The European Union and its Member States have urged countries to place the Sustainable Development Goals at the centre of national policy, budgeting and planning, in a statement delivered on 16 July 2026 at the UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development and ECOSOC High-level Segment. The statement, issued by the EU Delegation to the UN in New York, also called for greater investment in areas with broad benefits and for building more sustainable partnerships to accelerate progress towards the 2030 deadline.
The EU highlighted its Global Gateway initiative as a key example of such investment, supporting sustainable, high-quality projects in digital, energy, transport infrastructure, health and education systems. The statement emphasised that Global Gateway helps partner countries strengthen resilience, promote green and inclusive growth, and accelerate SDG progress, with its focus on sustainability, transparency and mutual benefit being especially valuable amid global uncertainty.
The EU stressed that innovation and transition must be inclusive, noting that progress will only be meaningful if it reaches those most at risk of being left behind. The statement concluded by calling for determination to carry forward achievements, address shortcomings, and respond to new global realities, with the next High-level Political Forum under the President of the General Assembly seen as a key opportunity to renew collective commitment.
EU and partner governments face pressure to align national budgets with SDGs, potentially requiring reallocation of resources. EU businesses in infrastructure, digital and energy sectors may benefit from Global Gateway investment opportunities. Civil society organisations advocating for inclusive development could see increased focus on reaching marginalised groups. Developing countries receiving Global Gateway funding may gain access to sustainable infrastructure but could face conditions tied to transparency and mutual benefit standards.