FIRST-WORLD countries must honour their promises to help developing nations if today’s global issues are to be met, the Archbishop of Canterbury has said.

In a blog written before the Third International Conference on Financing for Development, held in Addis Ababa this week, Archbishop Welby said: “The gap in financing that faces developing countries as they seek to implement the Sustainable Development Goals over the next 15 years is a challenge we are each called to meet — and where God calls, God equips. The challenge is within our grasp.”

A political will to mobilise resources is essential. “Business as usual will result in the poorest and most vulnerable being left behind. All must play a part if we are to avoid this happening,” he wrote.

And, while aid could be a catalyst for other forms of investment, international action was needed on tax avoidance and the illegal movement of money. “Strengthening the tax base in developing countries can increase the capacity of governments to create an environment where people can access basic services and can flourish.

“The less-positive effects of globalisation and outdated and overly complex global tax-rules mean that much finance leaves developing countries untaxed. We urgently need increased transparency, fairer and simpler global tax-rules, and institutions that allow developing countries to contribute to the global tax debate.”

He said: “It is important not to lose sight of what the money is ultimately for, and the shared vision we have for the kind of world we want to live in.”