Outcomes of the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development: Russian approaches and prospects for implementation

Abstract

The article discusses the outcomes of the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4), which took place on June 30-July 3, 2025, in Seville, Spain. The study is based on an analysis of the FFD4 Outcome Document and the Seville Commitment through the lens of the Russian Federation’s national interests, as presented in the country’s official position prepared before the conference. In the first part of the study, the author examines the current state of international finance and outlines how it impedes the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The author also outlines the structure and key themes of the Outcome Document. The second part analyzes how Russian proposals are represented in the provisions of the Seville Commitment. The author notes that Russia’s proposals align with the key areas of action identified in the Seville Commitment: «large-scale investment in sustainable development», «resolving the debt and financial crisis in low- and middle-income countries», and «profound reform of the international financial system». The final section evaluates the feasibility of implementing the Seville Commitment based on the chosen approaches to cooperation of major international donors.