Plan International has called on governments, the private sector, and multilateral actors to strengthen their commitment to gender equality and children’s rights «through fair, sustainable, and inclusive financing» at the International Conference on Financing for Development taking place from June 30 to July 3 in Seville.
The organization believes that cuts in official development assistance and unsustainable debt are jeopardizing historic progress in children’s rights, from education to sexual and reproductive health. «This is compounded by essential humanitarian funding for the survival of millions of people plummeting, with serious consequences for those living in crisis and conflict-affected areas, especially girls and young women,» argued Plan International.
«This Conference comes at a critical and decisive moment when the Sustainable Development Goals are at real risk of not being met. If we do not change the model, we will not be able to guarantee the rights of millions of girls and adolescents,» said Concha López, Plan International’s Country Director in Spain.
Plan International works in 84 countries and in 2024 has reached 43 million especially vulnerable children through over 1,420 projects, focused on improving the job opportunities for 770.5 million girls and young women, providing access to education for 5.3 million girls, and protecting children in emergencies in 33 countries.
«Not only governments, but also businesses must commit to improving access to financial services, health, education, and protection for the most marginalized girls and young women. We are talking about justice, but also about the future,» said Sara Matamoros, a 22-year-old member of Plan International’s Youth for Change youth committee, who will be part of the organization’s delegation during the Conference.
Plan International, which is organizing three parallel events at this conference on how to finance and increase the participation of youth-led organizations, emphasized that «change will only be possible if these organizations are funded sustainably and accessibly, as they are essential actors in development who, despite their impact, still receive less than 1% of available funding.»
It also pointed to the «urgent» need for climate financing to focus on key services such as health, education, and protection in contexts affected by climate change, «where girls are exposed to multiple risks.»
Facing a financial gap for development that already exceeds four billion dollars annually, the organization insists that «there is no progress possible without sustained and transformative investment.»
PARALLEL EVENT
As part of the conference, on July 2, Plan International is hosting the parallel event ‘Investing in the Future, Investing in Childhood,’ focused on evidence-based financing mechanisms that benefit children and involving youth organizations.
It will also hold ‘At the Forefront of Change,’ addressing the needs of youth-led organizations to advance towards sustainable, just, and equitable societies, highlighting the importance of transparency and accountability in childhood-focused financing.
Additionally, on Thursday, July 3, the organization is hosting the event ‘Financing Adolescent Rights,’ aimed at increasing investment in girls’ rights, promoting collaboration between governments, civil society, the private sector, and young activists.
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