THE United Nations has officially adopted the Seville Commitment, a new global agreement aimed at unlocking financing for sustainable development.
During the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4), currently underway in Spain’s city of Seville, United Nations member states adopted the Compromiso de Sevilla, a fancy Spanish name for what will now become the world’s new financial action plan.
This 10-year commitment is meant to close the jaw-dropping $4 trillion annual financing gap that has left developing countries like Zambia wondering how to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) before 2030 knocks.
Zambia, through Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mulambo Haimbe, joined hands with Mexico, Nepal and Norway to help stitch together the agreement that many hope will finally bring fairness to how development is funded.
“The Seville Commitment will improve access to affordable financing for least developed countries,” said Haimbe
The agreement is calling for deep surgery on the global financial system, from lowering the cost of borrowing for poor countries, to beefing up development banks, and even shutting down the illegal escape routes where money disappears.
Ambassador and permanent representative UN, Zambia Dr. Chola Milambo, also played behind-the-scenes midfield by ensuring Africa’s voice was not just heard but written into the final agreement.
Meanwhile, Spain’s President Pedro Sanchez, who is also chairing the UN General Conference, tipped his diplomatic hat to Zambia and its fellow negotiators for holding the pen steady in the heat of global talks.
By George Musonda
Kalemba July 1, 2025
