EU Statement – UN ECOSOC: 2026 ECOSOC Partnership Forum

EU Statement - UN ECOSOC: 2026 ECOSOC Partnership Forum

27 January 2026, New York - Statement on behalf of the European Union and its Member States by Mr. Renaud Savignat, EU Ambassador to ECOSOC and Head of the Section for Sustainable Development and International Partnership, Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations, at the 2026 ECOSOC Partnership Forum

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Excellency, Distinguished Delegates, Esteemed Colleagues,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.

The Candidate Countries North Macedonia*, Montenegro*, Albania*, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina* and Georgia, as well as Armenia, and San Marino align themselves with this statement.

We thank the ECOSOC President for convening the Partnership Forum at a critical moment for the 2030 Agenda. With less than five years remaining, global progress on the SDGs remains uneven, fragile and far too slow. This reality demands transformative, equitable and coordinated action firmly grounded in respect for human rights, gender equality and the principle of leaving no one behind. The 2030 Agenda is an expression of our global solidarity and our determination to drive profound transformation toward a sustainable future for all, leaving no one behind. It proves that in the face of global social, economic and environmental crises, multilateral cooperation is not only necessary - it works, if there is the political will to act in partnership.

Partnerships lie at the heart of that response.

For the EU, partnerships are not an abstract principle. They are a practical means to mobilize finance, innovation, knowledge and trust - and to translate political ambition into tangible results. And it is a main reason for progress towards Agenda 2030, although not enough. As reaffirmed in the Sevilla Commitment and the Pact for the Future, partnerships must be inclusive, accountable and driven by measurable impact.

This is the very logic on which the EU's Global Gateway strategy is built, aligning public and private investment, policy dialogue and local resilience to deliver sustainable, high-impact outcomes.

The Forum's focus on SDGs 6, 7, 9, 11 and 17 reflects the interconnected nature of today's challenges and the importance to tackle them through partnerships - which we do as Team Europe through Global Gateway.

Access to clean water and sanitation underpins public health, food security and climate resilience. The EU continues to support integrated water resource management and cross-sector cooperation, including in the lead-up to the 2026 UN Water Conference.

On energy, accelerating the transition to affordable and clean energy is indispensable for sustainable development. The EU works with partner countries to expand renewable energy, strengthen energy systems and support a just transition for communities.

Industry, innovation and resilient infrastructure are essential for inclusive growth. The EU is investing in sustainable connectivity, digital transformation and support for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. As cities become home to the majority of the world's population, sustainable urban development must be inclusive and climate resilient.

Across all these areas, SDG 17 reminds us that progress depends on how we collaborate - across governments, the UN system, civil society, the private sector, academia and local communities. And while an important focus should be on what remains to be achieved by 2030, as we are off track, we should not forget what has been achieved and also commit to preserve that progress.

Recognizing the need for deeper, more consistent partnership and cooperation at the UN level in NY, last year we started EU - SIDS informal dialogues co-chaired by the PR of EU and the PR of Samoa. This dialogue platform provides an inclusive, high-level space for structured political exchange, with a focus on the practical implementation of ABAS, climate action and ocean governance.

Looking ahead, the upcoming review of ECOSOC and the High-Level Political Forum provides a timely opportunity to strengthen coordination, reduce fragmentation and elevate partnerships that deliver real results on the ground.

We remain committed to partnerships that uphold human rights, advance gender equality and deliver inclusive, sustainable development outcomes. The EU stands ready to work with all partners to scale up solutions, restore momentum and ensure that sustainable development becomes a lived reality for people everywhere. The EU also supports the UN Secretary-General's UN80 reform agenda, which aims to strengthen the effectiveness, efficiency, and resilience of the UN system. The EU sees itself as a principled, constructive, and pragmatic partner for a reformed, effective, and efficient United Nations at the heart of multilateralism.

Thank you.

*North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.