rica, followed by Kiribati and then the United States. Costa Rica, you have the floor. Thank

you very much, Chairman. Costa Rica would like to express its thanks to the co-facilitator and the UN system for the preparation for rather convening this third preparatory session in the run-up to FFD4. My country welcomes the drafting of this zero draft for the fourth conference, and we believe that it lays ambitious, inclusive foundations to address global finance challenges. We echo the comments of the G77 and China. In terms of the first section, allow me to turn to the following aspects. First, we should integrate environmental sustainability into regulations and financial markets. Biodiversity and systems should be recognised as essential assets for economic growth. Costa Rica welcomes the reference to biodiversity in this section and calls upon you to consider tools to quantify natural resources and ecosystem services of countries as national capital of states. Second, natural disasters are ever more frequently affecting our populations and having an impact on development, and we therefore need to step up international cooperation and investment to contend with the fallout and impact of these phenomena on developing countries. Third, in terms of the environment, it's important to draw attention to the question of mitigation, as done by the document, but this should be deepened so that we can generate better capacity to build state resilience. Fourth, we should strengthen language recognising challenges faced by middle income countries. While provisions do refer to challenges faced by these countries, they should be more specifically taking into account their financing needs. Middle income countries face higher costs for debt and they have limited access to concessional financing. These are gaps which require specific solutions. Fifth, the global financing framework should be multidimensional. There are structural gaps, major structural gaps in countries irrespective of their GDP per capita and that should be borne in mind. Thank you.

I thank the representative of Costa Rica. And I'll give the floor to representative of Kiribati, who will be followed by representatives of United States, then we'll have Republic of Korea. Kiribati, the floor is yours.

Thank you, co-facilitators. Apologies in advance as I'm representing the LDCs, and I'll be giving the points on behalf of the LDC, which is integral to the overarching framework of this section. So the global financ- financing framework section is of paramount importance as it establishes the foundation of the outcome document and contains vital elements for our disease. While we appreciate the newt- renewed focus on this framework, current commitments remain inadequate to address systematic systemic failures disproportionately affecting LDCs. With only five years left to achieve the sustainable development goals, we propose critical announcements to align this framework with the urgent needs of the 44 LDCs, where over 32% of the population lives in extreme poverty. The draft correctly identifies that SDG progress is really off track, with only 17% of the SDGs on track globally. LDCs bear the brunt of widening financing divides. We support retaining language on the need for transformative change to reform the international financial architecture. And we call for reflecting the SDG stimulus and advancing it in the first section. We also call for more emphasis needs to be placed on commitment to eradicate poverty in all its form and dimension. While the emphasis on IFFs in paragraph seven aligns with DPOA paragraph 29, 78% of LDCs lack the capacity to implement INFFs without technical and financial support. Recognition of climate impact as formidable challenges in para 22 is crucial given that LDCs face climate related losses averaging 9% of GDP annually despite contributing less than 1.5% of global emissions. While paragraph five calls for large scale investment push, LDCs require binding targets to significantly scale up global climate finance from current levels. We fully support provisions for reforming IFIs para six.

However, we need a strong call to increase concession.

Just to confirm that we're covering paragraphs one to four. So maybe if you can preserve your comments for that paragraph. Okay, so we'll reserve that for the end. Just check your notes so that.

Thank you.

Okay. Thank you very much. All right, I do want to recognize now the representative from the United States. and then we'll have Republic of Korea and then Bangladesh. United States.

Thank you, Excellency and co-chairs. At the outset, I underscore that the United States is currently evaluating its membership and participation in all international organizations and processes. Thus, we are reserving on the whole draft at this time. We are deeply concerned about the length and scope of the zero draft and emphasize the need for a concise, voluntary, and non-binding FFD4 outcome document. A reorientation and substantial reductions in length and scope will be necessary for a consensus document. The length of the current draft makes it unworkable and we suggest deletions wherever possible. Overall, we suggest that 30 tightly worded paragraphs rather than 30 pages is the sort of approach that could result in meaningful discussions on pursuit of shared interests. We would suggest reductions here at the top of the document since these sections are less action oriented. We had hoped for a draft that captures shared ambitions with a focus on core competencies and coordination without attempting to expand the UN's mandate. We are thus particularly concerned with the draft's use instead of prescriptive language that does not adequately respect the independent mandates and governance of other bodies. The document cannot presuppose the outcome of deliberations by their governing bodies. Additionally, the United States cannot agree to text that contains terms and concepts that conflict with US policies as set out in President Trump's recent executive orders. U.S. federal civil rights law protects Americans from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The United States cannot accept language on DEIA programs or with regards to gender ideology. We welcome, however, programs that promote equal economic opportunities for all. We look forward to elaborating on these and other significant concerns during the course of the week. Thank you.

I now Thank you very much for your submission. I now recognize the representative from Republic of Korea and then Bangladesh and then we'll have Cameroon. Republic of Korea.

Mr. Chair, the end of the paragraph four emphasized the importance of creating the new global financing framework and doing other urgent action to financing divide. However, the true success depends on how swiftly and effectively we implement these proposals. So it is necessary to put sentences asking us to translate the proposals into concrete policies, meaningful partnerships and robust accountability mechanisms. It is also necessary to make it clear that only through sustained dedication across government, civil society, private sectors, and all the other stakeholders, can the global financing framework deliver on each promise, such as narrowing the financing gap? Thank you.

I thank the representative of the Republic of And I'll give the floor to Bangladesh and then Cameroon. Bangladesh, you have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. Bangladesh aligns itself with LDCs and G77 and China. We reiterate the importance of complying with the principles adopted in Addis Ababa Action Agenda mentioned by some of our former colleagues. These initial paragraphs we believe should embody the essence and spirit of FFDE4. Uh, as to specific para wise comments in the paragraph one and two, the acknowledgement of progress of implementing Addis Ababa action agenda is appreciated, but the paragraph one and two should acknowledge that we have not kept pace with the rising needs. This we believe would infuse dynamism in acknowledging that the needs are changing and rising and we need to step up to the occasion. As for paragraph two, we also would like to mention that the needs to highlight the disproportionate impact of adverse global macroeconomic conditions, rising inequalities, escalating debt burdens, climate and disaster related risks and geopolitical challenges on developing countries, especially LDCs, this should be mentioned. As in paragraph three, We would like to suggest while a large scale investment push for sustainable development is supported, this para must ensure that such investments are aligned with the specific needs and priorities of the developing countries and LDCs and this should not exacerbate debt vulnerabilities. As for paragraph four, the commitment to multilateralism and global solidarity is crucial, but the para should push for concrete actions to ensure the developing countries have a stronger voice and representation in global governance structures. And this we believe should set the tone for the next paragraph titled, renewed global financial framework. I thank you.

Thank you very much. I thank the representative from Bangladesh and I'll give the floor to the representative from Cameron and then Madagascar, then we'll have Japan and Jamaica. So Cameron, you have the floor.

Thank you. Thank you to give me a floor.

The global framework that we're going to adopt is pivotal for the financing of development at the international level. In paragraph three, there's emphasis made on the private sector and innovative financing. As you know, in Africa overall, the private sector is dealing with major financing problems. For bankers, this is due to inadequate banking guarantees from the private sector. Cameron therefore proposes, as part of the reform of international financial architecture, a particular emphasis on managing guarantor funds for developing countries. In addition, Cameron suggests that climate financing be separated from public, from federal development aid. Thank you.

Thank you very much. I now give the floor to the representative of Madagascar and then Japan, Jamaica. Madagascar, you have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. We align ourselves with the statement made by G77, as well as the LDCs and the African Group. In our national capacity, we'd like to speak to paragraph two. Here, we should insist on the importance of reforming the international financial architecture by establishing sustainable financing, focusing on multilateral cooperation, and aligning national measures with global goals. In paragraph three, we suggest that the global financing framework work, the renewed version ought to focus on eradicating poverty and hunger, as well as combating climate change. In paragraph three, we would like to underscore the alignment of financing for SDGs and the priorities of LDCs, strengthening investment in sustainable infrastructure and supporting targeted funds for inclusive development. Thank you, Chair.

I thank the representative of Madagascar. And I'll give the floor to the representative of Japan and followed by Jamaica. Japan, you have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. Japan also expresses its appreciation to the co-facilitators. Let me make a brief comment on paragraph three. We appreciate the reference to domestic resource mobilization and private sector engagement here. Regarding the expansion of donor base for international cooperation, we would like to emphasize the importance of including emerging economies as donors. Thank you.

Thank you for your efficiency. All right, so we have Jamaica. So we have Jamaica as the last member state requesting, and then we'll move to civil society. Jamaica, you have the floor.

Thank you, Mr. co-facilitator. Jamaica aligns itself with the statements delivered by the G77 and China, as well as AOSIS.

We support the call

for stronger language on reforming international financial architecture and for the inclusion of language on addressing the SDG financing gap

and by extension supporting the SDG stimulus goal.

In addition, we wish to see poverty and its impact on the attainment of sustainable development addressed in this section. Poverty and its eradication are critical given their impact, their significant impact on member states, in particular the most vulnerable. Thank you.

