On 8 July 2026, the European Union and its Member States called for accelerated, just and transformative action to get the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) back on track, with a focus on SDG 9 on industry, innovation and infrastructure. In a statement delivered 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 (DG INTPA), the EU stressed that progress requires bridging divides and boosting inclusive, sustainable investment in infrastructure, innovation and digital transformation. The statement highlighted that many developing countries still face systemic barriers to inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and secure supply chains.
The EU emphasised the need for greater investment in quality, resilient infrastructure, alongside stronger innovation ecosystems, research and development, better access to finance, and enhanced skills including digital literacy and circular economy concepts. This must be supported by knowledge-sharing, capacity-building, private sector investment, and industry buy-in to fill the infrastructure investment gap. The EU also underscored that hard infrastructure alone is insufficient; 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.
The statement reaffirmed the EU's commitment to international solidarity and multilateral cooperation, citing the Global Gateway initiative as a key instrument. Through Global Gateway, the EU and its Member States forge mutually beneficial partnerships that mobilise public and private resources for sustainable, resilient, high-quality infrastructure investment. The approach is holistic, building the enabling environment for local value creation and inclusive growth, from regulation and social protection to skills, governance and human rights. Specific examples mentioned include support for the Ruzizi III regional hydropower project and the Zambia–Tanzania–Kenya Interconnector on energy, upgrading rail networks in Cameroon, and waterborne public transport in Lagos on transport. The EU pledged to remain a reliable and constructive partner in advancing inclusive, sustainable and resilient infrastructure that leaves no one behind.