Enabel and the Practitioners’ Network at the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development

Sevilla, 1 July 2025 – Enabel is present at the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), held in Sevilla from 29 June to 3 July 2025. Representing the Practitioners’ Network for European Development Cooperation (PN), Jean Van Wetter, CEO of Enabel, spoke in his capacity of co-president of the Network, alongside the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency Sida.

Jean Van Wetter highlighted the urgent need to bridge the gap between policy, practice and finance to tackle the global challenges. Representing European international cooperation actors, the Practitioners’ Network called for a dual approach: optimising Official Development Assistance (ODA) for strategic impact and expanding development financing through innovative partnerships and private capital mobilisation.

The PN’s statement underscored the critical role of technical cooperation in enabling sustainable investments and building resilient institutions, particularly in fragile contexts. Mr. Van Wetter also reaffirmed the Network’s commitment to deepening collaboration with European development finance actors such as the Joint European Financiers for International Cooperation (JEFIC) and the Association of European Development Finance Institutions (EDFI), building on the 2023 statement of intent.

“International cooperation must be both ambitious and context-sensitive,” said Mr. Van Wetter. “By combining technical expertise with financial instruments, we can deliver integrated solutions that are inclusive, sustainable and aligned with country-led priorities.”

Enabel remains committed to advancing the Financing for Development agenda through strategic partnerships, operational excellence and a strong local presence that ensures real impact on the ground.

Read the full statement by the Practitioners’ Network on the occasion of the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development.