Thank you very much for your efficiency. I have four requests from civil society. The first will be Society for International Development. The next will be Asia Pacific Forum on Women, Law and Development. The third will be GELIDS Black Women's Institute Civil Society Institute. And then the last one will be Human Rights Watch. So the floor goes to Society for International Development. The floor is yours.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chair, for the opportunity to contribute to these conversations. Before I give my comments on this section, I would like to note that as civil society, we don't take lightly the opportunity to participate in these discussions. We value the transparency and accountability that has characterized these FFD discussions to date. We are therefore concerned by the modalities that look to limit civil society participation moving forward. And so we'd like to make a request to review this in order to preserve civil society access to these negotiations. With regards to the text, we wish to recognize the primacy of the United Nations within the global financing framework. Strengthening this language throughout this section is particularly important. As civil society, we are elated to see member states in the room participating in this multilateral process. We live in times in which international cooperation and multilateralism is under threat on key issues such as health, climate, and most importantly, in the context of this forum, economic issues. Despite this, we have seen the establishment of multilateral processes such as the United Nations Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation. And this is charting a path at a time when many are questioning multilateralism. This is a process that we called for 10 years ago at the FFD3, and today we see it underway, kickstarted by Member States as a result of the need to not only have inclusive and universal processes that are required to transform the international tax architecture, but also have binding instruments within an institution that has the jurisdiction to do so, the United Nations. Lastly, the point we'd like to make is that it's important that this document seeks to be more ambitious and provide concrete and actionable governance and normative reforms. We therefore request that throughout the negotiations this be the primary focus of Member States.

Thank you, Mr

Thank you very much. And I'll give the floor to the representative of Asia Pacific Forum on Women, Land and Development. You have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. This is the first time in the history of FFD that civil society has been shut out of negotiations. We reject these modalities. FFD for severe legacy will be the shrinking of civil society space. While FFF4 is expected to reinforce and renew prior commitments and existing efforts, especially those of the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, we are concerned that the section on global financing framework fails to take a structural approach in addressing systemic issues. The text makes little to no mention, particularly of the human rights and fundamental freedom of women and girls in all their diversity, nor the continued violation of the rights of workers, migrants, indigenous communities, people by descent, with disabilities and other disproportionately affected marginalized communities. Gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls has been merely instrumentalized and mentioned in a tokenistic way without recognizing the structures that perpetuate discrimination and inequalities for women and girls. Given the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the global trend on the rollback of gender equality rights, it is essential that the outcome document prioritizes a gender transformative approach approach and recognizes it as key to achieving sustainable development. Feminists demand a systems approach that addresses the deeply patriarchal root causes of the crises and prioritizes rights-based development programming. We demand transformative structural solutions toward the objective of gender and race equity, including through scaling up non-debt creating public financing, gender responsive and transformative solutions across all dimensions of sustainable development. There is an urgency to reverse the neo-colonial, neo-liberal patterns for equitable financing for the global south and usher in a just, equitable and transformative financial architecture that is based on care, justice and reparations. Specifically, we call for incorporating a feminist approach to fiscal policies to achieve sufficient financing that guarantees women's human rights and substantive equality between women and men and between and within countries. We call for a UN convention framework on tax and in explicit reference to global and domestic tax reform to raise revenue through progressive tax systems that guarantee and promote women's and girls' rights. We call for a UN convention on sovereign debt for a multilateral debt resolution which entails debt renegotiation processes and debt relief including cancellation of all odious and illegitimate debt burdens. Lastly, we call on F54 to recognize the crucial role of feminist organizations and civil society in shaping, implementing and monitoring financial and fiscal policies. Their effective inclusion is imperative to ensure greater accountability and transparency in all processes and to ensure transformative solutions that effectively respond to the realities of those most affected. Thank you.

Thank you very much. Just to remind you that we are covering chapters one to four. I have two remaining speakers on my list. The next is Galid's Black Women's Institute, and then we'll have the last speaker, which is Human Rights Watch. Black Women's Institute. The floor is yours.

Thank you, Chair. I am Leticia Leubitz, represent Galadaz Black Women Institute from Brazil, and I speak on behalf of the Civil Society Finance for Development Mechanism. The zero draft documents still overlooks critical gaps concerning equity within finance governance and the mobilization of private resource. To accelerate progress, diverse and inclusion criteria must be fully integrate into our investment source and instruments. The document currently lacks a strong commitment to the diversity equity and inclusion principles. These codes must become a standard in capital market analysis and investment decision making. Furthermore, while climate and governance factors are increasingly mainstreaming in financing strategies, there is still no equivalent effort to address racial and gender disparities. International finance institutions And including multilateral development banks must prioritize the development and implementation of finance instrumentals, instruments, space specifically designed to overcome the systemic inequalities. Finally, it's essential that credit rating agencies, the IMF, and the World Bank embed equity in all dimensions, such as race, class, gender, disability, aging in their frameworks, just as they have done with environmental risks. Without this, systemic transformations will remain out of reach. perpetuating inequality and obstructing equitable development outcomes. Achieving system equity in global finance governance is not optional, it's a prerequisite for inclusive and sustainable development. Thank you.

Thank you. And now have Human Rights Watch and then we'll have a request from FAO and then we'll close it there. But before I do that, can I request member states to prepare themselves for the next section, which will cover paragraphs 5 to 11. So for that particular session, if you could request the floor so that we can start the listing. I give the floor to Human Rights Watch and then for the last speaker for this session would be, for these four chapters would be FAO. Human Rights Watch, you have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. My name is Lena Simid with Human Rights Watch. I speak on behalf of the civil society FFD mechanism. This is the first time in FFD history that civil society has been shut out of negotiations. We reject these modalities and call on you to preserve access to the room for civil society. While the zero draft mentions human rights as a cross-cutting issue, it fails to recognize the critical role of economic, social and cultural rights and the right to development as guideposts to conduct the necessary economic transformation to deliver on development finance goals and a fairer global financial framework. We call on states to explicitly ask for the building of human rights economies, a concept that has long been developed in the global south and north, in which the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has been championing recently. Accordingly, FFD4 should ensure that public services are delivered in alignment with human rights standards, adequately regulating private sectors, private actors where they may be involved, preventing the risks of privatization and commercialization that often reduce quality and accessibility. Development banks must prioritize public services over private sector expansion, ensuring accountability and compliance with human rights, including rights of women and gender diverse people, racial and climate justice. It also needs to deliver on social security. We are pleased to see social protection included in the zero draft, which is an important step forward from the elements paper. However, it is not included in the action areas and weakens past commitments by using vague terms like essential instead of reasserting universality. All countries have committed that everyone has the right to social security, as stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 77 years ago, and to establish social protection floors through ILO Recommendation 202. Failing to reaffirm universality would amount to backtracking on these obligations. Additionally, FFD4 should acknowledge structural inequalities in international tax and debt negotiations. On debt, the current system results in a massive transfers of resources from the global south to the global north. This undermines human rights, including the right to development, as essential resources are diverted away from funding quality public services and social security, hindering compliance with the maximum available resources and extraterritorial obligations of states. Advocating for measures like the progressive taxation of corporations and of high net worth individuals, combating illicit financial flows, and holding international financial institutions accountable would strengthen the draft's human rights foundations. As we advance in the FFD process, we urge a strong commitment to human rights, substantive gender equality, universal rights-aligned public services and social security, backed by equitable, decolonial, anti-racist and sustainable financing

I thank the representative. Now I'll give the floor to the representative of FAO. The floor is yours.

Excellency, thank you, Excellency. FAO considers that the upcoming fourth international conference on financing for development, or FFT4, is a unique opportunity to take bold steps towards mobilizing finance to eradicate hunger and all forms of malnutrition. FAO congratulates the co-facilitators for developing the zero draft, which provides a strong starting point to the efforts to put in place a renewed global financing framework for sustainable development. Considering that food crisis are one of the multiple crisis that threaten the achievement of SDGs, the recognition of food security and nutrition, as well as agri-food systems transformation as cross-cutting issues for the financing for development, the fourth international conference on financing development is a very important step. Furthermore, it is specific financing commitments to food security and nutrition, agri-food systems transformation, and food crisis prevention and mitigation are achieved across the relevant FFD action areas such as domestic support, including increasing and reorientation of public funding for food security and nutrition and agri-food systems, international development cooperation, including climate finance, and financial inclusion for the poorest and innovative financing, including debt swaps and blended finance. FAO considers that members commitments to enable rapid response for financing in anticipation of severe, uh, food crisis are essential, such as the financing for shock driven food crisis facility.

to establish a permanent food import

facility to provide food-specific balance of payments support for net food importing low-income countries and low-middle income countries. The Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty is addressing fragmentation and promoting alignment towards effective poverty policy instruments while mobilizing increased financing for food security and nutrition. FFD4 can achieve important commitments toward the better alignment and synergies among different sources of financing for the achievement of the SDGs. FFD can serve as a transformative tool to mitigate food crisis, foster a sustainable agri-food systems, and drive meaningful progress toward the Agenda 2030. FAO is fully committed to supporting this process.

Thank you.

Thank you very much. I want to thank all of you really for your rich submissions and comments. We have listened very carefully for this opening section and will continue in earnest to try and run through the rest of the session. Allow me to hand over to my fellow co-facilitator, Ambassador Merete, to pick it up from here, paragraphs five to 11. Ambassador.

Thank you. So we have paragraphs 5 to 11 under the heading, a renewed global financing framework. First on my list is Iraq on behalf of Group of 77, to be followed by Angola on behalf of the African group. Iraq, please.

