(8th meeting) Preparatory Committee for the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, Second Session Conferences Date: 6 December 2024 Language: English Transcript: https://transcripts.un.org/en/asset/k19/k196dkqacd Transcripts available through this tool are created by using automatic speech recognition and are not official records nor official documents of the United Nations. Official records and official documents are available on the Official Document System of the United Nations. --- Burundi · Co-Chair · Maniratanga [0:20]: Good afternoon, colleagues. I call to order. the eighth meeting of the second session of the Preparatory Committee of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development. I now invite the Preparatory Committee to resume its consideration of sub-item A of agenda item 4, preparations for the conference, organizational and procedural preparations. to consider draft decision A/CONF.227/2024/PC/CRP4/Rev.1 entitled "Proposed organization of work of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development", which we have submitted in our capacity as Co-Chairs. The proposed organization of work as presented for approval follows a standard format of United Nations conferences and is being presented following informal consultations within the Bureau. Two revisions were made since the original version was circulated on 2 December. Firstly, a footnote has been placed against agenda item 8, general debate, stating that In the order of speakers, precedence will be given to statements by participating States. This footnote is in line with established practice. Secondly, following the practice at some recent conferences, it is foreseen that, on an exceptional basis, at the closing meetings, a statement may be made by the organizers of the business forum and a statement may be made by the organizer of civil society forum as well. Are there any comments on the proposed organization of work of the conference? I see no requests. May I then take it that the preparatory committee wishes to approve the proposed organization of work at the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development as contained in document A/CONF.227/2024/PC/CRP4/Rev.1. I hear no objection. It is so decided. I invite next the I next invite the Preparatory Committee to consider draft decision A/CONF.227/2024/PC/CRP5/Rev.1, entitled "Provisional Rules of Procedure of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development", which we have submitted in our capacity as Co-Chairs. In drawing up the provisional rules of procedure, we took as our point of departure the rules of procedure applied at the Third International Conference on Financing for Development. A number of technical adjustments were introduced so as to ensure consistency with the rules of procedure adopted at other recent United Nations conferences, as well as with the rules of procedure of the General Assembly. Some adjustments were also made in accordance with the modalities approved by the General Assembly for the Fourth Financing for Development Conference in its resolution 78/271. Following circulation of the initial draft and pursuant to feedback received earlier in the week, And in line with the rules of procedure adopted at several United Nations conferences held in recent years, a paragraph has been included under Rule 64, entitled "Representatives of non-governmental organizations and other relevant stakeholders", regarding the possibility of such observers to make statements upon the invitation of the presiding officer of the conference and subject to the approval of the conference. Are there any comments on the provisional rules of procedure of the Conference as contained in document A/CONF.227/2024/PC/CRP.5/Rev.1? I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Guatemala. Guatemala [5:48]: Thank you very much, Chairman. The speaker switches to Spanish. Thank you very much for these elements you've shared with us. We have just sought to share, to check rather, that in the paragraphs you mentioned, and I'm just looking for that now, referring to participants, if I'm not mistaken, who will be present as observers. I believe that's within Chapter 10 on participants and observers. We would just like to check whether this will include the participation of representatives of the business sector, has a vision been made to the rules of procedure to a revision was included at the third FFD conference to include them. So it was just to check whether on this time as well, we will be able to see involvement from the business sector within the rules of procedure. I thank you. Burundi · Co-Chair · Maniratanga [7:01]: Thank you, Chair. I thank the single representative of Guatemala for his statement. Allow me to reassure him, but yes, business representatives will also be able to participate. Do any other delegations wish to take the floor? I see no further requests. May I take it then that the Preparatory Committee wishes to adopt draft decision A/CONF.227/2024/PC/CRP5/Rev.1? I hear no objection. It is so decided. I now invite the preparatory committee to consider draft decision A/CONF.227/2024/PC/CRP.6 entitled proposed modalities of multi-stakeholder roundtables of the fourth international conference on financing for development, which we have submitted