EU Ambassador Highlights Commitment to Sustainable Development at Biennial Panel

Geneva: EU Ambassador Deike Potzel emphasized the European Union's steadfast commitment to sustainable development during her intervention at the Biennial panel discussion on the right to development. Potzel reaffirmed that for the EU, development is an inalienable, universal right, intrinsically linked to human dignity and a responsibility that requires solidarity in action. According to European Union, this commitment is deeply rooted in the Declaration on the Right to Development, which positions individuals as the central actors, drivers, and beneficiaries of development. States hold the primary responsibility for realizing all human rights, including the right to development. The EU views development as sustainable only when economic progress aligns with the promotion of human rights, fundamental freedoms, and democracy. Development cannot be solely measured by economic metrics, nor should it be a precondition for human rights; they are mutually reinforcing. At the core of sustainable development are g ood governance and the rule of law. Transparent institutions, independent judiciaries, and active civil society participation are crucial for lasting development gains. Gender equality is also vital; development that excludes half of humanity is neither sustainable nor just. Ensuring equal access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for women and girls is not a separate agenda but a core principle. The EU's approach to sustainable development is comprehensive, aiming to eradicate poverty, end discrimination, and reduce inequalities. Guided by the 2030 Agenda and the principle of leaving no one behind, the EU assesses financing strategies by their contribution to the realization of human rights, including the right to development. Beyond its borders, the EU, along with its Member States in the OECD, provided USD 112.5 billion in Official Development Assistance last year, nearly half of all global development assistance from DAC donor countries. This financial commitment is complemented by the EU's Global Gateway strategy, which has mobilized over EUR 306 billion for sustainable development projects in digital connectivity, climate resilience, health, education, and energy. One notable initiative is the Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, Medicines, and Health Technology Products in Africa project, which promotes local vaccine manufacturing and strengthens regulatory frameworks in countries like Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, and Ghana. This project also supports biotechnology education and green energy sources for production plants. The EU's commitment to the right to development is about fostering inclusive and sustainable societies where everyone can participate, contribute, and thrive. As the world marks 40 years of the Declaration on the Right to Development, the EU continues to honor this commitment through daily actions.