Thank you, Ambassador. Regarding paragraphs five to 11, our group would like to share the following views and suggestions to these specific paras. In paragraph five, we require the removal of the reference to all sources. Greater emphasis should be placed on the provision of financing rather than solely on mobilization. Additionally, it is essential to recognize the crucial role of international public finance in this paragraph, given its irreplaceable contribution to sustainable development. We would also request the deletion of the reference to aligning all flows, public and private, and retain the focus on provision in this paragraph. In paragraph six, we request the removal of reference to shared responsibilities and request its replacement with common but differentiated responsibility. Additionally, we also request that the last line of paragraph six be replaced with the agreed formulation on policy space from the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, para nine, as follows. We will respect each country's policy space and leadership to implement policies for poverty eradication and sustainable development, while remaining consistent with the relevant international rules and commitments. Also, we request the inclusion of the agreed language from the 2030 Agenda to the Rio Declaration principles as follows. We also reaffirm all the principles of the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, including inter alia the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities as set out in principle seven thereof. In paragraph seven, We request the inclusion of language on capacity building and technology transfer and propose that para nine of Addis Ababa Action Agenda be used as an inspiration. In paragraph eight, we request the inclusion of reference to right to development after human rights. The Addis Ababa Action Agenda contained this reference. and we cannot accept its exclusion from this text. We propose strengthening paragraph 11 to state, we will strengthen the leadership role of the United Nations in global economic governance while recognizing that the United Nations and the IFIs have complementary mandates. And request that the rest of the paragraph be removed. So far this is for these paragraphs, but I would like to seek clarification regarding the process for incorporating text editing. Are you, Ambassador, are you accepting textual edits at this stage because delegations are not reflecting their full edits, if so, we kindly request the co-facilitators circulate the edits in the process. Thank you.

I thank the representative of Iraq on behalf of the Group of 77 and would encourage you to send edits through eDelegates, as Ambassador Cholla mentioned at the very beginning, for everyone to see there. Then I give the floor to the representative of Angola on behalf of the Africa Group, to be followed by the representative of the European Union. Angola, you have the floor.

Thank you so much, Madam co-facilitator. So the group aligns itself with the comments delivered on behalf of the G77 and China, and we want to add as follows. Regarding to the paragraph five, we think we should include the reference to the fight against illicit financial flows,

as one of the challenge we

face, as well as specific that investment should be for productive transformation in addition to growth. We also like to see a paragraph on financing for disease, outbreak, and pandemic prevention, as these outbreaks have significantly affected growth trajectories in developing countries. Thank you.

I thank the representative of Angola on behalf of the Africa Group and call on the representative of the European Union to be followed by the representative of Palau on behalf of EOSIS. European Union, you have the floor.

Thank you, Excellency. So a general remark on this section and also applies to other sections as well that we would generally support seeing more, examples of concrete actions suggested in the text. So we will be making suggestions along the way, but as a general point, we would be very open to further suggestions that are actually actionable. In this section on paragraph 5, we're going to send you some edits relating to fighting poverty, specifically that there should not be a choice between other sustainable development objectives. We have some edits in relation to adding language on combating climate change and environmental degradation in line with the current agreements and on ensuring that we reach the furthest behind first. We consider that Governments don't exactly control private investment flows as such, so we have some tweaks to the language to reflect international and domestic rather than public and private flows. In paragraph six, we're also adding some references to inequalities and leaving no one behind. And I would like to agree with, I think, a proposal made by G77 on the language on policy space to balance that with keeping consistent with relevant international rules and commitments. So I think that's something that we can throw our weight behind as a suggestion. In paragraph, I think paragraph eight, We have a suggestion to add a reference to providing equal opportunities to men and women and respect of international law in addition to the rule of law more generally. And transparency is an important element to include in this paragraph as well. In paragraph nine, we have a suggestion to stress the localization of the SDGs and a reference to the contributions of local authorities as well as stakeholders. And I don't have any comments on the rest of the paragraphs. I do have a question or rather a request. If there are any details as to the language that -- or some details how the creation of additional actions in terms of a response plan for middle income countries, if there's anything actionable or more detailed that could be provided on that particular addition.

Thank you.

Thank you, representative of the European Union. And we do take note of requests made in the room, and we do also look forward to seeing them in writing, which will help us providing the next revision of the draft. I then give the floor to the representative of Palau on behalf of AOSIS, and to be followed by the representative of Yemen. Palau, you have the floor.

Thank you, Excellency. Starting with paragraph five, EOSIS is of the view that it is unclear what is meant by an investment push, as investments reflect only one dimension of the wider financing for development discourse, where developing countries need grants, enhanced access to concessional finance, increases in ODA, for example. So we would like to propose that a large scale increase in financing for development is required rather than simply an investment push. This would be much clearer call to action. On that note, across the document, EOSIS would also aim to ensure that focus is not placed solely on the mobilization of financing. The SDG financing gap requires not only the mobilization of existing financing, to those who need it the most, but also we do need to see an increased provision of financing as well. Therefore, we would propose adding a reference to provide and mobilize financing and also delete the reference to from all sources in alignment with the position of the G77 and China. On paragraph six, we will also join G77 in requesting the deletion of the term shared responsibility. The respective responsibilities between developing and developed countries must continue to be recognized. The term shared responsibility is not an agreed formulation in this context. Together with the G77, the principle of CBDR must be reflected and upheld. On this note, across the text, EOSI-- It's not my time.

You should have gotten two minutes more, so just hold on. Okay, please go ahead.

Thank you. Now I've lost where I was, because I wasn't expecting that. Okay, on this note, across the text, the OSCE has noted that a number of the commitments in the text place developing countries and developed countries on an equal footing. Therefore, the text needs to be clear on who is the "we" referred in these paragraphs, recognizing that developed countries must continue to take the lead. And quite frankly, some of these commitments and actions by their very nature fall outside the capacity of SIDS to implement for different reasons. Staying on paragraph six, AOSIS would like to request from the co-facilitators a source and definition for the term "crisis prone." given that this was not a term that we are used to seeing. And then on paragraph, and then we'd also want to support the G77 in their proposal for paragraph nine. Moving on quickly to a very important paragraph, paragraph ten, we welcome the co-facilitators has presented a dedicated paragraph to groups in special situations. However, for AOSIS, the language should contextualize the challenges facing LDCs and LLDCs and reaffirm the SIDS, that SIDS remain a special case for sustainable development. We would therefore propose language from paragraph eight of the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, which captures these ideas for LDCs, LLDCs, SIDS, and African countries. And I just have to be very clear on this point. EOSIS will only accept an outcome document that reaffirms SIDS as a special case for sustainable development. This is crucially important and it must be reflected in the text. Thank you.

Thank you very much. I now give the floor to the representative of Yemen to be followed by the representative of Morocco. Yemen, you have the floor.

Uh, thank you Madam Chair, uh, on article five or paragraph five, uh, the call for collective action needs to prioritize immediate humanitarian needs, current text on urgently increase our collective effort should add, uh, special attention to countries requiring immediate support for basic services and infrastructure rehabilitation, this will link financing to urgent development needs. Uh, also, Yemen supports the call for large, uh, scale investment push, but we stress on the importance of ensuring that such investment are aligned with national priorities and country-led, uh, development strategies, so we, uh, recommend to include the language on the importance of, uh, uh, aligning with national, uh, development plans and ensuring financing mechanism are responsive to country-specific needs. Also in this paragraph, we agree with the group of 77 and China to mobilize about the mobilization of fund. So it should also talk about addressing the barriers to accessing financing faced by countries with weak institutional capacity and add a language on simplifying access to finance. On article six, the concept of shared responsibility is also vague and must include specific support mechanism. And that we agree with these, uh, groups 27 China to include, and also, uh, to include enhanced support mechanism for countries facing complex emergencies through coordinated humanitarian development and peace approaches. On Article 7, the implementation support needs greater emphasis regarding the INFFs. I think it should be followed by supported by technical assistance and capacity building for countries with limited institution capacity. This will address practical implementation challenges. On Article 8, the governance principle must recognize special circumstances and it's important to add reference to ensure responsive participatory approaches that consider specific needs of conflict affected and fragile states. On article nine, on the stakeholder engagement, the local participation actually needs strengthening and after multi-stakeholder engagement, I think it's important to have a reference to particular attention to local actors and affected communities in crisis situation. This emphasizes the importance of local ownership on article ten and it's very important on special situations, the support mechanism needs more concrete definition. Current text on countries in special situation should be followed by including through dedication financing mechanism and simplified access procedure that respond to urgent needs while building long term resilience. This will provide specific implementation measures. Thank you.

I thank the representative of Yemen and give the floor to the representative of Morocco to be followed by the representative of the Philippines. Morocco, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam co-facilitator. I'll focus my comment on paragraph 10. While the specific challenges facing middle-income countries are acknowledged in this paragraph, we do expect that the outcome document will benefit of a more detailed focus on their unique circumstances and better enhanced language in this regard. Middle-income countries often struggle from a delicate line between development gains and vulnerabilities. and without a clear and urgent strategy tailored to their needs, the overall impact of the sustainable financing framework will be weakened. While we welcome your efforts and reference in welcoming the call of the GA for the United Nations Development System to advance the elaboration of a specific interagency comprehensive system-wide response for middle-income countries, My delegation would like to see more perspective in this regard to this specific interagency strategy, which will better inform in terms of the purpose of this strategy, as well as a way to have a more targeted and tailored support to mix, especially towards charting the pact for a specific plan of action for mix. Thank you.

I thank you, the representative of Morocco, and now give the floor to the representative of the Philippines, to be followed by the representative of Colombia. Philippines, you have the floor.

