Statement
by Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Mr. K P Sharma Oli,
During the Special Event convened by
H.E. Mr. Pedro Sanchez, President of the Government of Spain, on
'Investing in Global Solidarity:
A New Vision of Development Cooperation'
organized in the margins of the FfD4
FIBES Conference Center, Room 14
01 July 2025, Seville, Spain
His Excellency Mr Pedro Sánchez,
President of the Government of Spain,
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
Good morning—and Namaste!
I am honoured to join this special event on “Investing in Global Solidarity– A New Vision of Development Cooperation.”
Let me begin by extending my deepest appreciation to His Excellency Mr Pedro Sánchez for convening this timely and important gathering.
This event reaffirms the enduring value of development cooperation, especially in a time marked by resurgent nationalism, growing protectionism, and regional and global conflicts.
Excellencies,
Development cooperation is not a gesture of charity.
It is a pledge to leave no one behind in our shared pursuit of progress.
It is about partnerships—
Partnerships that empower communities,
Strengthen institutions,
Build capacity,
And that foster resilience.
At its core, therefore, development cooperation is solidarity in action—
For lasting peace,
For shared prosperity,
For climate justice,
And for the foundations of a just, fair, and equitable world.
Excellencies,
Over the years, development cooperation has delivered tangible results.
It has helped reduce poverty.
It has created jobs.
It has supported education and health systems.
Yet, despite its proven relevance, development assistance is declining—
Even as the wealth and income of many advanced economies continue to rise.
And this decline comes when the need is greatest—
When countries in special situations face rising pressures and widening gaps.
They need enhanced and sustained global support to overcome mounting challenges and accelerate inclusive growth.
We must also acknowledge a critical concern:
The fragmentation of development aid—spread across too many small projects, too many parallel channels, and too many competing priorities—often dilutes its impact.
Equally troubling is the shift from grants to loans, even for countries already burdened with unsustainable debt.
Excellencies,
The Sevilla Commitment, which we adopted yesterday, gives us new hope.
It is about turning principle into progress—through global solidarity.
We welcome its clear emphasis on the need to strengthen international development cooperation as a driver of sustainable development.
This is the moment to translate our words into action.
We must now deliver—on both our commitments and our principles of effectiveness.
We must find innovative ways to mobilise resources and make development cooperation truly meaningful for the lives of people on the ground.
Today, developing countries face mounting financial stress, including rising debt.
In this context, concessional finance is not optional—it is essential.
Mr President,
Let me express my sincere appreciation to you for your initiative in revitalising the global conversation on development cooperation—and for inspiring renewed ambition and united action.
I also wish to extend my gratitude to our development partners for their continued cooperation.
I trust this partnership will only grow stronger in the days to come.
Thank you.
