PVBLIC Foundation Hosts High-Level Side Event at the United Nations to Advance Financial Innovation for Vulnerable Economies

Above: Gene Leon, Executive Director of the Development Bank for Resilient Prosperity

New York City, New York - From April 28 to May 2, 2025, the PVBLIC Foundation participated in the 2025 Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Forum on Financing for Development Follow-Up and the Fourth Session of the Preparatory Committee for the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. These gatherings served as pivotal platforms for countries, international organizations and other agencies including non governmental organisations to discuss and strategize on sustainable development financing, with PVBLIC Foundation contributing significantly through programmatic initiatives, partnerships, and stakeholder engagement.​

Throughout the week, high-level discussions focused on mobilizing resources, fostering partnerships, and finding innovative solutions to bridge financing gaps for sustainable development. A highlight of PVBLIC Foundation's engagement was the hosting of a high-level side event on May 01, titled "Unlocking the Value of Nature and Establishing a Bank for Vulnerable and Low-Resilience Economies, Including Small Island Developing States." The event featured insights from Gene Leon, Executive Director of the Development Bank for Resilient Prosperity, countries like the Kingdom of Tonga, and agencies and organizations like Blue Green Future, CVF-V20, Finance in Common Secretariat (FICs), and the Pacific Island Forum. The session delved into the conceptualization of a new financial institution aimed at integrating natural capital into development finance frameworks for small island developing states (SIDS) and other vulnerable economies.​

Discussions during the side event emphasized the importance of recognizing and valuing real world natural assets—such as biodiversity, marine ecosystems, and forests—as integral components of national wealth and development potential. By leveraging tools like ecological services and nature-based financial instruments, the proposed Development Bank for Resilient Prosperity seeks to provide fit-for-purpose financial solutions that enhance resilience and promote sustainable growth in vulnerable regions.​

PVBLIC Foundation's proactive role in these critical discussions highlights its dedication to fostering innovative partnerships and financial models that prioritize environmental stewardship and equitable development. Through collaborative efforts and strategic initiatives, PVBLIC continues to advocate for transformative approaches that empower communities and drive progress toward sustainable development.