It's not there. Thank you, Madam Chair. The Philippines aligns with the statements of the G77 and China. Let me start with para six with reference to para ten. We acknowledge the recognition of diverse needs and challenges in paragraph ten, but in the same vein, we call to recognize the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities in paragraph six instead of a more generalized shared responsibilities, which fail to recognize the different levels of development resources and historical contributions to global challenges among countries. In paragraph seven, there appears to be too much emphasis on national responsibility, which may downplay the role of international systems and development cooperation must play in creating an enabling environment for sustainable development. National efforts, while essential, can only succeed with the support of a coherent and fair global system that provides the necessary resources, policy space, and cooperation to address external shocks and structural challenges. We acknowledge that paragraph 10 recognizes the need for a MIX agenda, a system-wide response to plan to address specific challenges faced by middle-income countries, notwithstanding a stronger language than welcoming the call is warranted to underscore the urgency of developing and implementing this response plan. Concrete commitments and a clear timeline for action are essential to ensure that the unique needs of MIX are effectively addressed and integrated into the broader development agenda. Paragraph 11 may also warrant a rephrasing that the UN and the Bretton Woods institutions are part of an institutional architecture, an international system that must work together more closely and better to fill the SDG financing gap and address the needs of developing countries. We recall that the IMF and World Bank articles of agreement were adopted at the United Nations Monetary and Financial Conference in 1944. In this section, while we note the mention of women and the youth, other people in vulnerable situations such as migrants, indigenous peoples, and persons with disabilities could be cited to promote inclusivity. We also appreciate that MSMEs are mentioned, but suggest that MSMEs in developing countries should be the focus and that in later parts of the text, specific actions be laid down to support their development and contributions to sustainable development. Lastly, there's a need to incorporate at this point in the discussion the consideration of vulnerabilities faced by developing countries beyond their GDP, including heightened exposure to climate change impacts and disasters. Thank you.

I thank the representative of the Philippines and now give the floor to the representative of Colombia to be followed by the representative of Ecuador. Colombia, please.

Thank you, Madam co-facilitator. Colombia reaffirms its commitment to a more inclusive, representative and effective global financial governance system that responds to the needs of developing countries. Ensuring greater participation of developing countries in the decision-making processes of international financial institutions is essential to achieving a fairer and more sustainable financial system. Given that this is the zero draft, we see an opportunity to strengthen the language on this issue in paragraph six. Therefore, Colombia will submit an alternative text that aligns with this perspective and better reflects the realities and development needs of all nations. This addition reinforces our shared objective of ensuring that the international financial architecture is fit for purpose and responsive to the ev- evolving global landscape. Thank you, madam.

I thank the representative of Colombia and now give the floor to the representative of Ecuador, to be followed by the representative of Fiji. Ecuador, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Co-facilitator. Ecuador welcomes the work undertaken by the co-facilitators in the preparation of the GEO draft and welcomes this opportunity also to contribute with its substantive additions to strengthen the document. Paragraph 10 on assistance for countries in special situations we believe it is vital that the text more broadly reflects the diversity of developing countries and their differentiated realities. Above and beyond traditional and recognised categories, it is important to recognise the structural challenges, including in terms of financing, besetting developing countries, including middle income countries, whom despite certain forms of progress, continue to face limits and obstacles in terms of accessing sources of financing. Thank you.

I thank the representative of Ecuador and now give the floor to the representative of Fiji to be followed by the representative of South Africa. Fiji, you have the floor.

Thank you, co-chair. Just a very quick responses. We support the proposals from G77 in China and suggestions from IOSCs delivered on behalf of Palau. So just on the renewed global financing framework on paragraph five, the language on large scale investment push would be recommended be replaced to strengthen and increase in financing for investment, particularly in sustainable development. Above all, Chair, It is in our best interest as a part of Fiji's proposal to ensure that this chapter be accompanied by measurable indicators. These measurable indicators will ensure and will assist member states and secretariats alike in assessments and evaluation of these documents moving forward. Thank you.

Thank you to Fiji. I now give the floor to the representative of South Africa to be followed by the representative of Honduras. South Africa, you have the floor.

Thank you, Ambassador. We think it's important that we can't put different sources of financing on the same footing. And so in paragraph five, we think we need to recognize the special and indispensable role of public international finance. And likewise, throughout the document, it's important that we reflect the unique role of ODA. In paragraph six, we'd like to see a reference to the pact for the future at which we pledged a new beginning in multilateralism, made far reaching commitments to mobilize significant additional financing for development resources, and, and, and at which we agreed to place the 2030 agenda and investigate investing in the eradication of poverty at the center of the reform of the international financial architecture. Paragraph seven, we think, should also include complementary measures to socialize the Addis and Seville agendas among global finance practitioners to ensure that fiscal frameworks intrinsically support these objectives. We fully support paragraph eight, including the need to improve the enabling environment at an international level that will also support sustainable development at a country level, as well as the addition of the right to development. Finally, we strongly support the proposal by the civil society FFD mechanism for a paragraph to address the economic and financial impact of systemic racism. We thank them very much for proposing paragraph 9 bis in their document, which we can fully support. I hope this is not too DEI for anybody. Thank you.

Thank you, South Africa. I now give the floor to the representative of Honduras to be followed by the representative of Cuba. But Honduras, you have the floor.

Thank you, Ambassador. Paragraph seven, we believe it's vital that financing strategies aren't just aligned with national plans, but also that they guarantee the legitimacy of these plans. These strategies can no longer be based on exclusive strategies drawn up using principles which place capital before human rights and dignity. Because of this, we need to pivot towards a planning and financing model based on principles promoting equity, social justice and respect for the sovereignty of peoples, prioritising the welfare of humans as a central access for development. Many developing countries face unsustainable levels of debt which limit their capacity to invest in sustainable development. Because of this, progress should be made towards new multilateral agreements which reduce debt burdens. We should also implement mechanisms for debt alleviation. Thank you.

I thank the representative of Honduras and I now give the floor to the representative of Cuba to be followed by the representative of Pakistan. Cuba, you have the floor.

In paragraph five, it is important to strengthen the language regarding the mobilization of resources as needs are increasing. There must be a commitment to provide resources. We would also propose deleting from all sources and replacing investment push with increase in financing. The reference to shared responsibility in paragraph 6 is concerning. The phrase should be either deleted or reformulated as common but differentiated responsibilities, and I'm going to take a minute to explain why. If you say that I have a shared responsibility With financing for development, you are neglecting the fact that I have not been benefited the same way as other countries in this room from the international financial architecture that we are asking for it to change. So we acknowledge that everyone needs to be working together on this. That is why common but differentiated responsibilities, in our view, takes us to a better solution, because otherwise you are negating colonialism, neo-colonialism, IFIs as they stand, and we cannot negate history. Some in this room have benefited from the exploitation of others. Today we have the UN, and okay, we believe in the dream of all equal But you cannot negate history. And this is what shared responsibility takes us to. In paragraph six, we would propose deleting the last sentence. We do not understand what this rules-based approaches mean. Who is going to set those rules? The IFIs that we're trying to change or asking for it to be more democratic and transparent? It appears not. In paragraph six, we would, of course, agree with the proposal of the G77 and China to Uh, include the agreed language from the 2030 agenda on the, on the Rio Declaration principles. In eight, we support the inclusion, of course, of the right to development. I would recall that there is a pending discussion around the right to development and hopefully by the time this is adopted, some news would, uh, be, uh, coming to the floor, uh, in that sense. And the same goes with, um, uh, paragraph, uh, 10, uh, in paragraph 10 as proposed, by EOSIS, we believe that the recognition of small island development states as a special case for development should be retained. And finally, in paragraph 11, we believe it needs to be strengthened. We must commit to reinforcing the central role of the United Nations, particularly in the current context where we see major economies withdrawing from the system. This is particularly the moment to reinforce the central role of the UN. Thank you.

I thank the representative of Cuba and give the floor to the representative of Pakistan to be followed by the representative of the Russian Federation. Pakistan, you have the floor.

Thank you, COFASS. Since this is my first time taking the floor, allow me to express our delegation's appreciation for the hard work you've done. We align with the comments delivered by Iraq on behalf of G77 and China. Allow us to add the following in our national capacity. There are a few key missing principles in the preamble, such as CBDR and right to development, uh, we echo the proposals of the G77 in this regards, we similarly echo the proposal of G77 China on paragraph six regarding policy space, uh, which is language taken from Addis. Paragraph 11 on the role of the UN in global economic governance must be further strengthened. We echo the G77's call for the removal of the reference to independent mandates, as this puts an unacceptable caveat on the role and authority of the UN. We also request the addition of language in this paragraph on reinvigorating the UN system as fundamental to the promotion of international cooperation for development and to a global economic system that works for all, taking inspiration from paragraph 67 of the Monterrey Consensus. We would exercise caution in referencing documents which cover topics other than sustainable development and financing for development and also look at peace and security issues such as the proposal just made to reference the pact. We would be very cautious on that approach. Lastly, Colfax, on a matter of procedure, We thank you for leading a transparent process so far. In particular, we would express appreciation for your commitment to transition to a line by line text based negotiation as reflected in the roadmap. However, we do need some clarity on the procedure to be followed in the lead up to the publishing of the Rev 1. Just for clarification, in your roadmap, you've asked for comments on the ideas and substance in the draft and not for language edits. Are you now accepting language edits on the text? If textual inputs are now being accepted, because some of us were not ready for that, we request you to circulate those to all member states.

