Guterres addressed the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development in Seville, Spain.
The gathering has brought together heads of state, Finance Ministers, Chief Executive Officer's and leaders from international institutions for discussions set to shape the future of development finance over the next decade.
South African (SA) President Cyril Ramaphosa designated International Relations and Co-operation Minister, Ronald Lamola to head the country’s delegation.
World leaders have opened the fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Spain.
They have called for solidarity as the world is grappling with complex matters such as climate financing, global debt reform and mobilising public and private capital to fight persistent inequalities.
UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, outlined the importance of fast-flowing resources.
“First, we must get resources flowing fast. Countries must lead by mobilising domestic resources and investing in areas of greatest impact. Schools, healthcare, social protection, decent work and renewable energy,” says Guterres.
Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, says the world cannot turn a blind eye on these issues.
“We have gathered because billions of people and lives depends on the decisions we make. Whether we choose ambition over paralysis, solidarity over indifference or courage over convenience,” Sanchez.
UN members want to close a funding gap that prevents the developing world from achieving the sustainable development goals.
Activists have also staged demonstrations to make their messages heard by leaders.
Executive Secretary for the Ghana Anti-coalition, Beauty Emefa Narteh echoed the same sentiment,
“We are seeking a fairer system, a fairer tax system. We are also seeking for cancellation of debt and we want dignity not handouts,” says Narteh.
Security has been increased in and around the conference and exhibition. Spain has positioned the summit as a defining moment for international cooperation on sustainable development and economic justice.
--SABC--
