From Ideas to Action: Financing the SDGs through Sovereign Wealth Funds and Other Innovative Instruments

Organized by IE's School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs (SPEGA), a key event was held to build momentum toward the UN’s 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), taking place in Seville, Spain (30 June – 3 July 2025). The conference aims to reform the global financial architecture to accelerate finance for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With over 100 attendees filling the room, the discussion was candid and forward-looking. The message was clear: more than willing coalitions are needed—smart policies, innovative mechanisms, and shared incentives across the board are essential to achieving the SDGs.

In this context, Drew presented the Sovereign Impact Initiative (SII), the CGC’s flagship effort to unlock SDG-aligned investments through sovereign wealth funds in Africa—anchored in national priorities. Crucially, the SII is currently incubating a financial vehicle to accelerate development on the continent. The CGC is spearheading IE University’s efforts to design and showcase innovative financing mechanisms like the SII in Seville this June—bringing real tools to the table for tangible impact.

Drew also moderated a high-level panel on Innovative Financing Instruments, which brought together leading voices from across the development finance space:

• María Jimena Durán Sanín, Senior Executive, Europe Office, Directorate of Global Partnerships, CAF – Banco de Desarrollo de América Latina y el Caribe

• Sandra María Hanni, Global Policy Lead for Trade and Climate, International Chamber of Commerce

• Fernando Jiménez-Ontiveros, Director, Financial Cooperation & General Manager, Agencia Española de Cooperación Internacional para el Desarrollo – AECID

• Marta Mulas, Senior Advisor on External Debt Issues, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Business