Debt and development finance
Public debt can be a powerful tool for development, allowing governments to invest in their people and economies. But when debt grows too large or becomes too costly, it turns into a heavy burden.
This is especially for developing countries, whose public debt has grown twice as fast as that of advanced economies since 2010. They have also been borrowing at higher average rates than many advanced economies, making it harder to invest in schools, hospitals, infrastructure and other sectors critical for sustainable development.
Developing countries must not be forced to choose between servicing their debt or serving their people. There’s a pressing need to reform the international financial architecture to end the debt trap and unlock long-term investment and finance. We support countries in managing their public debt effectively.
Debt and development finance
Public debt can be a powerful tool for development, allowing governments to invest in their people and economies. But when debt grows too large or becomes too costly, it turns into a heavy burden.
This is especially for developing countries, whose public debt has grown twice as fast as that of advanced economies since 2010. They have also been borrowing at higher average rates than many advanced economies, making it harder to invest in schools, hospitals, infrastructure and other sectors critical for sustainable development.
Developing countries must not be forced to choose between servicing their debt or serving their people. There’s a pressing need to reform the international financial architecture to end the debt trap and unlock long-term investment and finance. We support countries in managing their public debt effectively.
Innovation numérique pour la transparence de la dette : renforcer les finances publiques en Afrique
Des données sur la dette transparentes et fiables constituent la pierre angulaire d’une politique économique saine…
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External debt sustainability and development
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Areas of work
- Debt and Debt Sustainability
- Responsible Sovereign Lending and Borrowing
- Sovereign Debt Restructuring
- Debt Management and Financial Analysis System
Projects
- Climate Finance for Development
- Financing green and sustainable development in small island developing States
- Mobilising financial resources for development in the time of Covid-19
Programmes
Meetings
7 – 9 décembre 2026
Conférence internationale sur la gestion de la dette, 15e session
Genève, Suisse
1 – 3 décembre 2025
Groupe intergouvernemental d’experts du financement du développement, 9e session
Genève, Suisse
30 juin – 3 juillet 2025
ONU commerce et développement à la 4e Conférence internationale sur le financement du développement
Séville, Espagne
20 – 21 mars 2025
Groupe consultatif du programme du Système de gestion de la dette et d'analyse financière (SYGADE), 14e réunion
Genève, Suisse
17 – 19 mars 2025
Conférence internationale sur la gestion de la dette, 14e session
Genève, Suisse
Documents
30 Jan 2026
Report of the Intergovernmental Group of Experts on Financing for Development on its ninth session [ADVANCE COPY]
English05 Jan 2026
All roads lead to reform: A financial system fit to mobilize $1.3 trillion for climate finance
English02 Dec 2025
Trade and Development Report 2025: On the brink - trade, finance and the reshaping of the global economy
EnglishSecretary-General Statements
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