Welcome to the United Nations
The world is falling behind on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, hindered by a financing gap of around $4 trillion annually. The Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) in June 2025 provided a once-in-a-decade opportunity to advance the urgently needed SDG investment push that is urgently needed and to reshape the global agenda of development finance to bridge this gap.
Equally important as addressing the financial divide is to bridge the digital and technological gaps. Science, technology, and innovation (STI) are critical in advancing sustainable development and global resilience. They have spurred economic growth, enhanced productivity, and significantly contributed to poverty eradication and health improvements. Furthermore, STI can be key in addressing environmental challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss.
However, technological benefits are unevenly distributed – both between and within countries – creating divides that hinder equitable development. Rapid technological advancements also present challenges, including potential negative impacts on economies, societies, environments, and human rights. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and data-centric models of digital platforms raises concerns over privacy and misinformation.
Investments in education, infrastructure, and institutions, including legal and regulatory frameworks, and strengthened international cooperation on STI are essential for creating an enabling landscape for innovation and technology diffusion, which are crucial for achieving the SDGs.
Proposed guiding questions:
- What outcomes and new commitments emerged from the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development aiming to enhance partnerships among the actors of the SDG investment ecosystem (governments, public development banks, private sector, and others) drive investment at scale and elevate development impact—especially for the most vulnerable countries and communities?
- What were the key takeaways from the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development regarding closing technological divides, scaling up public and private investment in STIs, and creating enabling environments for innovation?
- Considering the digital divides and their impact on sustainable and equitable development, what targeted strategies can be employed to ensure that emerging technologies reach and benefit all layers of society, particularly in underserved and developing regions?