in our capacity as co-chairs. Following consultations within the Bureau, the proposed modalities are largely based on those approved for the Third International Conference on Financing for Development. We think, we believe, that in the draft presented, each three-hour roundtable will allow for broad participation and a balance between presentations by experts and statements from participating States and other stakeholders. Are there any comments on the draft decision entitled "Proposed Modalities of Multistate Roundtables of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development" as contained in document A/CONF.227/2024/PC/CRP.6? I see no requests for the floor. May I take it that the Preparatory Committee wishes to adopt draft decision A/CONF.227/2024/PC/CRP.6? I hear no objection. It is so decided. Are there any comments after the adoption of the decisions? I see no requests. The Committee has thus concluded its consideration of sub-item a of agenda item 4. We will now take a brief pause in order to rearrange the podium. Thank you. But OK. Portugal · Co-Chair · Vinas [13:49]: Distinguished delegate, we're just waiting for the Mr. the USG Lee Jun-hui, and we'll resume in a couple of minutes. Thank you. Speaker 5 [15:06]: Play all songs of the Kapil Sharma Show. Portugal · Co-Chair · Vinas [16:14]: Well, I think we have to resume the session and I'll make just a short remarks and I'll give the floor to Max as co-facilitator. It is coming. So just in time. But I now invite the Preparatory Committee to resume consideration of agenda item 4b, preparations for the conference, substantive preparations in order to consider the next steps on the outcome document following the discussions this week on the elements paper. On behalf of the Preparatory Committee, I wish to once again thank the co-facilitators, the representatives of Mexico, Nepal, Norway and Zambia, for the preparation of the Elements Paper and for leading the discussion over the past days. I now invite the representative of Mexico to make a statement on behalf of the four co-facilitators about the next steps in the negotiation process. The floor is yours, madam. Mexico · Co-facilitator [17:23]: Thank you very much, Co-Chairs, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen. It is my great pleasure to deliver these closing remarks on behalf of the co-facilitators, Mexico, Nepal, Norway, and Zambia, at the conclusion of what has been a truly productive second session of the Preparatory Committee for the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development. As we move beyond the stock-taking phase initiated in Addis Ababa, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment. The time has come to transform our reflections into tangible commitments that will catalyze meaningful change. First and foremost, I extend our sincere gratitude to all of you, to all member states and stakeholders for their invaluable contributions, the insights shared through national statements, interactive dialogues and side over the past few days have underscored our collective dedication to the success of this process. We deeply appreciate the thoughtful engagement with the elements paper, as well as your constructive feedback, which has provided invaluable guidance for refining the document, for ensuring that it captures our shared aspirations while remaining grounded in actionable and pragmatic measures. In this context, I should emphasize that we have worked tirelessly to provide a document, an elements paper, that strikes a careful balance. It is designed to reflect the priorities of countries of varying and diverse contexts, ensuring that every one of you feels heard and represented. As we advance, we will thoroughly review all insights and contributions shared during this session. We encourage Member States and stakeholders to sustain their active engagement in the road ahead. By deepening consensus on widely supported proposals and bridging differences where they persist, we can ensure that the document reflects diverse perspectives. And we, the co-facilitators, remain fully committed to inclusive dialogue. This is not merely an open door policy. It is a genuine effort to listen, to adapt and build consensus around shared goals. We will be following up and reaching out with each and every one of you to continue listening and understanding your needs, your priorities, your sensitivities. This is the only way in which we, as co-facilitators, believe we can navigate the challenges before us and drive effective implementation of our shared aspirations through collaborative and ambitious efforts. We are receptive to all contributions, whether from Member States, civil society, academia or the private sector. because we believe that only by embracing this diversity can we generate a document that works for everyone. Our aim is to deliver an outcome document that balances ambition with practicality, aligns with today's realities, which are quite complex, and sets a clear path towards where we need to go. In doing so, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering solutions that are not only forward-looking, but also grounded in the voices and the aspirations of all. Looking ahead, I am pleased to announce that the zero draft will be circulated to member states and stakeholders