UNCTAD: Developing countries launch first-ever Borrowers’ Platform

When: Tuesday, 15 April 2026, Press conference: 2–3 p.m. (EDT)

Where: United Nations Foundation, 1750 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 300, Washington, D.C.

Who: Ministers of Finance and Central Bank Governors from eligible developing countries:

• H.E. Mr. Ahmed Kouchouck, Minister of Finance, Egypt
• H.E. Mr. Muhammad Aurangzeb, Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Pakistan

During the week of the IMF–World Bank Spring Meetings, the Ministers of Finance and Central Bank Governors of developing countries will launch the Borrowers’ Platform to improve their debt management capacity. The initiative is Member State-led, with UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) serving as the secretariat.

The Borrowers’ Platform was agreed by Member States at the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (July 2025) under the Sevilla Commitment.

It addresses a gap in the international financial system, where developing countries remain underrepresented while creditor coordination has expanded.

The Platform will:

• Strengthen South–South cooperation and knowledge-sharing
• Provide technical and advisory support to borrowing countries
• Improve representation in global financial and debt discussions
• Enhance debt transparency and public debt management
• Support sustainable financing and development outcomes
• Send a positive market signal by strengthening debt-sustainability practices and improving data

The launch comes amid rising debt pressures across developing countries.

More information: Borrowers’ Platform