We have little clarity.

On what criteria will be utilized on which language edits to incorporate and which ones to ignore. So we do hope that the Rev 1 will be more ambitious and not less than the zero draft and important proposals do not get lost. Let me conclude by assuring you of our delegation's full support, thank you.

I thank the representative of Pakistan and now give the floor to the representative of the Russian Federation to be followed by the representative of the Holy See. Russia, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Coordinator. On this section, paragraph six, the phrase about strengthening rules-based approaches could be misinterpreted. Given that the paragraph is about multilateralism, we believe it's inappropriate to instead emphasize a rules-based approach and strengthening the international role of the UN, rather. In the final part of paragraph seven on improving the international economic environment, we said we have to take into account a broader range of factors that affect development. It's important that any initiative proposed, including country platforms, be agreed with national priorities of each country, taking into account socioeconomic circumstances, national laws, and historic particularities. These approaches can allow for a balance between international obligations and domestic interests. Paragraph H, in the current phrasing, This could pave the way for interference in internal affairs of states and lead to politicization of the process as well as mobilization of resources and could lead to double stances, double standards. Given the non-political nature of most international financial institutions, we would like to remove that reference from the document. Paragraph nine, with regard to the involvement of all stakeholders, we believe that we should add the words as appropriate. and do the same throughout the rest of the text. As for paragraph 10, we also believe it's important to use agreed phrasing for the list of countries in special circumstances in order to ensure that we only use agreed-upon terminology. Paragraph 11, we recommend strengthening language to emphasize the unique and central role of the UN taking into account the universal nature of its membership. We also propose emphasizing the need to increase representation in other organizations and mechanisms of global economic governance. We also support the question posed by G77, as well as Pakistan, to work on the next version of the document. Thank you.

I thank the representative of the Russian Federation and now give the floor to the representative of the Holy See, to be followed by the representative of Canada. The Holy See, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Co-facilitator. On this cluster of paragraphs, the Holy See would like to raise the following three points. Firstly, we welcome the draft's recognition in paragraph nine of the important contribution of stakeholders in achieving sustainable development. However, we know that the current listing of actors overlooks the role of faith-based organizations. We would like to see the addition of this group to the listing to ensure the recognition of the crucial role that these organizations play in advancing all three pillars of sustainable development. Secondly, we are concerned that the draft does not go far enough in its language on countries in special situations. Paragraph 10, while acknowledging the unique challenges faced by these countries, does not reflect the same level of commitment and specificity as paragraph 8 of the Addis Ababa Action Agenda. A stronger articulation of international support, particularly in terms of financial assistance, debt relief, and capacity building, is necessary to ensure that no country is left behind. We also echo the comments made by EOSIS to reaffirm SIDS as a special case for sustainable development. Finally, we believe there is a need to strengthen the reference to the primary responsibility of states in their own development, as outlined in paragraph seven. While international cooperation is indispensable, it must complement rather than replace national ownership and leadership. In this regard, we would like to propose a reference to national sovereignty as a key pillar for financing for development. Thank you.

I thank the representative of the Holy See and now give the floor to the representative of Canada, to be followed by the representative of Switzerland. Canada, you have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. Throughout the FFD4 process, Canada has expressed an interest in the outcome document, including actionable ideas and applying a holistic and coherent approach. In this regard, we are pleased that this section underscores both the needed reforms and improvements to international institutions, including IFIs and global governance structures, as well as the importance of fostering effective, accountable, and transparent institutions and policy actions at the national and subnational levels. We value the emphasis on multilateral cooperation and multi-stakeholder partnerships, which offer our best hope for implementing the actions needed to achieve the SDGs. We also take good note of the emphasis placed on country-led platforms and actions, including INFFs, to articulate development priorities and financing needs. We also acknowledge the diversity of financing needs and the importance of tailoring our efforts. In this regard, we would propose that the connection between fragility and the FFD agenda could be enhanced, including with respect to strengthening collaboration and optimizing investments to maximize impact across the humanitarian development peace nexus. One concrete proposal we intend to submit is that references to countries in conflict and post-conflict situations be replaced by fragile and conflict affected settings. as this encompasses a broader concept that includes places with weak institutions and social structures that are vulnerable to conflict, while conflict and post-conflict situations specifically focuses on areas actively experiencing armed conflict or the aftermath of a major conflict. We believe that applying this terminology better reflects the spirit and ambition of a solutions-oriented, inclusive, and impactful FFD4. Thank you.

I thank the representative of Canada and now give the floor to the representative of Switzerland, to be followed by the representative of Argentina. Switzerland, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Since this is our first intervention, Switzerland would like to thank the co-facilitators for preparing the zero draft FFD4 outcome document as a good basis for discussion. On paragraph eight, the zero draft rightly points out the importance of transparency and accountability for effective resource mobilization and spending. Switzerland also believes that an open civic space and independent media are critical in this regard. The zero draft is silent about the role of media and contains only weak references to civil society, and we suggest strengthening additional language in this context. Thank you very much.

Thank you very much, Madam Co ordinator. I'd like to specifically turn to paragraph 10.

Which is about the need to ensure that the EU's trade policy is coherent with its foreign policy. We note that in paragraph 10 the suggestion is made that the financing for development framework should address the diverse needs of countries, including those in special situations, and while it is necessary, we believe it would be appropriate to also have a paragraph referring to developing countries more generally, so that all are included without singling out middle income countries.

Thank you. Thank the representative of Argentina, and I now give the chairing of the meeting over to my colleague, Ambassador Alicia.

Thank you very much. Thank you, Ambassador Merete. And now I give the floor to China.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Regarding paragraph five, China believes that the text should clearly state That it is important to follow the people centered principle in promoting financing for development, pursue poverty eradication as the overarching goal of sustainable development, and send a clear call for scaling up financing to step up poverty reduction efforts. On para six, China appreciates that the text emphasizes multilateralism, international cooperation, and strengthening the global partnership for sustainable development. while adhering to the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities or CBDR. The language shared responsibility is contrary to the CBDR principle and should be deleted. Also, the concept of rules-based approach is not consistent with the context of this paragraph and we suggest deleting this wording or replacing this wording with uphold the international order based on international law and the basic norms of international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. Para seven, we believe that the primary role of the governments in setting national financing strategies should be upheld and the integrated national financing frameworks or INFF, we suggest using agreed language from the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, namely nationally owned sustainable development strategy supported by INFF rather than such as INFF. Regarding para eight, the right to development is an important component of human rights. So in accordance with the consensus of the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, the text should include the wording, the right to development after human rights. Regarding para 11, the text should highlight the central coordinating role of the UN in global economic governance. Thank you.

I thank the representative of China and now I give the floor to Saudi Arabia, followed by Australia.

Thank you, Ambassador. Since this is the first time I'm taking the floor, allow me to appreciate the efforts of the co-facilitators in advancing the financing for development agenda. We welcome the opportunity to contribute to strengthening this important document. We align, Saudi Arabia aligns itself with the statement of Iraq on behalf of the G77 and China. Our feedback is intended to ensure that the document remains focused on its core mandate, respects the jurisdiction of relevant international financial institutions, and upholds national policy autonomy. Having said that, we'd like to highlight the following. In paragraph five, we noticed it contains a top-down approach. which may overpass national institutions, rules and regulations. Financing strategies must be country-driven, respecting national policies and economic models, while maintaining alignment with global sustainable development goals. In paragraph 10, we welcome the acknowledgement of the United Nations' important role while fully respecting national institutions and laws and mechanisms and mandates. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Saudi Arabia, and I now give the floor to Australia, followed by the United Kingdom and Brazil.

I'll start with para five. Here we're concerned about the reference about lowering the cost of capital to enable investments. The para should refer to taking measures to support lowering the cost of capital rather than what appears to be a commitment to lower the cost of capital at right since there's only a limited ability to do so. In para six, the reference to efforts and actions needs to be in the context of all levels and not just the international level. To this end, the first sentence should not reference at the international level. We are concerned with the reference to mutual respect in para 6, as this tends to reflect language at the national level and would prioritise transactional state to state relations over other international law obligations. We also note that there is no reference to international law in this document, which would be a key consideration when undertaking action at the international level. We would recommend replacing mutual respect with international cooperation and/or international law. The last sentence should also be in line with text from SDG 17.15. This is important because the issue of policy space for sustainable development isn't particularly well agreed and understood, and it's best to only use the exact framing previously agreed. Moving to para 8, the intent or meaning of this paragraph is ambiguous. In particular, it is unclear from the drafting how efficient and transparent mobilisation and use of resources is to be enabled by freedom, human rights and national sovereignty. On this matter, Australia opposes and considers it a red line to link national sovereignty with human rights. Suggest that instead the para should use agreed language from para 9 in the ECOSOC forum on FFD from 2024. On para 10, Australia opposes support for non-UN documents, in this case the African Union Agenda 2063. And lastly, Australia opposes a dedicated program of action for middle-income countries. Finance is incredibly scarce and we need to fully implement programs of action for countries in special situations as already agreed. We cannot go beyond language agreed at the FFD forum in 2024 in para 56 on this issue. Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished representative of Australia and now I give the floor to the United Kingdom, followed by Brazil and then by India.

