Skip to main content

Faculty, Alumna Represent SLU-Madrid at International Conference on Financing for Development

by Laura Muro, Ph.D. on 07/09/2025

07/09/2025

Professors Laura Muro, Ph.D., professor of marketing, and Simona Rentea, Ph.D., professor of political science, together with Ana Patricia Romay, a SLU-Madrid alumna, represented Saint Louis University-Madrid at the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4), held at the Palacio de Congresos y Exposiciones FIBES in Seville, from June 30 to July 3, 2025.

A group of women standing in front of a sign.

From left to right, Rentea, Muro and Romay pose in front of the conference sign. Submitted photo.

Prior to the official intergovernmental sessions, the SLU-Madrid delegation took part in the Civil Society Forum, a two-day platform that brought together hundreds of representatives from non-governmental organizations, social movements, academia and multilateral institutions. During this pre-conference event, they joined roundtable discussions on sustainable finance, climate action, global tax justice and the role of civil society in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

From June 30 to July 3, the team attended official plenary sessions, high-level panels, and a wide range of side events hosted by United Nations agencies, member states and civil society organizations. They actively participated in sessions organized by the Club de Madrid, which addressed inclusive governance, debt crises, reforming the global financial structure and the leadership role of former heads of state in enabling fair transitions.

Throughout the conference, the SLU-Madrid team highlighted the University’s commitment to global engagement, social justice and critical inquiry, connecting with international thought leaders and reinforcing the relevance of SLU’s mission in the global policy arena.

The experience also offered valuable insights for curriculum development and interdisciplinary research, particularly in areas such as human rights, sustainable finance, international political economy, development and migration, and civic engagement.

"We are grateful for the opportunity to represent the University at such a high-level global forum," Muro said. "Events like FFD4 allow us to bring real-world perspectives into the classroom and help prepare our students to become agents of change."