Finance Minister Urges Country-Led Development Over Donor Aid

At the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) in Sevilla, Spain, Federal Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb shared Pakistan’s perspective on revitalizing international development cooperation. Addressing a Multistakeholder Round Table, the Minister emphasized the need for a renewed global commitment to meet the goals of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.

He outlined a three-part strategy to implement the Sevilla Outcome. First, he called for urgent action to move beyond promises and deliver results, highlighting the importance of country-led development over donor-driven approaches. National strategies, he noted, must take priority to ensure long-term relevance and impact.

Secondly, the Minister stressed the need to expand access to concessional and blended finance, especially for climate-related and SDG-focused investments. He advocated for reforms in the global financial system, urging institutions to better reflect the realities and efforts of developing nations.

Lastly, Senator Aurangzeb proposed creating global delivery mechanisms and inclusive partnerships to accelerate progress. He recommended establishing a task force to monitor implementation and ensure accountability.

Throughout his remarks, he emphasized the shift toward results-oriented development, integrating themes like climate resilience, gender equity, and digital inclusion. Pakistan, he reaffirmed, remains committed to inclusive, measurable progress through global cooperation.