Thank you. On paragraph six, we would like to see language about delivering the sustainable goals to address poverty, climate change, biodiversity loss and other interlinked global challenges. We welcome the reference to leave no one behind and women and girls from the outset. We think there should be a reference to the importance of the rules-based international system. On paragraph seven, on integrated national financing frameworks, we think these should work closely with existing initiatives, such as those already being led by MDBs, to improve coherence between institutions and minimise duplication. These financing frameworks should bring together climate, nature and development goals to maximize the impact of financial flows. On paragraph nine, we would suggest to add the language, we commit to recognizing the diverse voices and contributions of those often excluded or marginalized, including local and grassroots civil society, women's rights organizations, youth and organizations for peoples with disabilities. In addition to this, we welcome and support the comments already made by Yemen and Canada in this session on fragility and humanitarian need as it relates to conflict settings. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the United Kingdom. And now Brazil, you have the floor, followed by India and Burundi.

Thank you, Chair. Brazil would like to support the comments made by Iraq on behalf of the G77. We would like to request that the references to reducing the cost of capital be maintained in the text. This is very important for developing countries, especially considering the effects on debt and the spillover effects from monetary policy decisions in developed countries. So this is part of the debt problem and it's crucial. With regards to para six, we support the mention of maintaining the reference to CBDR and replacing shared responsibilities and also the mention of the Rio principles at the end of the paragraph. With regards to para seven towards the end, if we are to keep a mention to global governance. Sorry, again, para six, uphold and strengthen transparent, accountable and inclusive rules-based approaches if we are to maintain the rules-based approach. So uphold and strengthen transparent, accountable and inclusive rules-based approaches if we are maintain that language on rules-based approaches. On para seven towards the end, transparent, financial systems and strengthen transparent and representative global economic governance, which is a reference to increasing the role of developing countries. Of course, right to development, this is part of standalone resolutions in the UN, so this is crucial to maintain this in para eight. And finally, we support the comments made by the G77 on the role of the UN in para 11. Thank you, Chair.

Thanks to you, and I would like to give the floor to India, followed by Burundi and then Lebanon.

Thank you, Chair. The renewed global financing framework outlined in the outcome document marks a crucial step forward in addressing both persistent and emerging challenges in financing sustainable development. While it rightly acknowledges the shortcomings of the current financial architecture and the need for reform, its true impact will depend on concrete actions, timely implementation and sustained political will. India offers the following suggestions for consideration. In paragraph five, while referring to large-scale investment push to sustainable development and sustainable transformations, urgent priorities such as poverty eradication, zero hunger, reducing inequalities, quality education and healthcare must be highlighted with an emphasis on availability and access to international public finance to achieve these SDGs. In paragraph six, we align with G77 regarding the commitment to multilateralism and global solidarity to specify the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities in place of shared responsibility, giving due recognition to the fact that countries are at different stages of development. Country led platforms, as mentioned in paragraph seven, are vital for ensuring financing strategies aligned with national priorities. These can be successful if policy space is provided to developing countries, and therefore this aspect must be appropriately reflected in the text. Thank you.

Thanks to India. And now Burundi and then Lebanon, please. You have the floor, Burundi.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I would like to speak to paragraph 11. on global governance. Global economic governance no longer reflects the realities of the 21st century and of international financial architecture, which is very old now and puts developing countries at a disadvantage. Our countries represent the majority of the world's population, but we are underrepresented in decision-making bodies. For example, Africa makes up a large portion of the global population, but just 4% of votes in the IMF. This is a major disparity. I agree with the comments made by the African group on the lack of financing and investment to attain the SDGs. After paragraph 11, we propose adding a paragraph specifying the deep-seated reforms that ought to be made to the global economic governance system, especially revising quotas of IFIs, increasing the representation of developing countries in decision-making bodies, and the reform of the international monetary system in order to reduce dependence on dollars. The time has come to build a new international financial architecture that would better reflect our current multipolar world, which includes the majority of humanity, to include this majority in the decision-making process. As for paragraph 5 on resource mobilization on the national level, This is at the heart of our financial autonomy. However, we are dealing with major challenges, including international tax evasion, obsolete taxation systems, and underdeveloped financial markets. We propose a three-pillar program, strengthened cooperation against tax evasion, technical assistance for the modernization of our tax administrations, a development program for local financial markets. This requires international support, significant support, but the benefits would be shared by all. The future of international cooperation for development, sustainable development depends on it. Thank you for your attention. Thank you very much, Burundi.

Give the floor to Lebanon, followed by Madagascar and Nigeria. Lebanon, you have the floor.

Thank you. Thank you, Madam co-facilitator. Since it's the first time I'm taking the.

Floor, I would just would like to thank the COFAX for producing a solid zero draft. And of course, we align with the comments intervention made by Iraq on behalf of G77 and China. And we would like to add the following on our national capacity. First on paragraph seven, we would like to see more commitment, specifically on scaling ongoing efforts to support countries, including through the INFF facility. On paragraph ten, we welcome this paragraph and we see it's very important to welcome the importance of addressing diverse needs and challenges of specific countries, specifically special situations in African countries, LDCs, SIDS, and in particular for middle income countries. And here on this paragraph ten, we would like to add before in conflict and post conflict situations, countries facing and crisis, including those in conflict and post-conflict situations. And as well, I would like to highlight something that was already mentioned by the colleagues from Morocco and Philippines. We would be welcoming the call of the General Assembly for United Nations Development System to advance the United Nations Systemwide Response Plan for middle-income countries. And we would like just to add our voice to what was already mentioned by the colleagues on this section. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Lebanon, and now Madagascar, and then Nigeria, and Bangladesh. Madagascar, you have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. We align ourselves with the statement and comment made by G77 and the African group. In a national capacity, we would like to make a few comments with regard to paragraph five. recognize the need to mobilize international resources that would be accessible, sustainable for vulnerable countries to adapt financing mechanisms to priorities of LDCs and reduce the cost of capital and encourage productive investment to guarantee inclusive and resilient growth. Thus, we would suggest adding a new paragraph, a new sentence rather, in this paragraph, paragraph five, a sentence that would promote the establishment of a special fund for social and climate emergencies that would be targeted at developing countries only. For paragraph eight, we highlight the need to respect national sovereignty, human rights, and the right to development, the need to guarantee transparent and responsible decisions, combating corruption, and the importance of creating peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable and stable development. We suggest amending the first sentence of this paragraph as follows: We reaffirm that the mobilization and effective use and transparent use of resources ought to be carried out while respecting freedom, human rights and national sovereignty, while strengthening mechanisms to combat corruption and while promoting good governance. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative from Madagascar, and now I give the floor to Nigeria, followed by Bangladesh and Uganda. Bangladesh, you have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. In paragraph five, we would like to suggest an additional phrase to see how to enhance the fiscal space. We would suggest adding the phrase, we would take measures to enhance fiscal space through progressive tax reforms, enhanced fiscal management, entailing adoption of anti-corruption measures coupled with strengthened domestic resource governance practices. Uh, in paragraph six, we would suggest, um, to, change the word reform and substitute with transform and saying we commit to transform the international financial structure and also adding the words to make it just and equitable before saying fit for purpose and fit for a more crisis prone world. And also we would like to see the word accountable in the next line where we say we commit to make world global governance more inclusive, accountable and effective. In paragraph seven, We would like to echo some of our colleagues who have said about the country ownership and we would.

Like to see the phrases we reiterate that each.

Country shall enjoy sovereignty in the pursuit of its economic and social development. In paragraph nine, we felt the importance of mentioning some of the demographic segments like women, indigenous people and youth alongside the civil society, which has been mentioned in this paragraph. And also we felt the importance of mentioning about the local community alongside local authorities, which has already been mentioned in the paragraph. In paragraph 10, we would strongly suggest adding the phrases, including the countries on their pathway to graduation after mentioning the least developed countries. And also we would like to see the phrase "climate vulnerable countries" after "middle income countries" which has been mentioned in this paragraph. In paragraph 11, we would like to propose a revised text in this regard. We understand that the reforms of the international financial architecture must strengthen the role and mandate of United Nations at the center of the global economic governance and the UN holds a unique position to play this role due to its jurisdictional power, universal participation, and democratic and inclusive decision-making process. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Bangladesh. And then I give the floor to Nigeria, followed by Uganda, and then civil society, which is World Vision International.

Thank you very much, Madam Ambassador, for giving Nigeria the floor. At the outset, permit me to express appreciation to the co-facilitators for a zero draft, which we consider comprehensive and a good basis for this important process. Nigeria aligns with the statement delivered by the delegate of Iraq on behalf of the G77 and China and the delegate of Angola on behalf of the African group. Nigeria is pleased with the wording of paragraph five, which takes into account the urgency for investment in sustainable development, addressing debt challenges faced by developing countries and lowering capital cost. However, Nigeria has a challenge with a reference to mobilizing finance from all sources, including public and private finance. given the different perception on the propriety of private finance in all sustainable development endeavors. We believe in giving priority to more consensual terminologies as we try to achieve consensus on this important document. On paragraph eight, Madam Ambassador, Nigeria supports a reference to right to development for the reasons elucidated by the delegation of Iraq on behalf of G77 and China. We believe the reference is important in advancing the overall objectives of our work. This will also go a long way in acknowledging contributions and important work that has been done on this subject, including the right development declaration adopted by the General Assembly in 1986. Thank you very much, Madam Chair.

Thanks to you, distinguished delegate from Nigeria. And now I give the floor to Uganda and then to World Vision International, followed by the European Union.

