KATHMANDU: The Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD-4) organized by the United Nations kicked off today at the FIBES Exhibition Centre in Seville, Spain.

World leaders including Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli are attending the conference alongside heads of state, government officials, and global delegates. The opening session featured addresses by King Felipe VI of Spain, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, and UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

Accompanying PM Oli at the inaugural event were Chief Advisor to the Prime Minister Bishnu Prasad Rimal, Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai, Nepal’s Permanent Representative to the UN Lok Bahadur Thapa, and Chief of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Kumar Raj Kharel.

PM Oli’s participation follows a cordial invitation from UN Secretary-General Guterres and Spanish PM Sánchez. The global gathering has brought together leaders from all UN member states, representatives from international and regional organizations, financial and trade institutions, businesses, civil society, and the UN system.

Nepal is expected to advocate on behalf of Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Small Island Developing States (SIDS), and other vulnerable nations. Discussions will focus on the fulfillment of investment commitments by wealthy nations toward poorer and smaller countries.

The conference is seen as a vital platform to foster international cooperation for achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

It will emphasize the need for immediate and long-term support and investment, aiming to address challenges in global financial architecture, development financing, aid, investment, and technology transfer.