The Elements Paper, released on November 22, 2024, by co-facilitators Mexico, Nepal, Norway, and Zambia, is a key preparatory document for the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) in Seville, Spain, from June 30 to July 3, 2025. It outlines critical issues and policy recommendations to guide discussions and shape the conference's outcome document, focusing on reforms to the international financial architecture, domestic resource mobilization, private sector engagement, and alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Building on progress from past conferences like the Monterrey Consensus and Addis Ababa Action Agenda, as well as more than 250 inputs from Member States, civil society organisations, private sector, international organisations and other stakeholders, the Paper also addresses ongoing challenges and emerging issues. The Elements Paper provides a basis for discussions during the 2nd Preparatory Committee session in December 2024 at UN Headquarters, informing discussions ahead of the drafting of an inclusive and comprehensive FfD4 Outcome Document.
The Elements Paper calls for a renewed global financing framework underpinned by a commitment to multilateralism and aligned with national priorities, such as through Integrated National Financing Frameworks (INFFs). It highlights the role that INFFs can play in relation to public finance and budgeting for the SDGs, private investment and transition planning, coordination with multilateral development banks, financing for innovation and monitoring and FfD follow-up.