on the week of January 17th. and that we plan to hold a one-day session to present the zero draft to all of you in the week of January 22nd before the third session of the preparatory committee, which is scheduled for February 10 to 14, which will now be hosted in New York and where Mexico will contribute towards its organization. We kindly remind participants to submit your written statements to both eStatements and to ffd4@un.org, including the subject line, the name of your country, and the relevant session details. Excellencies, now is the time for all of us to be together and be united. North and South must work together and find common ground and areas of synergy. And as we move ahead towards a successful FFD4 conference in Sevilla, let us not forget the purpose of our mission. to support countries in addressing existing inequalities, with the overarching focus on eradicating poverty through enhanced access to trade, better conditions to address their external debt crisis, strengthening domestic resource mobilization, and taking advantage of new and innovative finance mechanisms and digital financial technologies. We heard you, and we will continue to do so. Let me conclude by reaffirming our steadfast commitment to delivering a focused and actionable outcome document. We are fully aware of the complexities that multilateralism entails. the diversity of perspectives, the balancing of priorities, and the weight of expectations. But we are equally certain that it is the only path capable of delivering the profound and the transformative changes our world urgently needs. Only through collective action can we respond at scale to today's challenges and shape an international financial landscape that is fit for purpose, people-centered, and reflective of the current global configuration. Multilateralism empowers us to align diverse needs, drive sustainable progress, and confront the crisis of our time with unity and resolve, ensuring that no one is left behind. Let us forge ahead, keeping in mind the need for concrete short-term actions that can lead to long-term impactful reforms that set an ambitious, innovative, and inclusive financing agenda to fulfill the commitments of the Addis Ababa Action Agenda and to guide us in the right direction as we look to 2030 and beyond in a sustainable manner. Please, Excellencies, find in your FFD4 co-facilitators strong and committed partners in our journey together to achieve this collective goal of leaving no one behind. Thank you to all of you for your dedication, for your invaluable contributions, and we hope that you take advantage of the holiday break to rest and come back fully ready to engage in 2025. I thank you very much. Burundi · Co-Chair · Maniratanga [24:59]: I thank the representative of Mexico for her intervention and for having announced a concrete date for the presentation of the zero draft. Portugal · Co-Chair · Vinas [25:17]: I now invite the Preparatory Committee to consider agenda item 7 entitled "Other matters". Does any delegation wish to take the floor under other matters? The weekend is getting closer, so... I don't see none, so the Preparatory Committee has thus concluded its consideration of item 7. We will now proceed to your closing statements. And I now invite Mr. Lee Jun-ha, Secretary General of the Conference, to make a statement. The floor is yours, sir. UN · Secretary-General of the Conference · Lee Jun-ha [26:02]: Thank you. Thank you, co-chair. Excellencies, distinguished co-facilitators, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, I know that you have the very extensive week I promised to be as brief as possible. It's so glad that we landed in the closing session. So let me first extend my sincere appreciation to the co-chairs of the preparatory committee, as well as the co-facilitators of the outcome document. Their bold and dedicated leadership has fostered the concrete and action-oriented discussions this week. These discussions are crucial achieving an ambitious outcome in Seville next year. The constructive tone of our deliberations this week is very encouraging. It reflects our shared ambition to achieve a meaningful and a transformative outcome that will fast-track SDG implementation and its attainment. I appreciate the Member States and stakeholders for detailed guidance on many of the proposals contained in the elements paper prepared by the co-facilitators. This is vital for a meaningful outcome in the coming months. I believe that only by bringing our collective expertise and concrete asks to the table can this process be successful and meaningful. Agencies, ladies and gentlemen, as we move forward, we will face many challenging issues on the agenda that require increased engagement and discussion. In the months ahead, it will be critical to maintain our level of ambition and work collectively to seek the concrete solutions to tackle the pressing challenges and not reverting to the status quo positions. We must achieve a breakthrough on many fronts, including reform of the international financial architecture, debt, ODA, trade, and climate finance. I urge all of you to approach the Elements Paper with a solution-oriented mindset and flexibility to ensure the success. Let me reiterate that the UN DESA will pledge its full support for this process