Sri Lanka Permanent Representative Vice Chairs the High-Level Regional Consultation on Financing for Development in Asia and the Pacific in Bangkok

The High-Level Regional Consultation on Financing for Development in Asia and the Pacific concluded on 18.12.2024 at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) in Bangkok. The two-day event, held on 17 and 18 December 2024, brought together representatives from member states, international organizations, development partners, and other key stakeholders to discuss critical financing issues and strategies to accelerate progress toward sustainable development in the region.

It was convened as part of the preparatory process for the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development which will be held in Seville, Spain in June 2025.

A special session on “A Multistakeholder Dialogue on Financing for Development: Public, private, philanthropic and civil society perspectives from Asia and the Pacific” was chaired by Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka, Wijayanthi Edirisinghe. The session featured key stakeholder representatives, including Dushni Weerakoon, Executive Director of the Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka, and Madhulika Gunawardena of the Feminist Collective for Economic Justice. Head of Chancery and Deputy Permanent Representative A.W.S. Samanmali also joined the consultation.

As a guest speaker, Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe presented the perspectives of Asia and the Pacific, emphasizing that addressing the financing for development challenges faced by developing countries requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach. He noted, “By harmonizing policies, mobilizing resources, and fostering partnerships in a coordinated and inclusive manner with all relevant stakeholders, and by integrating sustainable development objectives, countries in Asia and the Pacific can effectively address systemic challenges and create pathways for equitable, resilient, and sustainable development outcomes.”

During the opening remarks, Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Executive Secretary of UNESCAP, underscored the urgency of financing sustainable development in Asia and the Pacific. “The region’s ability to achieve the SDGs by 2030 hinges on how effectively we mobilize and utilize financial resources. This consultation serves as a vital platform for sharing insights, aligning priorities, and building partnerships to advance our shared development goals,” she said.

Key outcomes of the consultation included recommendations for strengthening regional cooperation in resource mobilization, enhancing resilience to economic shocks, and fostering innovative financing solutions. These inputs will contribute to the global dialogue at the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, ensuring that the unique perspectives and challenges of Asia and the Pacific are adequately represented.

The event concluded with a reaffirmation of the collective commitment to advancing sustainable development in the region through collaborative action and effective financial strategies.

Embassy and Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka
Bangkok
18.12.2024