Chine | Atelier conjoint FDL/SIIS

The "Sevilla Commitment" adopted at the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4) in July 2025 acknowledges that the annual financing gap for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in developing countries has risen to approximately USD 4 trillion, which is over 50% higher than the pre-pandemic estimates. This reflects the daunting challenges of global development in a more divided world. How to make the global financial system work for sustainable development is a very urgent task ahead.

In this context, the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (SIIS) and the Finance for Development Lab (FDL) decide to convene this workshop, discussing the challenges and the way forward for global sustainable development finance governance. Building on the first edition held in November 2024, the 2025 workshop will delve deeper into the dynamics of international development finance and debt sustainability, bridging past insights with emerging global challenges. This year’s edition emphasizes the growing complexity of the global financial landscape, highlighting the interplay between debt management, innovative financing solutions, and global finance governance in a fragmented world. The workshop seeks to foster dialogue that not only analyzes current trends but also proposes actionable strategies to advance sustainable development finance.

This two-day, closed-door workshop will convene 35–40 high-level experts and practitioners from China, OECD countries, the Global South, and international financial institutions. The program will combine academic research sessions and policy panels, informed by selected call-for-papers contributions. Discussions will be held under the Chatham House Rule and will aim to generate concrete policy options to support growth, improve debt sustainability, and strengthen liquidity in developing countries.