Thank you, Madam co-facilitator. My delegation would also like to thank the co-facilitators for the zero draft, which is a good basis for our discussions. We align our comments with the submission made by the distinguished delegate of Iraq on behalf of G77, as well as the distinguished delegate of Angola on behalf of the African group, and would like to make a few comments in national capacity. First and foremost, Since we are talking about a reinvigorated framework for financing for development, it's so important to note that in Addis Ababa, we were specific in terms of the kind of support that would be required for countries in special situations, including African countries. as well as developing countries in terms of greater access to concessional long-term financing for those key infrastructural projects that would be required for attainment of sustainable development goals, especially in the areas of energy, which is so crucial for industrialization, in the areas of health and education, just to mention a few examples. So I would like to see language under this section, paragraph six and seven, that reflects this, the need for concessional long term financing, because this is one of the areas in which achievement or the implementation of the SDGs has been lagging behind, as we saw in the review. And given the fact that in 2015 when we adopted the Addis Ababa Action Agenda at the same time with the SDGs and 10 years down the line, we can see that there is this gap. And we believe that greater access to concessional long-term financing, which would also reduce the debt burden on the developing countries and countries in Africa. on the African continent would be extremely important. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Uganda and now I give the floor to World Vision International followed by the European Union.

Colleagues, I'm Dinesh Janakute representing World Vision International, a member of the NGO Committee on Financing for Development. I'm pleased to share the statement on behalf of both entities. Thank you for the opportunity to provide reflections on the zero draft outcome document. We would like to draw your attention to the Addis Ababa Action Agenda's strong commitment to those traditionally left behind, including children, women, and young people. This commitment encompasses vital areas such as investment in children and youth, social protection and public services, ending hunger and malnutrition, quality education, health and nutrition, and protection from violence. However, we note with concern that the zero draft does not explicitly connect to these critical aspects of the Addis Ababa action agenda. This omission is a significant gap, as a key purpose of the fourth conference is to take stock of progress on previous agreements and accelerate action toward the realization of unfinished agendas. Therefore, we call on member states to preserve and strengthen commitments made in previous agendas to the most vulnerable groups, particularly regarding financial underinvestment that can hinder progress on SDGs. We call on member states to strengthen the link between fiscal systems and social sector outcomes to ensure dedicated financing for critical social sectors. To further support the inclusion of vulnerable groups and sectors, we suggest the following additions. In paragraph 9, include a reference to children and youth. As I have the floor, please allow me to add input into paragraph 14. In paragraph 14, add the phrase, increase investments in critical social sectors by leveraging all sources of finance across humanitarian development and climate programmes and strategically using official development assistance as a catalyst for development finance. We will provide additional language suggestions in writing. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of civil society. And before giving the floor to the European Union, I'm going to give the floor to the International Chamber of Commerce, followed by the European Union. ICC, you have the floor.

Thank you, Ambassador. I have the pleasure to provide some reflections on behalf of the International Chamber of Commerce, representing 45 million companies from all sectors and sizes and in 170 countries. And in our role as permanent observer to the UN General Assembly and also the principal business interlocutor to the UNFCCC and WTO and other intergovernmental forum. We also thank the co-facilitators for their leadership. and hard work to develop this year draft outcome that represents a good and comprehensive starting point for negotiations. I will speak to three priorities we are seeing in this important section one as a whole. First, we support statements made by several member states on previous paragraphs emphasizing the need to make the text clearer and reflecting the urgency to act in unity and solidarity with a clear commitment to addressing the root causes of severe financing gaps. An ambitious action agenda with concrete outcomes and bringing together promising existing efforts is urgently required to enable the financial system to fully play its role in building a sustainable, resilient and prosperous future for everyone and everywhere. These elements should be at the heart of this first section that should set the tone for the rest of the CR draft. Second, we particularly welcome the recognition of the key role of the private sector and the focus on mobilization of private sector finance in several key sections of this year draft. The private sector has an important role to play in scaling financing and investment for the important sustainable developing agenda. But there is an urgent need to look at the difficult investment landscape, in particular in emerging and developing economies. Business needs, uh, policy certainty, predictability, and it needs the right enabling environment that provide real incentives to advance our global goals. and foster international commerce and cooperation. We believe that this reality could be better reflected in this first section. Finally, we are appreciative of the reference to the private sector and multi-stakeholder engagement in paragraph nine, but we believe there is an opportunity to emphasize further the importance of strengthened partnerships and collaborations, in particular between governments and business, given the complex and multifaceted nature of the challenges we have in front of us, we believe that FFD4 has a unique opportunity to issue a call to establish a new time-bound multi-stakeholder process that brings together international standard setting bodies, regulators, central banks, MDBs and industry leaders to incubate new finances approaches and to address the chronic finance gaps and barriers. Thank you.

Thank you to ICC and now European Union, you have the floor.

Thank you, Excellency, and apologies for taking the floor again. I omitted one very important point. I'll be very quick. Just to say that in paragraph eight, human rights, peace, inclusive societies, and equal opportunities for men and women is not just about creating an enabling environment. All of these are integral to sustainable development themselves, so we're suggesting to delete the reference to enabling environment as such. And yeah, thank you. Sorry for taking the floor again.

No worries at all, European Union. And now, distinguished delegates, in order to take advantage of the time, we have at least 18 more minutes, we're going to move to section realizing sustainable development, which are paragraphs 12 to 27. So if you have Any comments from paragraph 12 to 27, please let us know so that I can start giving the floor. And I now see Iraq speaking on behalf of the G77.

Thank you, Ambassador. In paragraph 12, we propose that the language be included on the fact that the 2030 agenda takes into account different national realities, capacities and level of development and respecting national policies and priorities, as outlined in para five of the agenda. Overall, we are concerned that this section entitled Realizing Sustainable Development lacks a sufficient emphasis on the fight against poverty and hunger. Hence, we propose a standalone paragraph reaffirming that the eradication of poverty is all its forms and dimensions is the greatest global challenge and an indispensable requirement for sustainable development. Additionally, um, we suggest, um, reordering the paragraphs to give prominence to SDG two on hunger as reflected in paragraph 17. We are also concerned that there is no standalone paragraph on industrialization, whereas Addis Ababa Action Agenda recognized the imperative to promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization as a cross-cutting issue. Hence, we request that a standalone paragraph be included on it. Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of universal healthcare coverage, which is essential not only for achieving SDG targets on health and wellbeing, but also for poverty eradication. This priority is also reflected in the Addis Ababa Action Agenda. Therefore, we request a separate paragraph reaffirming the commitment to advancing policies on health financing and investments in universal health coverage and health systems. Moreover, we need to have a comprehensive approach to environmental issues, such as including language on desertification and water scarcity. We support the reference in paragraph 15 to the need for the international community to support countries in ensuring adequate and uninterrupted funding on appropriate terms on social protection during shocks and crises. Lastly, in paragraph 26, We require reaffirmation of commitment to transfer technologies to developing countries on favorable terms, including on concessional and preferential terms. We also require a reference to the need to advance equitable data governance at the global level in order to harness the opportunities by emerging technologies. Ambassador, the group stands ready to engage constructively in upcoming intercessional informal consultations where we will contribute with concrete proposals to strengthen this section. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Iraq speaking on behalf of the G77. And now I would like to give the floor to Palau speaking on behalf of AOSIS. Palau, you have the floor, followed by the European Union.

Thank you, Madam Ambassador. On this cluster of paragraphs, EOSC's first comment will be on paragraph 15. Here, we'd like to keep the -- refocus the paragraph on developing countries, so we would propose that the international -- we'll call upon the international community to support developing countries, and similar to the comments we made earlier, we would also want to have a reference to providing and mobilizing adequate and uninterrupted funding. On paragraph 18, similar to paragraph 15, we want to keep focus on supporting developing countries, so we would insert a reference to developing countries here and in the last sentence, EOSIS definitely welcomes the call for increased investment in culture and would like to add a reference to the creative economy here as well, since this is also a major driver for SIDS in advancing sustainable development. On paragraph 20, we definitely support the reference here for special attention being given to support women-owned and women-led businesses. but we would also want to add that special attention should also be given to youth driven startups as reflected in the Abbas. On paragraph 21, for SIDS, a pipeline of sustainable and investable projects is very important, but should also consider small scale projects. So we would insert that reference in this paragraph as this would allow LDCs and SIDS to tap into these resources. On paragraph 22, EOSIS welcomes the inclusion of this paragraph, however, the current text fails to capture the strong political message that needs to be conveyed when it comes to climate change. First, we are unclear what is meant by climate goals, therefore EOSIS would propose to replace that language with the following: "Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time, but there is a rapidly narrowing window out to 2030 to raise ambition and implement existing commitments in order to keep warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels within reach." We would also request strengthening the link between the impact of climate change on economies and societies, undermining the ability of developing countries to achieve sustainable development as it exacerbates extreme weather and slow onset events, we would present some language that is similar to what is reflected in the 2030 agenda here. And then at the end of paragraph 22, We'd also request that urgent action is needed to build resilience against climate impacts. So we would insist on having a reference to responding to loss and damage associated with these impacts, provide new and additional climate finance, enhance access to finance for developing countries in particular, least developed countries and small island developing states. We'll be happy to submit this in writing so that the proposal is a lot clearer. And then lastly on paragraph 23, we certainly support a reference to conserving, protecting and restoring nature and ecosystems. However, at the end, we'd like to broaden the reference to ocean by saying including ocean conservation and preservation. And that would be our comments on this cluster of paragraphs. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Palau speaking on behalf of AOSIS. And now I would like to give the floor to the European Union. You have the floor.

