Negotiations on a comprehensive financing framework for sustainable development resumed yesterday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where Member States have gathered for a United Nations conference aimed at securing the resources necessary for the well-being of all people and the health of the planet.

 

Deliberations are being held in the 'Main Committee' established by the Third International Conference on Financing for Development with a view to finalizing the outcome document, which will be known as the Addis Ababa Action Agenda once it is adopted.

 

Chaired by Ethiopia's Foreign Minister, Tedros Adhanom, the committee has before it the task of bridging differences on three main areas of contention in the 35-page draft outcome document. The unresolved issues include the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, the area of international cooperation on tax matters and thirdly, the precise relationship of the Addis outcome document and the post-2015 development agenda still needs to be agreed.

 

The final text, once adopted, will support the implementation of the post-2015 development agenda, including the set of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that world leaders are expected to adopt this September.

 

The conference that began on Monday includes plenary sessions, round tables and side events held all around Addis Ababa. It is being held at the highest political level, with 28 heads of State, vice presidents and heads of government; six deputy prime ministers; and 95 ministers and vice-ministers attending.

 

In addition, some 1,000 representatives from civil society and the business sector are expected to be in Addis for the conference, which concludes on Thursday.

 

 

PHOTO: Delegates at the opening of the Third International Conference on Financing for Development, in Addis Ababa.

CREDIT: ECA.