Fact Check: U.S. skips UN conference aimed at raising trillions to combat poverty
What We Know
On June 30, 2025, a significant global conference titled the Financing for Development meeting took place in Seville, Spain, where leaders from over 70 nations convened to address the widening gap between rich and poor countries and to mobilize funding to combat poverty. Notably, the United States did not participate in this conference. The gathering resulted in the unanimous adoption of the Seville Commitment, which outlines an ambitious plan to close the estimated $4 trillion annual financing gap necessary for development and to help achieve the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 (AP News, Star Tribune).
The U.S. decision to skip the conference followed its rejection of the outcome document that had been negotiated by all 193 member nations of the U.N. This withdrawal was described as "unfortunate" by U.N. Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, who expressed hope for future engagement with the U.S. to address global poverty (AP News, Euronews).
Analysis
The claim that the U.S. skipped the UN conference aimed at raising trillions to combat poverty is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The Associated Press reported that leaders from many nations gathered in Spain, but the U.S. was notably absent, which aligns with the information from the Star Tribune and Euronews, both of which confirmed the U.S. withdrawal from the conference (AP News, Star Tribune, Euronews).
The reliability of these sources is high, as they are established news organizations with a history of accurate reporting. The Associated Press, in particular, is known for its rigorous journalistic standards and fact-checking processes. The information provided by these outlets is consistent and corroborated by official statements from U.N. representatives, which adds to the credibility of the claim.
Furthermore, the context surrounding the U.S. withdrawal is critical. The U.S. cited several "red lines" regarding the proposed reforms and actions discussed at the conference, indicating a significant policy divergence from the rest of the international community (AP News, Star Tribune). This context reinforces the claim that the U.S. did indeed skip the conference, as it was a deliberate decision rather than an oversight.
Conclusion
The claim that the U.S. skipped the UN conference aimed at raising trillions to combat poverty is True. The evidence from multiple reliable sources confirms that the U.S. did not participate in the Financing for Development meeting in Seville, Spain, and that this absence was a result of its rejection of the negotiated outcome document.