• The EU is a proud member of the Global Coalition for Social Justice. I am inspired to see membership growing across the public, academic and private sector as well.
  • Yesterdays adoption of the Political Declaration was an important milestone. We must now turn these words into action. Let me briefly share how the EU will contribute.
  • First, next year we will adopt an EU Anti-Poverty Strategy. It will take a comprehensive approach, looking at how to address the root causes of poverty and helping people access essential protections and services. And it will include our vision and plan to help eradicate poverty in Europe by 2050.
  • Second, skills development is crucial to ensure people can access decent work and quality job opportunities, and our economies remain competitive.
  • Investing in people and their skills yields benefits many times over – for the individual, their family, and their employer and community. This is why the EU has chosen as the first key principle of its European Pillar for Social Rights the right to quality and inclusive education, training and life-long learning”.
  • Our Union of Skills strategy puts this right into practice. It includes initiatives such as a Skills Guarantee, to train workers in transition between sectors or companies.
  • Third, the EU and its Member States are committed to build strong international partnerships to tackle global challenges.
  • One example is the new Pact for the Mediterranean we adopted recently. It will step up cooperation and economic connection across the region, creating opportunities for people and businesses, with a particular focus on youth, women, and small businesses.
  • We are also committed to working closely with Least Developed Countries and other partners. Let me recall that even though the EU accounts for just 4% of the worlds population and 17% of its GDP, it provides over 42% of official development aid through the United Nations system.
  • And through the EUs Global Gateway, we leverage private and public sector investments to create decent jobs, raise incomes, support human development and improve access to basic services worldwide.
  • When we invest in people, in skills, and partnerships, we turn our promise of social justice into real change. The EU will continue to do its part.
  • Thank you.