30 Jun 2025
At the FfD4 conference in Seville, the ICC called for practical, private sector-led financing to achieve the SDGs, urging action beyond symbolic commitments. With the “Compromiso de Sevilla” agreed, ICC is pushing for greater business input on SME investment, tax reform, and climate finance.
With a hard-won outcome document and key stakeholders on the ground, ICC urges pragmatic financing solutions for sustainable development.
The Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) officially opens today in Seville, Spain—marking a critical milestone for global efforts to mobilize resources to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. With time running short and public finances under pressure, the role of private sector-led solutions has never been more vital.
ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton AO, in a message to the ICC network last week, emphasized the importance of the Seville conference in restoring momentum behind multilateral cooperation and identifying practical financing tools to drive development forward. “FfD4 must be a moment to bring business fully to the table—not just as a source of capital, but as a partner for innovation, implementation, and inclusive growth,” he stated.
The “Compromiso de Sevilla”
Following intense negotiations, the conference opens with a draft outcome document already agreed—symbolically titled the Compromiso de Sevilla by its co-facilitators. The text was adopted by consensus earlier this month, despite the withdrawal of the United States from both the negotiations and the conference itself.
While this consensus is being hailed as a sign of multilateralism’s enduring strength, it comes with important caveats. Several countries have registered reservations on key sections of the text, particularly those relating to debt sustainability. Others expressed disappointment that the final language fell short of stronger commitments on climate finance and in some cases merely preserved previously agreed provisions from the Paris Agreement and the UNFCCC.
Nonetheless, the document is expected to be formally endorsed at FfD4 in Seville, and later adopted by the UN General Assembly—most likely through the existing FfD resolution via the Second Committee.
Business Engagement: From Dialogue to Action
ICC is playing a prominent role throughout the conference, particularly through its support to the International Business Forum, which will gather business leaders, development finance institutions, and policymakers to exchange concrete solutions. From blended finance and green bonds to innovative partnerships for SME inclusion, the Forum will explore ways to better align public and private finance with sustainable development priorities.
In parallel, ICC members, national committees, and partners are contributing to a wide range of official side-events. These will tackle issues such as unlocking investment in emerging markets, enhancing financial inclusion, reforming international tax rules, and financing for climate adaptation.
With the final outcome text largely settled, attention now turns to implementation. ICC’s engagement will focus on ensuring the Compromiso de Sevilla is more than symbolic—by pushing for action-oriented follow-up and greater private sector participation in shaping the financial architecture of the SDG decade.
What to Watch
Over the coming days, key sessions will focus on:
Aligning global finance flows with the SDGs
International tax cooperation and debt sustainability
Scaling investment in sustainable infrastructure and SMEs
Launch of the Seville Platform for Action
Stay tuned for updates. ICC will be sharing key takeaways and developments from Seville throughout the week via our news and social media. Follow along as we help shape the global agenda for financing sustainable development.