Science and Innovation Priorities for the UN Financing for Development Conference (FfD4)

Advancing Science for Sustainable Development: Integrating Scientific Innovation into the Global Development Agenda

30 June – 3 July 2025, Seville, Spain

Scroll down for the Draft Programme and Registration form

In late June, the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) will take place in Seville, Spain. The Conference, which is the first in 10 years and almost certainly the last Financing conference before the critical 2030 milestone, will bring together global leaders, policymakers, development finance experts, and other stakeholders to explore strategies for mobilising resources and fostering sustainable development.

Promoting science and innovation is essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, scientific contributions to development are often under-recognized or insufficiently leveraged within financial and policy frameworks.

To address this gap, a dedicated Science Programme event entitled “Advancing Science for Sustainable Development: Integrating Scientific Innovation into de Global Development Agenda” will take place during FfD4, emphasising the role of science, technology, and innovation in advancing key development priorities, including health, artificial intelligence (AI), food security, agriculture, and more.

The Science Programme aims to integrate scientific perspectives into financing discussions, foster stronger partnerships between science and development communities, and advocate for increased investment in scientific research and technological advancement as cornerstones of sustainable development.

In preparation for FfD4, the co-facilitators of the intergovernmental consultations on the outcome document—Mexico, Zambia, Nepal, and Norway—released a zero draft of the conclusions on 22 January 2025. The draft outlines key provisions across multiple areas, including domestic and international private finance, international development cooperation, and international trade as a driver of development.

Notably, the draft emphasises the role of science, technology, innovation, and capacity building in advancing sustainable development. It highlights technological advancements as catalysts for progress, addresses digital divides, and underscores the importance of digital technology in promoting financial inclusion and financial health. These provisions reflect a growing recognition of the transformative potential of technology in achieving global development goals.

Objectives

1. Highlight the role of science in sustainable development: Showcase how scientific research and innovation contribute to solving development challenges, such as climate change, global health, food security, and digital transformation.

2. Promote science-informed policy-making: Encourage the integration of scientific evidence into development finance policies and strategies, particularly for issues that intersect with health, AI, and agriculture.

3. Foster collaborations and partnerships: Facilitate connections between scientists, policymakers, private sector representatives, and civil society to promote science-driven solutions for development.

4. Mobilize resources for science and innovation: Advocate for increased funding and investment in scientific research, especially in fields that are critical to achieving the SDGs.

Key Themes

Financing large-scale infrastructures as they are key to sustainable capacity building. Integrating urban mobility projects while requiring sustainable strategies to minimize carbon emissions through energy-efficient technologies and green practices.

Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development: Examining the potential of AI to transform sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education, and infrastructure while addressing ethical and regulatory considerations.

Science and Technology for Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture: Promoting scientific solutions to enhance food production, improve agricultural resilience, and reduce environmental impacts.

Innovation in Climate Action and Environmental Sustainability: Demonstrating how scientific research drives progress in climate adaptation, renewable energy, biodiversity conservation, and environmental monitoring.

The Future of Science in Financing for Development: Advocating for integrating science within development finance frameworks and discussing strategies to mobilise funds for scientific research.

Expected Outcomes

• Strengthened recognition of the role of science in achieving sustainable development.
• Recommendations for integrating scientific innovation into development financing frameworks.
• Commitments from stakeholders to increase investment in scientific research and innovation.
• Establishment of new partnerships and networks between the science, policy, and finance communities.

Draft programme

Monday, 30 June 2025 – Africa Science Leadership

Tuesday, 1 July 2025

Wednesday, 2 July 2025

Thursday, 3 July 2025

Registration form

Please complete this form to register for the event. Attendance is free, but registration is required.