Key takeaways from the Brookings conversation with Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Amor Mottley and UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed

Key takeaways

The discussion highlighted growing concern that global development efforts are losing focus and momentum. Mottley underscored that longstanding priorities such as access to health, education, and water remain underfunded, even as official development assistance declines, and financing terms remain misaligned with long-term needs. Mohammed emphasized that the foundational principles of the sustainable development agenda—including multilateral cooperation and shared responsibility—are being challenged, with partnerships weakening and global governance structures under strain. Both speakers pointed to the increasing frequency of crises, including climate shocks and geopolitical conflicts, as compounding vulnerabilities and limiting countries’ ability to respond.

Looking ahead, the conversation called for a reorientation of development finance toward longer-term, more equitable solutions. Mottley and Mohammed also emphasized the need for more flexible and concessional financing, particularly for critical sectors such as health, education, and infrastructure, as well as strong political leadership to sustain international cooperation. Furthermore, they highlighted the importance of updating how development is measured, moving beyond narrow economic indicators toward broader measures of well-being, commonly referred to as the “Beyond GDP” agenda. Despite current challenges, Mottley and Mohammed pointed to the continued importance of multilateral institutions and collective action in restoring momentum and advancing a more inclusive and resilient global development agenda.