Thank you, Excellency. So I have quite a few comments on this segment. I'll try to run through them very quickly and then send in the rest of the comments. And hearing the floor and others, the concerns of others on linguistic proposals, we'll of course make these available in a very transparent way. So any delegation that is interested in our written comments will be happy to forward them. So on this segment, paragraph 12, we have some edits that aim to introduce the idea of policy coherence and the different objectives that policies may have, but also their spillover effects. So we have language on that. In paragraph 13, we would like to introduce the concept of the multidimensional aspect of inequalities and the impact of those, of that multidimensional aspect on sustainable development. So we have language on that. In paragraph 14, just some surgical edits bringing it into line with SDG 6. Paragraph 15, we would like to add a reference to necessary technical assistance in implementing international standards in terms of social protection. And we have a question and a suggestion to delete reference to shocks and crises, because why would we limit ourselves to having that social protection only during shocks and crises? So just to broaden the paragraph. We have a proposal, a 15 bis and a proposal 16 bis. The placement is flexible and these are suggestions that aim at pretty much the same idea, which is bringing in the idea of peace being a critical enabler for achieving sustainable development. So these are linguistic suggestions we leave in the hands of the co-facilitators to consider. Paragraph 16, we would like to stress more the necessity of equipping young generations with the skills for all the challenges that they are facing and will face in the future and for allowing them to have quality jobs. This includes entrepreneurship, but also social entrepreneurship and skills such as green skills as well. 16 bis, again, that's another wording for your consideration. Paragraph 17, we have some suggestions to add language on the root causes for food insecurity, which we think adds some context and some more granularity in terms of addressing it. This refers to conflicts, climate change, insufficient public and private funding. and the fact that this risks deteriorating the situation in many hotspots across the globe. We want to stress the need for transformation towards sustainable and resilient food systems and that all sources of financing, whether from private or public, national or international, are needed. We would also suggest to add a reference to the to adding on to the current architecture established under the UN Food Systems Summit and the Global Alliance Against Poverty and Hunger recently agreed. Paragraph 18, we also add, propose to add some language as we believe that education and health are very fundamental to sustainable development and in particular in view of achieving universal health coverage for women and girls. Paragraph 19, a few suggestions to refer to the full realization of human rights of all women and girls. Paragraph 20, also a few edits for your consideration. As in paragraph 21, we have a new 21 bis to propose on sustainable industrial development. Also, we'll forward that text and not go into it too much now. Paragraph 22,

I thank the distinguished representative of the European Union. I would appreciate if you can send your comments in writing. And now I would like to give the floor to Iran, followed by China and then Canada. Islamic Republic of Iran, you have the floor.

Thank you.

We align with the comments delivered by Iraq on behalf of G77 and China. In our national capacity, I would like to highlight the following points. On paragraph 19, there are several problematic issues. We request that the first sentence be replaced with the agreed formulation from the agenda. We request the deletion of the reference to, "We acknowledge the importance of an intersectional approach." We request the inclusion of women's economic empowerment here. Lastly, we request to replace gender disparities with the phrase barriers hindering women's full economic potential. On paragraph 25, we are concerned by the focus on only one aspect of SDG 16, that is corruption, noting that this was not included as a cross-cutting issue in Addis Ababa Agenda. We request a balanced approach in the Rev 1 which addresses other relevant issues such as illicit financial flows. Thank you, Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and now I give the floor to China, followed by Canada and then Cuba.

Thank you, Madam Chair. China aligns itself with the statement by G77 and China and would like to add the following points in its national capacity. First, This section should in its opening reaffirm the 2030 agenda and the comprehensive far reaching and people centered SDGs reaffirm that poverty eradication as today's biggest global challenge and it should stress the integrated and balanced manner as required for achieving sustainable development in the economic, social and environmental dimensions. Second, this section should further highlight the importance of poverty and hunger eradication, infrastructure development and industrialization. We should introduce a separate paragraph and foreground the funding shortfalls and financing difficulties for developing countries with more practical actions and initiatives. Third, we propose adding language on reaffirming the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, increasing financing for poverty eradication for women, promoting women's equal participation in economic development, guaranteeing equal access to quality education for women and girls, engaging in international development cooperation related to women, and promoting women's all-round development. The language can be included in paragraph 19. Fourth, in paragraph 21, In the penultimate sentence, the phrase accompanied by institutional strengthening is unclear and should be deleted. Fifth, in paragraph 22, the text should explicitly emphasize the primary financial responsibility of developed countries in climate change, urging them to fulfill their commitments and to provide new and additional climate finance.

Sixth,

In paragraph 23, the concept of harmony with nature should be underscored. Seventh, in paragraph 25, It should highlight the significance of preventing and combating corruption to safeguarding social fairness and justice, call on the international community to practice the principle of inclusive cooperation on an equal footing, fulfill its commitment to deny safe havens, and strengthen anti-corruption law enforcement cooperation. Meanwhile, combating corruption is a specialized area whose specific requirements should be discussed and decided upon under the UNCAC mechanism. The reference, quote, Anti-corruption measures must be integrated into all dimensions of FFD, unquote, goes beyond the consensus in the convention

and should be deleted.

Lastly, in paragraph 26, the text should urge developed countries to enhance technology transfer to and knowledge sharing with developing countries and help them with more capacity building to achieve digital transformation. The microphone is cut off.

Thank you. Thank you, China. It's now 18 hours, 6:00 p.m. The interpreters have agreed to stay 10 more minutes, but we should please conclude by 10 past six. So we're going to listen to Canada and Cuba, and then I will pass the floor to Ambassador Merete for one housekeeping clarification. So Canada, you have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. As it relates to this section, Canada emphasizes the importance of ensuring social protection systems are gender responsive. In this context, without a gender responsive approach, social protection systems risk reinforcing existing inequalities rather than reducing them. Canada welcomes efforts to address funding shortfalls in health, but note that the AAA includes a paragraph focusing on global health that is not fully reflected in the zero draft. Canada believes it's important to maintain a focus on health in the outcome document, and we are proposing updated language from 2015 to reflect the realities of 2025. Strong health systems and workforces, universal health coverage, and early warning systems are integral to sustainable development. The world is off track to meet many of the SDG targets, including UHC. We need to maintain our commitment to improve health for all. We also propose that commitments to health financing include sexual and reproductive health and rights. According to UNFPA, addressing women's health gaps will boost the global economy by $1 trillion by 2040. Efforts to close these gaps must be integrated into global financial architecture reforms to ensure it is responsive to the unique needs of women and girls and aligned with existing commitments. Canada welcomes the text in paragraph 20 but suggests the inclusion of indigenous peoples and indigenous owned businesses. Additionally, this section of the zero draft. acknowledges only two of the three pillars of the global climate response under the Paris Agreement, adaptation/resilience and finance/support, making no mention of the critical role of mitigation. In this vein, the outcome document should include commitments that better address the interlinkages of climate and development more comprehensively and holistically. Canada is not supportive of references to additionality in this forum as there is no common understanding of new and additional and we are wary of language that may be interpreted as being on top of other agreements such as the new collective quantified goal. We stress that any agreements around the transfer of technology must be on voluntary and mutually agreed upon terms. Lastly, Canada welcomes the framing of data and statistics in paragraph 27 and appreciates the efforts of the co-facilitators in integrating our comments on this from the second preparatory session. Additional comments on this section with proposed text will be submitted in writing. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Canada, and now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cuba.

Thank you, Madam Ambassador. We align ourselves, of course, with the comments already provided by the G77, and I would like to make two points in my national capacity as an additional, information in that regard. First, in paragraph 15, it should be clarified that the support from the international community to ensure adequate and uninterrupted funding on appropriate terms for social protection and other essential social spending must be for developing countries. And in paragraph 25, we would propose to include upon request after capacity building efforts as countries should indicate and request the areas where they need support and capacity building. And for that matter, I would like to ask for the clarity on the source of the language of paragraph 25 and whether or not we would require link to UNCAC because we have a convention in the UN for the very serious and complex crime of corruption. They have a conference of states parties. I think the last one was last year, the next one is next year, if I recall correctly. So maybe we don't need to invent the wheel here. We should draw relevant provisions from UNCAC as applicable, and perhaps that would simplify the discussion on a very important issue. I would give you that we know that this is Part of the conversation whenever we talk about means of implementation, for some reason it has to be, uh, but in any case, we would prefer, uh, to go, uh, closer to what we have agreed in UNCAC, which we are a party to, thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Cuba for his comments, and then with him we have just heard the last speaker for this meeting. The Preparatory Committee will meet tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. in this conference room, and will hear remaining speakers on the chapter on a global financing framework, followed by comments on chapter 2.8 on domestic public resources. And now I would like to give the floor to Ambassador Merete for a one housekeeping clarification.

thank you very much alicia and i cannot clarify the source of paragraph twenty five but i would want to clarify how we are going to use any written comments that you provide us with we asked at the outset of the meeting for you to be very concrete and focused in your comments and to provide us also with your comments in writing so you have been very concrete and focused we have taken notes we will use notes together with your supporting comments in writing to make the revision of the draft document. It will not be published as a compilation of all comments, but it will help inform us when we sit down after this prepcom to work out the revised draft document on the basis of which we will have the intersessionals. So I hope that's clarification and if not please come see me thank you

and with this distinguished delegates the program for the meeting of the session is available on the IG government portal thank you for your participation and the meeting is adjourned thank you