Bahrain Sets the Stage for Global Development Financing Dialogue

The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bahrain, Khaled El Mekwad, underscored today Bahrain’s pioneering efforts in Finance for Development, including Islamic finance, SDG-linked bonds, and the country’s rapidly growing FinTech sector.

He was speaking at a workshop held in Manama ahead of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), set to take place in Seville, Spain, from June 30 to July 3, 2025. 

The workshop, organised by the United Nations in Bahrain, brought together United Nations officials, Government representatives, and partners from the private sector to reflect on Bahrain’s participation in the FfD4 Conference. 

“Bahrain stands out in the region for its forward-looking vision and proactive policies in financing sustainable development. Whether through its leadership in Islamic finance, the promotion of SDG-linked bonds and sukuk, or its expanding FinTech ecosystem, Bahrain has built a strong foundation for aligning finance with sustainability,” El Mekwad said. 

“As we reflect on the key action areas outlined in the FfD4 Outcome Document and jointly explore the SDG financing solutions that Bahrain can bring to the table at the FfD4 Conference, today’s preparatory workshop explored practical solutions to mobilize capital for the SDGs - from blended finance and sustainable bonds to inclusive FinTech and financial services for microbusinesses.”

 From June 30 to July 3, 2025, the United Nations will convene the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) in Seville, Spain. The conference will serve as a pivotal platform to assess progress on global commitments to financing sustainable development and address emerging challenges since the adoption of the Addis Ababa Action Agenda in 2015. It will bring together high-level representatives from governments, international and regional organizations, financial and trade institutions, the private sector, civil society, and the United Nations system.

A key focus of FfD4 will be the negotiation and adoption of a new outcome document, building on the legacy of the Monterrey Consensus, the Doha Declaration, and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda. This outcome document will articulate renewed global commitments and strategies for financing sustainable development, with emphasis on equity, resilience, and digital transformation. The Seville Platform, anchored by the SDG Investment Fair, will serve as a high-level venue to showcase innovative financing solutions and public-private partnerships that align investment flows with the SDGs. It will also offer member states an opportunity to highlight national financing frameworks and attract sustainable capital to priority sectors.