Spain holds a major United Nations meeting next week to find more money for poor countries. The conference happens as President Donald Trump cuts American aid and world conflicts make progress harder. Leaders from France, South Africa and Ecuador will join about 70 government heads from around the globe. The meeting runs from June 30 to July 3 in the southern Spanish city of Seville.
America refuses to attend the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and more than 4,000 business leaders and aid workers will participate. World Bank President Ajay Banga also plans to attend the rare gathering focused on development assistance.
Rich countries need to provide $4 trillion each year to close the funding gap. Trump slashed money for USAID, which gives the most foreign aid worldwide. Britain, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium have also reduced their aid budgets recently. The cuts affect programs that fight AIDS, educate refugee children and help displaced families.
The UN refugee agency announced it will eliminate 3,500 jobs as funding disappears. Debt problems burden many poor nations that spend more money paying loans than helping their people. A recent study found 3.3 billion people live in countries that pay more for debt interest than healthcare.
Most countries agreed on a plan except America, which opposed parts of the proposal. Aid groups say the agreement lacks strong action. Spain becomes the first wealthy nation to host this UN development finance conference.
America refuses to attend the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and more than 4,000 business leaders and aid workers will participate. World Bank President Ajay Banga also plans to attend the rare gathering focused on development assistance.
Rich countries need to provide $4 trillion each year to close the funding gap. Trump slashed money for USAID, which gives the most foreign aid worldwide. Britain, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium have also reduced their aid budgets recently. The cuts affect programs that fight AIDS, educate refugee children and help displaced families.
The UN refugee agency announced it will eliminate 3,500 jobs as funding disappears. Debt problems burden many poor nations that spend more money paying loans than helping their people. A recent study found 3.3 billion people live in countries that pay more for debt interest than healthcare.
Most countries agreed on a plan except America, which opposed parts of the proposal. Aid groups say the agreement lacks strong action. Spain becomes the first wealthy nation to host this UN development finance conference.
