Success at FFD4: Transparency, Open Data and Interoperability firmly on the Financing for Development Agenda
IATI is recognised in a major international commitment as partners launch new transformative initiative to drive data interoperability.
IATI participated in the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4), held in Sevilla from 30 June to 3 July 2025. The conference marked an important milestone for the International Aid Transparency Initiative (IATI) and the global movement for transparency and open data.
Adopted: Sevilla Outcome Document recognises IATI
At the start of the conference, UN Member States formally adopted the Compromiso de Sevilla for Action outcome document, which formally recognises IATI. The inclusion of IATI in the FFD4 Outcome Document (Para 40d. iv) reaffirms the initiative’s role in "fostering transparency of development cooperation". This recognition reaffirms IATI’s place at the heart of global efforts to make development finance more effective, accountable and accessible.
A High-Level Dialogue on the Future of Interoperability
IATI was proud to co-host Data as Dialogue: Unlocking Interoperability for Financing Sustainable Development with the Governments of Australia, Germany, Nigeria, and the Lowy Institute. The side-event brought together ministers, senior officials, and research leaders to explore how open data and interoperability can improve coordination, trust and results across development cooperation.
Hon. Dr Anne Aly MP, Minister for International Development and the Pacific; Minister for Small Business; Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Government of Australia underscored that “data is power—but only when it is usable, inclusive, and connected.” She highlighted that interoperability is not just a technical fix but a political choice to reduce reporting burdens and ensure data empowers governments rather than overwhelms them.
Dr Tony Swan, Director of the Development Economics Section at the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, also contributed, highlighting that Australia’s 2023 International Development Policy puts transparency at the centre of Australia’s approach.
Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Federal Republic of Germany reflected on Germany’s role as a founding IATI member and shared that Germany has published data on more than 30,000 development projects since 2013. She emphasised that open data is critical for tracking progress on the Sustainable Development Goals and for showing clearly where resources are going.
Ambassador Adam Umar Bako, Director, Second United Nations Division, International Organisations Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Federal Republic of Nigeria, called for collective action from all stakeholders—including donor governments, multilateral institutions, private financiers, and South-South partners—to publish quality data to the IATI Standard and invest in national data systems. He stressed that development finance must be “truly effective—traceable, impactful, and accountable.”
Henry Asor Nkang, Country Manager for Nigeria’s Aid Information Management System (AIMS) also shared Nigeria’s experience using IATI data to inform national budgets, coordinate partners and monitor aid flows.
Alexandre Dayant, Deputy Director of the Indo-Pacific Development Centre at the Lowy Institute, demonstrated their Pacific Aid Map, showing how combining IATI, OECD, and open-source data contributes to a more complete picture of aid flows in the region. He highlighted the Lowy Institute’s work on mapping resources from both traditional and non-traditional donors across the Indo-Pacific.
Adopted: Sevilla Outcome Document recognises IATI
At the start of the conference, UN Member States formally adopted the Compromiso de Sevilla for Action outcome document, which formally recognises IATI.
The inclusion of IATI in the FFD4 Outcome Document (Para 40d. iv) reaffirms the initiative’s role in "fostering transparency of development cooperation" and places the initiative at the heart of global efforts to make development finance more effective, accountable and accessible.
Launching a New Global Initiative on Interoperability
A significant outcome was the launch of the Bridging Data Systems for Financing for Development initiative under the Sevilla Platform for Action. Co-led by IATI alongside the International Forum on TOSSD, OECD, and the UN CEB Secretariat, this new partnership aims to reduce reporting burdens and improve interoperability across international data systems.
Laurent Sarazin, Co-Chair of the International Forum on TOSSD, presented the initiative at IATI’s co-hosted side event. Initiatives under the Sevilla Platform for Action aim to mobilise alliances to implement specific actions of the Compromiso de Sevilla for Action, and their implementation will form part of the Financing for Development follow-up process
Looking ahead: Financing for Development follow-up
Looking ahead, IATI looks forward to working with all partners to ensure that Financing for Development follow-up processes prioritise transparency, open data, and interoperability. Together, we can turn global commitments into practical action that delivers real results.