DR MATLANYANE`S SPEECH AT UNGA

Speech by the Minister of Finance and Development Planning of the Kingdom of Lesotho
Dr. Retselisitsoe Matlanyane on the First Biennial Summit for a Sustainable, Inclusive and Resilient Global Economy, on the theme “Implementing commitments on financing development

The Secretary General
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

On behalf of the Kingdom of Lesotho, I extend our gratitude to the United Nations and all partners for convening this critical dialogue at such a pivotal moment in our collective journey toward achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The theme of this Summit, “Implementing commitments on financing development,” resonates deeply with the challenges and opportunities we face as a global community.

Financing sustainable development is not merely a technical issue; it is a moral imperative that underpins our shared vision of a world free from poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation.
As we take stock of the commitments made at the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development and other forums, progress has been uneven. For many developing nations, including Lesotho, the gap between ambition and implementation remains wide.

We must therefore; Prioritize the implementation of FfD4 Outcomes through National Development Plans; by integrating the Seville outcomes, particularly the expanded INFF Facility and the Global Financing Playbook into ongoing and upcoming national development strategies, emphasizing implementation over mere policy alignment.

Furthermore, we must address systemic barriers, explore a diversified suite of innovative financing instruments, including diaspora bonds, blended finance, and outcome-based financing models, and ensure that no country is left behind in our pursuit of sustainable development.

This Summit provides a unique platform to elevate the financing agenda to the highest level. We commend the efforts to foster inclusive dialogue between Heads of State, multilateral institutions, and other stakeholders.

Such collaboration is essential to strengthening the links between the United Nations, international financial institutions, and global economic governance structures.

Lesotho reaffirms its commitment to multilateralism as the cornerstone of our collective efforts. We believe that enhanced cooperation among multilateral institutions is critical in addressing the pressing economic challenges of our time, from climate change to global inequality.

We also underscore the importance of inclusive participation, ensuring that the voices of small and developing nations are heard and respected in shaping global economic policies. We therefore commit to proactively engage in global policy processes such as COP30, the G20 Finance Track (via African partners), and the African Union Agenda 2063 financing mechanisms to elevate Lesotho’s voice and attract strategic partnerships.

In conclusion, let us seize this opportunity to translate our commitments into concrete actions. Let us work together to build a global economy that is not only sustainable and resilient but also inclusive—one that uplifts the most vulnerable and leaves no one behind.

I Thank you.