UN: Development Investments Lay Foundation for Peace

The head of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) emphasized the need for development investments, highlighting that they form the foundation for peace. Haoliang Xu, interim head of UNDP, called for increased aid to countries in the Global South, ahead of the United Nations Financing for Development (FfD4) conference in Seville.

According to a report by the PRIO institute, in 2023 there were 61 armed conflicts in 36 countries, the highest number since 1946. The UN is concerned that rising military spending ($2.7 trillion in 2024) is undermining development prospects.

Mr. Xu stressed that 2 billion people live in countries affected by conflict and that developed countries must commit to helping countries in difficulty. At least 50 heads of state and government are expected at FfD4 to seek solutions for the $4 trillion funding gap facing countries in the Global South.