Borrowers’ Platform: Strengthening capacity for sovereign debt management Delivered by the Division on Globalization and Development Strategies
The Borrowers’ Platform, recently launched at UNCTAD, is an initiative aimed at strengthening the capacity of developing countries to navigate an increasingly complex sovereign debt landscape. By improving access to debt-related information, analytical tools and practical resources, the Borrowers’ Platform helps empower borrowing countries to make informed financing decisions, enhance debt transparency and engage more effectively in discussions with creditors and the international community. At a time of elevated debt vulnerabilities, tighter global financial conditions and increasing uncertainty, many developing countries face significant challenges in securing financing that supports sustainable development, in addition to paying debt in a sustainable manner. Access to timely, reliable and borrower-focused information is essential in order to mitigate information asymmetries and enable countries to better articulate priorities and interests in debt-related negotiations and policy discussions. This course introduces delegates to the Borrowers’ Platform, including objectives, key tools and practical applications, and shows how the Platform can support policymakers and Geneva-based delegates by providing evidence, knowledge and tools that help strengthen participation in international discussions on debt and finance for development. By fostering greater transparency and enhancing analytical and negotiating capacity among countries, the Borrowers’ Platform contributes to more balanced engagement between borrowers and creditors and supports sustainable and development oriented financing solutions. The course is relevant to Sustainable Development Goal 17, particularly with regard to strengthening the means of implementation and promoting international cooperation for sustainable development.
At the end of this course, delegates will have gained knowledge of:
- The challenges faced by developing countries in the present sovereign debt landscape and the importance of reducing information asymmetries
- The objectives, structure and main functionalities of the Borrowers’ Platform
- How the Borrowers’ Platform may be used to strengthen debt transparency, support evidence-based policymaking and improve access to borrower-relevant information
- How the Borrowers’ Platform helps empower borrowing countries to engage more effectively in debt-related dialogues and negotiations with creditors and other stakeholders
- The role of the Borrowers’ Platform in promoting sustainable financing and strengthening the voice of developing countries in the global financial architecture
