Biodiversity loss is accelerating at an alarming rate. From deforestation in the Amazon to coral reef degradation in the Indo-Pacific, ecosystems that sustain life on Earth are vanishing. Despite global commitments, the world is failing to meet conservation goals. The problem is not only slow policy responses but a lack of financial resources, particularly in countries harbouring most of the world’s biodiversity. (mehr …)
The first two sentences delivered by the U.S. representative at the 3rd session of FfD4 Preparatory Committee (3rd PrepCom) last week were already tough ones: “At the outset, I underscore that the United States is currently evaluating its membership and participation in all international organisations and processes. Thus, we are reserving on the whole draft at this time.” With this statement, the elephant in the room – the role of the new U.S. administration in the FfD negotiations – was finally addressed. And what the elephant said was unsettling: It questioned the U.S. participation altogether. (mehr …)
The Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) needs to address the issue of tax expenditures. These preferential tax treatments cause huge immediate public revenue losses while their effectiveness is often in doubt.
Governments worldwide use preferential tax treatments – called tax expenditures – to pursue different policy objectives, such as attracting investments, promoting employment, fighting poverty or curbing greenhouse gas emissions. (mehr …)
The role of international trade as a key driver for sustainable development has been a recurring theme since the First International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD) in Monterrey, Mexico in 2022. Building on this established consensus, the “Zero Draft” of the FfD4 Outcome Document emphasizes the transformative potential of international trade in driving sustainable development, particularly for developing countries. (mehr …)
The 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), scheduled for June 30 to July 3 in Seville, Spain, will conclude an extensive United Nations process that aims to align public and private financial flows with social, environmental, and economic goals. (mehr …)
