External publications

The Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development: Asian priorities

in: ETTG Policy Brief 2/2025

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This Policy Brief reflects ongoing ETTG work on FfD4 preparations in the framework of a partnership with the Agence Française de Développement (AFD). Key messages:

1. Re-centring the SDGs as a Global Priority. FfD4 must restore the SDGs’ centrality by integrating climate finance and development finance, ensuring they reinforce each other rather than operate in silos. Achieving this will necessitate a shift in discourse in both the Global North and South, presenting sustainable development as inclusive, equitable and intrinsically linked to climate resilience.

2. Tackling Fragmentation in International Governance. FfD4 should address fragmentation by fostering cross-sector and cross-ministry coordination at national levels and strengthening inclusive governance at global levels. Ministries of finance must play a more prominent role in development and climate finance discussions, ensuring alignment with fiscal realities. FfD4 must also promote policy coherence across international agendas, with particular attention to mitigating unintended consequences of unilateral legislation on developing countries’ progress toward the 2030 Agenda.

3. Scaling Up Public Finance for Sustainable Development. Public finance, especially domestic resource mobilisation (DRM), remains central to Asia’s sustainable development progress. FfD4 must emphasise expanding tax bases, modernising
administrations and ensuring equitable public spending aligned with national goals. Official Development Assistance (ODA) should better support DRM reforms by mitigating associated political and economic risks.

4. Recognising the Diversity of Asian Countries. FfD4 must adopt a tailored approach to development finance, reflecting Asia’s diverse economic capacities and climate vulnerabilities. Regional cooperation on tax, climate resilience and development finance should be strengthened to foster shared learning and collective solutions. National platforms that enhance donor coordination and align with credible long-term plans must be prioritised.