Data as Dialogue: Unlocking Interoperability for Financing Sustainable Development
Side Event at the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development, Seville 2 July 2025
Co-Hosts
Co-Hosts: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Government of Australia; The Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Government of Nigeria; Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), Government of Germany; Lowy Institute; International Aid Transparency Initiative (IATI)
Abstract
This side event brings together governments, international organizations, and policy innovators to explore how open, interoperable data platforms and standards can improve data sharing and accessibility, addressing challenges for developing countries (para 64.c). It will spotlight ways in which public and private actors can contribute to, and benefit from, a more coherent and transparent financial data ecosystem—one that links upstream commitments with downstream delivery and puts actionable, real-time information in the hands of decision-makers at all levels.
By investing in common standards, inclusive governance, and system-wide interoperability, we can transform fragmented data into shared insight—and build the digital foundations for a more responsive, results-driven approach to financing sustainable development cooperation.
Objectives
- Promote financial transparency through shared open data standards to build mutual accountability and inclusive partnerships.
- Recognise IATI as the technical and political foundation for financial data interoperability across the global financing framework.
- Present a vision for a Sevilla Platform-backed interoperable data ecosystem to support real-time, country-driven data to drive effectiveness, impact , cooperation and results tracking.
- Mobilize country-level investment to support LDCs and other countries in using interoperable, forward-looking financial data in national systems.
- Advance multi-stakeholder dialogue on integrating private sector financial data into transparent development ecosystems.
Concept Note
Background
Reliable, interoperable data is a cornerstone of effective financing for sustainable development. As emphasized in the FfD4 Outcome Document, inclusive digital infrastructure and transparent data systems are essential to improving coordination, accountability, predictability, and equitable allocation of resources—particularly for the countries that need them most.
Yet today, global development finance remains siloed across incompatible formats, disconnected platforms, and misaligned reporting processes. Public and private flows alike are difficult to trace, compare, or align with national priorities—undermining efforts to mobilize and manage resources effectively. These inefficiencies are most acutely felt in Least Developed Countries (LDCs), where limited visibility over external support compounds institutional and fiscal constraints.
The International Aid Transparency Initiative (IATI) offers a concrete solution: a globally recognized open data standard and a multi-stakeholder governance model already used by over 1,700 organizations. As a shared infrastructure that enables financial data to flow across systems and sectors—from bilateral donors to national treasuries, and from NGOs to private investors—IATI plays a vital role in creating a more connected and accountable global financing.
As recognized in the FFD4 Final Draft Outcome Document [para 39.d)iv.], IATI fosters transparency that strengthens development cooperation architectures at both national and global levels, enabling synergies across existing platforms and forums, enhancing coherence, effectiveness, accountability and impact of development cooperation; and supporting policy guidance and recommendations.
Additional information
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Q: Will side events be included in the official conference programme?
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