The United States has expressed concerns regarding the draft document for the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4). During the intercessional outcome document negotiations, a representative of the U.S. highlighted several issues with the current draft.
"The United States is deeply concerned about the current draft and reiterates the importance of a concise, voluntary, and non-binding FfD4 outcome document," stated the U.S. representative. The country criticized the length and prescriptive nature of the document.
The U.S. also rejected efforts to expand definitions within sustainable development frameworks, stating: "Above all, the United States rejects and denounces the ever-widening definition of sustainable development." They emphasized that international financial institutions should maintain their independent mandates without interference from UN systems.
Additionally, there was criticism over an excessive focus on donor contributions rather than national responsibility for economic growth. The U.S. stressed that domestic resources and private sector partnerships are crucial for economic development: "The central role of domestic resources and national enabling environments for economic growth is not emphasized enough in the first revision."
Concerns were raised about proposals infringing on state sovereignty and independence of organizations like WTO and OECD. "Some recommendations encroach upon the sovereignty of states," said the U.S., emphasizing that trade policy or intellectual property law should not be dictated by UN processes.
Moreover, proposals for new meetings and mechanisms were seen as inefficient: "The draft continues to propose... resource-intensive meetings... misaligned with our objective of prioritizing efficiency."
Particularly contentious was any proposed UN involvement in global debt architecture or financial regulation processes: "We cannot accept text that calls for a UN intergovernmental process on debt."
In conclusion, while reaffirming commitment to sovereignty in foreign affairs, it was stated: "Our primary responsibility is to our citizens — to meet their needs... preserve their rights... defend our values."