Source: United Nations (video statements)
Building a better world takes more than good will – it takes investments in people, the planet and progress. World leaders gather in Sevilla, Spain to take up the challenge of securing resources to turn pledges into reality. On the eve of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, officials call it the chance to renew commitments and achieve lasting change.
Source: European Commission (video statements)
Celebrating 40 years since the adoption of the European Union flag, a powerful symbol of unity, identity, and cultural heritage.
The flag was officially adopted by the European Communities in 1985. Since then, it has flown as a beacon of cooperation, peace, and solidarity across Europe.
Source: United Nations (video statements)
Hybrid press briefing by the Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed, who will be joined virtually by Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and the Secretary-General’s Expert Group on Debt. They will brief reporters on the launch of the Secretary-General’s debt recommendations, ahead of the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4).
“The debt crisis is a silent crisis,” UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed warned, as the United Nations unveiled new recommendations aimed at tackling the deepening financial burden facing developing countries.
Speaking to reporters today (27Jun), Mohammed said, “Ten years after countries adopted the SDGs, development, of course, faces many headwinds,” she said, citing “slowing global growth, the threat of trade war and repeated global shocks and climate and conflict.” But she stressed, “the most unsettling challenge for many developing countries is a debt crisis.”
While borrowing remains essential for development, Mohammed noted, “Today, borrowing is not working for many developing countries. Over two thirds of our low-income countries are either in debt distress or at a higher risk of it.”
The human cost is mounting. “3.4 billion people live in countries that spend more on interest payments than on health or on education,” she added.
Mohammed described the debt crisis as “silent” for two reasons, “First, the crisis doesn’t impact the lives or economies of those in advanced economies… But second – among global policy makers, there’s a striking reluctance to allow or acknowledge the crisis for what it is.”
In response, the Secretary-General last December appointed an expert group to chart a way forward. “Today we publish their recommendations,” Mohammed announced. “The report makes the case that an end to the debt crisis is entirely feasible if opportunities are seized.”
The proposed actions, she emphasized, are “not only moonshots, but politically and technically viable,” offering both short-term relief and long-term access to affordable financing.
Source: United Nations (video statements)
Delegates from around the world are preparing to gather in Sevilla, Spain for the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, a once-in-a-decade opportunity catalyze investment for a better future. Set to run from 30 June to 3 July, the Conference will spotlight multilateralism’s critical role in fostering a sustainable future for all.
To watch all live events in 6 official languages: webtv.un.org/
More information: https://financing.desa.un.org/FFD4
Source: United Nations (video statements)
Security Council briefing by Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee , Assistant Secretary-General for Africa, Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs – Department of Peace Operations, on Sudan and South Sudan.
UN Assistant Secretary-General for Africa Martha Pobee said that the security conditions in Sudan remain dire.
Briefing the Security Council today (27 Jun) Pobee said, “Security conditions remain dire, marked by shifting frontlines, increased and often indiscriminate aerial assaults by both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, and continuous attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, including hospitals.”
She continued, “The warring parties appear unrelenting in their resolve to pursue military objectives. The fighting shows no signs of abating. In recent weeks, the focus of the conflict has shifted once more to the Darfur and Kordofan regions. The Kordofans are increasingly emerging as an epicenter of fighting.”
She highlighted, “We are particularly worried about the growing use of advanced weaponry, including long range drones. This has expanded hostilities into previously stable areas of the country. Aerial attacks in populated areas have already caused significant civilian casualties and mass displacement.”
She concluded, “It is time to take concrete steps to end the senseless suffering of the Sudanese people. Too many lives have been lost, too much trauma has been inflicted, and the risk of regional conflagration is too great, to allow this conflict to fester any longer. I call on the wider international community to work together, for our multilateral partners to join hands, and for the Council to lead the way in resolving the conflict in Sudan.”
Source: United Nations (video statements)
Opening press encounter for the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development with the UN Secretary-General and Prime Minister of Spain.
The President of the Government of Spain and the United Nations Secretary-General will hold a press conference on the opening day of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Sevilla, where world leaders, international financial institutions, civil society and private sector representatives are convening from 30 June to 3 July to commit to a renewed global framework to mobilize finance at scale and reform the rules of the system to put people’s needs at the center.
Speakers:
– Pedro Sánchez, President of the Government of Spain
– António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General
More info: https://financing.desa.un.org/FFD4
Source: United Nations (video statements)
Tom Fletcher, the UN’s humanitarian chief and Emergency Relief Coordinator, pleads for support amid crisis and funding shortfalls in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as he wraps up a visit to the eastern regions.
Source: United Nations (video statements)
Joint Security Council Stakeout on the Democratic Republic of Congo by Women, Peace and Security Shared Commitments Group, led by Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations, and accompanied by Security Council Members.
Source: United Nations (video statements)
António Guterres, UN Secretary-General on the situation in the Middle East and Gaza – Security Council Media Stakeout.
Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)
Armed Forces personnel, Members and colleagues from across the House marked Armed Forces Week with a flag raising ceremony in New Palace Yard.
The Armed Forces regulars, veterans and reservist community in Parliament is strong and this week I was proud to launch the Armed Forces Parliamentary Network – showcasing the role they play both in practicing, and protecting, democracy.
