Background
The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) Financing for Small Island Developing States (FINS) initiative supports Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in addressing their unique and persistent structural financing challenges. These challenges include small and undiversified economies, geographic remoteness, limited fiscal space, and heightened exposure to climate change and external shocks, all of which constrain access to affordable finance and hinder progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In line with the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS), the FINS initiative enhances the capacity of SIDS to mobilize and manage financing aligned with national development priorities and the SDGs. It does so through the implementation of Integrated National Financing Frameworks (INFFs), which help countries strengthen development planning, coordinate public and private financing sources, and overcome barriers to financing sustainable development at the country level.
FINS provides tailored, country-led support through embedded consultants, peer learning via the FINS Xchange platform, and linkages to global financing partnerships. Participating countries—Dominican Republic, Seychelles, Fiji, and Vanuatu—are implementing INFFs to strengthen institutional capacity and implement integrated financing strategies aligned with their long-term development goals.
Objectives
The overall objective of the FFD4 Side event on FINS is to facilitate country experiences and strengthen peer learning on how Integrated National Financing Frameworks (INFFs) are being utilized to align financing with national development goals.
In particular, the event aims to:
- Highlight practical experiences from SIDS in implementing financing strategies through INFFs.
- Promote a shared understanding of integrated financing approaches that connect policy priorities with public and private financing decisions
- Share insights on the use of financing for development tools in diverse SIDS contexts, including the enabling conditions and challenges faced.
- Increase awareness of the role of international support, with reflections from development partners such as Italy and Denmark, in advancing national efforts.
- Recognize lessons and best practices that can inform the scaling up of similar integrated approaches in other developing countries and SIDS contexts.
Format
This 90-minute in-person side event will feature opening remarks from the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, Mr, Li Junhua, followed by country presentations and reflections from development partners. An open discussion will provide a platform for dialogue
among participants, and the session will conclude with key takeaways and an outline of the way forward for continued engagement and scaling up of the FINS initiative, including in the context of the FFD4 outcome.