UNCTAD · P166 Courses

Borrowers’ Platform

Strengthening capacity for sovereign debt management
Short courses for Permanent Missions in Geneva
Organized by the Division on Technology and Logistics,
Technology, Innovation and Knowledge Development Branch
Policy Capacity Building Section / P166 Courses
Date
Monday, 28 September 2026
Time
10:00 – 13:00
Venue
Palais des Nations
Room XVI, Geneva

About the course

The Borrowers’ Platform, recently launched at UNCTAD, is an initiative aimed at strengthening the capacity of developing countries to navigate an increasingly complex sovereign debt landscape. By improving access to debt-related information, analytical tools and practical resources, the Borrowers’ Platform helps empower borrowing countries to make informed financing decisions, enhance debt transparency and engage more effectively in discussions with creditors and the international community.

At a time of elevated debt vulnerabilities, tighter global financial conditions and increasing uncertainty, many developing countries face significant challenges in securing financing that supports sustainable development, in addition to paying debt in a sustainable manner. Access to timely, reliable, borrower-focused information is essential to mitigate information asymmetries and enable countries to better articulate priorities and interests in debt-related negotiations and policy discussions.

This course introduces delegates to the Borrowers’ Platform, including its objectives, key tools and practical applications, and shows how the Platform can support policymakers and Geneva-based delegates by providing evidence, knowledge and tools that help strengthen participation in international discussions on debt and finance for development. By fostering greater transparency and strengthening countries' analytical and negotiating capacity, the Borrowers’ Platform supports more balanced engagement between borrowers and creditors and sustainable, development-oriented financing solutions.

Contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals
The course is relevant to SDG 17, particularly with regard to strengthening the means of implementation and promoting international cooperation for sustainable development.

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, delegates will have gained knowledge of the following:

01
The challenges faced by developing countries in the present sovereign debt landscape and the importance of reducing information asymmetries.
02
The objectives, structure and main functionalities of the Borrowers’ Platform.
03
How the Borrowers’ Platform may be used to strengthen debt transparency, support evidence-based policymaking and improve access to borrower-relevant information.
04
How the Borrowers’ Platform helps empower borrowing countries to engage more effectively in debt-related dialogues and negotiations with creditors and other stakeholders.
05
The role of the Borrowers’ Platform in promoting sustainable financing and strengthening the voice of developing countries in the global financial architecture.
UNCTAD · Policy Capacity Building Section
P166 Courses for Permanent Missions in Geneva
Last modified: Monday, 14 September 2026, 4:06 PM