Statement: European Union

The European Union would like to thank the panellists for their interventions.

The discussion today reaffirms the commitment of the international community to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and highlights the interconnectedness of the realization, promotion and protection of human rights for all and the achievement of sustainable development.

The EU advocates a rights – based approach, to sustainable development, with all human rights respected on an equal footing, and respecting the core principles of non-discrimination, inclusion and participation, transparency and accountability. We reiterate our support for the Right to Development, in conformity with the indivisibility and interdependence of all human rights, the multidimensional nature of development strategies and with respect for individuals as the central subjects of the development process. Let us not forget that States, acting individually and collectively as duty bearers, owe the primary responsibility to their citizens as rights holders  to ensure that the right to development is realised.

The 2030 Agenda and, at its heart, the SDGs, are a major achievement and our common plan for the next generations. This plan is our shared roadmap towards a more equal, just and peaceful world. Our discussions should stem from the fact that we have all signed up to this same plan. The 2030 Agenda is indivisible, integrated and universally applicable to all countries.

Achieving the SDGs will require action by all stakeholders, including civil society and the private sector. Looking ahead, we need to promote a model of sustainable development which is inclusive and collaborative, and which respects and promotes the realisation of all human rights, ensuring that no one is left behind. In practice this means strengthening the UN’s human rights mechanisms, and better integrating human rights principles with development efforts.

We welcome the progress UN development agencies have made towards this new approach, and we stand ready to offer our support for such efforts.

Delivering results on this Agenda is no small task – for any of us.   Yet we are fortunate to have a common basis to engage on. Let me stress our support for an inclusive and effective follow-up and review mechanism for the 2030 Agenda that fosters broad ownership and promotes accountability to citizens.