in coming months. We remain committed to an inclusive process and an ambitious outcome, and we will do our utmost to make it a reality. Thank you. Portugal · Co-Chair · Vinas [29:02]: I thank the Secretary General of the conference, and I next invite my fellow co-chair, His Excellency Nzepre and Marie-Ratanga of Burundi, to make closing remarks. Burundi · Co-Chair · Maniratanga [29:21]: Thank you, distinguished delegates. As we conclude this session of the Preparatory Committee, On behalf of my fellow co-chair, Ambassador Vinas from Portugal, and on my own behalf, I wish to thank you all for your active participation. A word of thanks to member states, and in particular to those who brought representatives from their capitals. and to all other stakeholders from the UN system itself to representatives of international financial institutions, multilateral development banks, public development banks, the private sector, and civil society, among others. A word of particular thanks to the ministers and vice ministers who traveled to New York and engaged in the ministerial scene setter on Tuesday, thus contributing to keeping the political momentum. The engagement of everyone is vital. Financing for development is a wide-ranging agenda that requires a holistic approach and everyone's input to be successful. The Elements Paper prepared by the co-facilitators, Mexico, Nepal, Norway, and Zambia, provided a solid basis for discussions this week. We have made great strides over the past four days. The substantive discussions provided invaluable feedback on the Elements Paper. As the co-facilitators of the FFD4 outcome document just conveyed, this feedback will inform a zero draft that draws on the breadth of perspectives and proposals that you, Member States and stakeholders, have contributed throughout this session. One message has resonated loud and clear. the critical importance you place on FFT4 to address the complex financing challenges impeding progress on the SDGs and to support reforms of the international financial architecture. Expectations remain high. And while the challenges are daunting, the active engagement of delegations is encouraging. It is a sign that not only is there a need, but also a willingness to take action. Naturally, divergences won't fade overnight. But this is a once-in-a-decade opportunity to build solutions together that can address the challenges of the 21st century and promote sustainable development for people and planet. Let us seize it. We must make our way towards Cevia with our eyes set on the achievement of our common goals, the SDGs. Cevia's success will be measured by our ability to achieve tangible results. This also means stronger follow-up mechanisms, ensuring the monitoring of commitments and the exchange of experiences and knowledge along that path. to further promote their fulfillment. Seville must be remembered not as a conclusion, but as a milestone, a launchpad for a financing framework that works for everyone, everywhere. I thank you. Portugal · Co-Chair · Vinas [33:48]: Thank you, Ambassador Maniratanga. Your words of appreciation also and again to the Bureau and the Secretariat who have been supporting us throughout this journey. With the adoption of the programme of work, the annex on modalities of the roundtables and the rules of procedure of the conference, We also have a solid basis for the preparation of the conference to go ahead smoothly, including on the logistical side. I'm certain that our colleagues from Spain will welcome us warmly in Seville next June, and not only because of the hot weather. Your decision to convene the next PrepCom session from 10 to 14 February 2025 also provides ample time to launch negotiations on the outcome document. Looking ahead, let me stress three points. As Ambassador Munir Atanga noted, FFD is a holistic agenda. It is important to involve all relevant line ministries at home, namely the finance ministries. Ensuring appropriate guidance and ownership throughout the process, ministerial engagement and commitment at the fourth PrepCom session will be key in paving the way for an ambitious and actionable agreement by heads of state and government in Seville. This PrepCom provided plenty of space for the exchange of ideas and presentation of proposals, not only in the interactive dialogues, but also through the side events. We will continue to promote such opportunities as appropriate, as such informal spaces are key for delegations to better understand each other. We also welcome the continued organization of deep dives to this effect. Participation from capital representatives brings added value. For its part, Portugal is doubling its initial contribution to the UN Dares a Trust Fund with the intent of supporting the travel costs of more vulnerable countries. We encourage other donors who are in a position to do so to contribute as well. The energy, interest, and engagement displayed this week are a testament to the collective commitment driving the preparation of FfD4. We are confident that this momentum will continue to build as we approach the conference. And on these notes, I thank you and hereby declare closed the second session of the PrepCom of the Preparatory Committee for the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development. Happy holidays.