Visually-Impaired Version 
An expert discussion titled Financing for Development – the Future We Need was held at Maqsut Narikbayev University, focusing on global challenges in financing sustainable development. Diplomats, representatives of international organisations, and civil society exchanged perspectives on how to ensure fair, accessible, and sustainable financing mechanisms.
The event was organised by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Spain in Kazakhstan in collaboration with the UN Country Team, ahead of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development. The conference will take place from 30 June to 3 July 2025 in Seville, where the focus will be on increasing the mobilisation of socially beneficial private investments by development finance institutions. The dialogue at MNU formed part of the global preparatory process for the conference and served as a platform to deliberate on financial challenges confronting the international community in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“For Maqsut Narikbayev University, participating in such a dialogue is not only an honour but also a reflection of our strategic mission: to serve as a place where the mindset of future leaders is shaped — leaders capable of addressing global challenges guided by the principles of sustainability and equity,” said Sergey Pen, Provost of MNU.
Experts noted that today, 40 percent of the world’s population lives in countries where debt interest payments surpass expenditures on education and healthcare. Dialogue participants explored potential strategies for strengthening financial stability and enhancing the effectiveness of development support mechanisms. UN representatives emphasised that the upcoming international conference in Seville is a key milestone in reforming the global financial system and addressing climate change, poverty, and inequality.
“According to the UN, the world is significantly behind in implementing the 2030 Agenda. Nearly half of the 140 evaluated goals are showing negative trends. It is projected that by 2030, approximately 600 million people will still live in extreme poverty. Meanwhile, the annual development financing gap in developing countries is estimated at $4 trillion. In this context, the conference gains particular significance as a platform for advancing reforms to the global financial architecture and mobilising resources,” stated Kurtmolla Abdulganiyev, Head of the UN Resident Coordinator Office in Kazakhstan.
It is worth noting that hosting this event at Maqsut Narikbayev University reflects the university’s commitment to strengthening the link between education, policymaking, and international initiatives. The university continues to foster academic cooperation with international partners, contributing to the development of a renewed agenda for sustainable development.
