UN Secretary-General Urges Immediate Action and Increased Investment to Finance the SDGs in Sevilla Address
Sevilla, Spain – June 30, 2025 – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres issued a powerful call to action today, urging world leaders to significantly increase financing and fundamentally “change course” to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Speaking at a high-level forum in Sevilla, Spain, Guterres emphasized that the mid-point of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development has passed, and the world is currently off track to meet its ambitious targets.
The report, titled “It’s time to finance our future and ‘change course’,” highlights a critical funding gap that is jeopardizing progress on crucial global challenges, from eradicating poverty and hunger to combating climate change and ensuring gender equality. The Secretary-General painted a stark picture of the current reality, underscoring that despite the transformative potential of the SDGs, the necessary financial commitments have not materialized at the scale and speed required.
“We are at a pivotal moment,” Guterres stated, addressing an assembly of heads of state, government ministers, international financiers, and civil society representatives. “The 2030 Agenda represents a universal blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet. However, without a dramatic and urgent increase in financing, this vision risks remaining an unfulfilled promise. It is time to move beyond rhetoric and translate our commitments into tangible, life-changing action.”
The report details the multifaceted nature of the SDG financing challenge. It points to a slowdown in global economic growth, increased debt burdens in developing countries, and insufficient mobilization of both public and private capital as significant impediments. Guterres stressed the need for a radical rethinking of how development is financed, advocating for a more equitable and efficient global financial architecture.
Key proposals put forth in the address include:
- Rethinking the role of international financial institutions: The Secretary-General called for reforms to make these institutions more responsive to the needs of developing countries, particularly in the context of climate adaptation and resilience. He emphasized the importance of concessional financing and debt relief.
- Mobilizing private sector investment: Guterres urged governments to create enabling environments that incentivize private sector investment in sustainable development, highlighting the potential of green bonds, impact investing, and public-private partnerships. However, he cautioned that such investments must be aligned with SDG objectives and human rights principles.
- Reforming the global tax system: The report underscores the need to address illicit financial flows and tax evasion, which drain vital resources from developing countries. Guterres reiterated the call for a global tax cooperation framework to ensure that corporations pay their fair share.
- Increasing official development assistance (ODA): While acknowledging the importance of diverse funding sources, the Secretary-General reminded developed countries of their commitments to ODA, urging them to meet the agreed-upon targets.
- Innovative financing mechanisms: The report explores the potential of new and innovative financing mechanisms, such as blended finance and carbon pricing, to bridge the SDG funding gap.
Guterres also emphasized that financing is not merely a matter of capital, but of political will and a shared sense of responsibility. He highlighted the interconnectedness of the SDGs, stressing that progress in one area can have ripple effects across others. For instance, investing in education and healthcare not only improves individual well-being but also fuels economic growth and fosters more resilient societies.
The forum in Sevilla provided a crucial platform for dialogue and collaboration, bringing together key stakeholders to discuss concrete strategies for increasing SDG financing. The discussions underscored the urgency of the situation and the collective responsibility to ensure that the 2030 Agenda delivers on its promise for a better future for all.
As the world navigates complex global challenges, the message from Sevilla is clear: the time for incremental change is over. The Secretary-General’s impassioned appeal serves as a powerful reminder that the future of humanity and the health of the planet depend on our collective willingness to finance our shared aspirations and fundamentally change course towards a more sustainable and equitable world.
It’s time to finance our future and ‘change course’, Guterres tells world leaders in Sevilla
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