State Secretary Gabrič attending conference on financing to accelerate SDG implementation

2. 7. 2025

State Secretary Dr Melita Gabrič took part in the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development, held in Sevilla, Spain, under the auspices of the UN. The event brought together heads of international financial institutions, as well as representatives of civil society, philanthropic organisations, the private sector and government delegations. Its central objective was to increase financing and accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in developing countries by 2030.

državna sekretarka med nastopom na konferenci — State Secretary Melita Gabrič speaking at the Conference | Author Ministrstvo za zunanje in evropske zadeve

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The outcome document of the Conference, the Sevilla Commitment, outlines a new framework for scaling up financial resources. It places particular emphasis on enhancing the role of the private sector and the activities of international financial institutions, especially international development banks. The document also highlights the need for structural reforms, capacity building in developing countries and the role of scientific and technological progress in financing the SDGs.

In the national statement, State Secretary Gabrič underscored that the Conference presents a vital opportunity to increase financing for development and to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. Particular attention should be devoted to the needs of the most vulnerable developing countries, while upholding the principles of national ownership and shared responsibility in achieving the Goals. The Sevilla Commitment serves as a catalyst for broader engagement across all stakeholder groups and for the formation of new partnerships. The State Secretary further stressed that the Conference must reinforce trust in multilateral cooperation, which remains essential for tackling global challenges in the 21st century.

As part of the official programme, State Secretary Gabrič co-chaired a thematic panel discussion on safeguarding the multilateral trading system and leveraging science, technology and innovation to promote sustainable development. She highlighted that scientific and technological advances can accelerate the achievement of SDGs, provided they are inclusive and deliver benefits for all. She also presented several initiatives led by Slovenian research centres and enterprises focusing on SDG-related projects and climate change adaptation, particularly in agriculture and river basin management. Slovenia is committed to engaging local stakeholders in these efforts to facilitate the transfer of knowledge and technologies to developing countries.

In addition, the State Secretary participated in a number of side events aligned with Slovenia’s development cooperation priorities. These included discussions on financing transboundary water cooperation and river basin development, as well as on advancing gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls across all dimensions of financing for development.