Nepal Hosts High-Level Consultation on Global Development Financing Ahead of FfD4

Kathmandu: Nepal convened a high-level national consultation on “Financing for Development: Nepal’s Role and Priorities in FfD4” on June 24, 2025, in Kathmandu. The event was organized by the Center for Democracy, Development and Diplomacy of Rural Reconstruction Nepal (RRN), in partnership with the National Planning Commission (NPC) and the United Nations in Nepal.

According to press release, the consultation brought together cabinet ministers, former finance ministers, MPs, civil society leaders, economists, and development partners to discuss Nepal’s priorities for the upcoming Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), set to take place in Seville from June 30 to July 3, 2025.

Speakers highlighted the need for fair, inclusive, and rights-based financing mechanisms that reflect the realities of developing countries. Vice Chair of NPC Prof. Dr. Shivaraj Adhikari stressed that global financial systems must prioritize human development over debt servicing, while UN Resident Coordinator Hanaa Singer-Hamdy emphasized justice in development financing.

“Nepal’s voice must reflect the lived realities of the Global South. Financing development is not a favour, but a matter of justice,” said Hanaa Singer-Hamdy. “As multilateralism is reshaped, we must act as architects of a new financial framework—The Compromiso de Sevilla is our collective response rooted in resolve.” 

Participants called for stronger international action on issues like climate finance, debt cancellation, and tax justice. They also urged the Global North to meet its commitments and shift from charity-based models to equitable global partnerships.

As Nepal co-chairs the FfD4 Preparatory Committee and prepares to graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC) status by 2026, the messages from the consultation underscored a united stance: the global financial system must be reformed to deliver real development justice.