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

1.   Background

The Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) will convene 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 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 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.

2. 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.

3. Key Themes

1. The Contribution of Science to Health and Well-being: Exploring the impact of scientific innovation on global health challenges, from pandemic preparedness to non-communicable diseases.
2. 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.
3. Science and Technology for Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture: Promoting scientific solutions to enhance food production, improve agricultural resilience, and reduce environmental impacts.
4. Innovation in Climate Action and Environmental Sustainability: Demonstrating how scientific research drives progress in climate adaptation, renewable energy, biodiversity conservation, and environmental monitoring.
5. 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.

4. Programme of Events

Monday, 30 June 2025

0900             Opening Plenary “The Role of Science in Financing for Development”

High-level speakers: UN and EU representatives, government officials, leading scientists, and private sector leaders.

Keynote Address: “Integrating Scientific Solutions into the Global Development Agenda”

Panel Discussion: “Financing Innovation for Sustainable Development: Challenges and Opportunities”

11h00            Seminar “Science for Health and Well-being: From Research to Impact”

Topics: Vaccine development, digital health solutions, addressing non-communicable diseases.

Speakers: Public health experts, research scientists, global health funders.

13h30            Network Lunch

15h00           Seminar “Science for Sustainable Food Systems: Innovations in Agriculture”

Topics: Precision farming, biotech for food security, climate-resilient crops.

Speakers: Agricultural scientists, farmers’ associations, and sustainability experts.

19h00           Welcome Dinner: “Celebrating Scientific Achievements in Development”

Networking opportunity for participants to discuss upcoming sessions and build partnerships.

Tuesday, 1 July

09h00          Africa Day

13h00           Networking Lunch

15hoo            Africa

19h00           Dinner

Wednesday, 2 July 2025

09h00          Biodiversity

13h30            Networking Lunch

15h00           Science as a Catalyst for Development: Celebrating Achievements and Looking Ahead

17h00            Science and AI in Development

Harnessing AI for Sustainable Development: Opportunities and Risks

Topics: AI ethics, regulatory frameworks, AI for education, healthcare, and agriculture.

Speakers: AI experts, policymakers, private sector leaders.

19h00           Networking Dinner

Thursday, 3 July 2025

09h00          The Future of Science in Development Finance

Mobilising Resources for Scientific Research: Strategies and Innovations”

Topics: Blending finance for science, public-private partnerships, philanthropic funding.

Speakers: Representatives from science foundations, development banks, and the private sector.

11h00            Building a Science-driven Development Agenda

Summary of critical insights and recommendations from the Science Programme.

Presentation of a declaration or communiqué advocating for the inclusion of science in development finance discussions.

13h30            Concluding Networking Lunch

End of Programme

5.  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.