The European Union and its Member States have called for accelerated, just and transformative action to get the Sustainable Development Goals back on track, stressing the need to bridge divides and boost inclusive, sustainable investment in infrastructure, innovation and digital transformation. The statement was delivered on 8 July 2026 at the UN High Level Political Forum in New York by Aurélie Vernin, Team Leader for SDGs at the European Commission's Directorate-General for International Partnerships, on behalf of the EU and its 27 member states.
In the intervention, the EU recognised the cross-cutting contribution of SDG 9 (industry, innovation and infrastructure) to the 2030 Agenda, particularly in strengthening productive capacities, local value addition, resilient and sustainable infrastructure, and innovation ecosystems. The EU noted that many developing countries still face systemic barriers to inclusive and sustainable industrialisation, as well as secure and resilient supply chains.
The EU argued that partner countries need greater investment in quality, resilient infrastructure alongside stronger innovation ecosystems, research and development, better access to finance, and stronger skills including digital literacy and circular economy concepts. This must be supported by knowledge-sharing and capacity-building, and backed by private sector investment to fill the infrastructure investment gap. However, the EU stressed that hard infrastructure alone is not enough; it must be accompanied by an effective enabling socio-economic environment, sound governance, policy coherence, strong institutions, regulatory frameworks, digital solutions, and a level-playing field in international procurement practices.
The EU reaffirmed its commitment to international solidarity and multilateral cooperation, citing its Global Gateway strategy as a key vehicle. Global Gateway investments are implemented through a holistic, 360-degree approach, building the enabling environment for local value creation and inclusive growth. On connectivity and regional integration, the EU highlighted support for strategic transport and economic corridors, including the Ruzizi III regional hydropower project and the Zambia–Tanzania–Kenya Interconnector for energy, and upgrades to rail networks in Cameroon and waterborne public transport in Lagos for transport.
The statement did not announce new funding or specific targets but reiterated existing EU policy priorities. The EU pledged to remain a reliable and constructive partner in advancing inclusive, sustainable and resilient infrastructure that leaves no one behind.