EU Statement – UN High Level Political Forum: Official meeting on SDG 9 and interlinkages with other SDGs – Industry, innovation and infrastructure

EU Statement - UN High Level Political Forum: Official meeting on SDG 9 and interlinkages with other SDGs - Industry, innovation and infrastructure

8 July 2026, New York - Intervention delivered on behalf of the EU and its Member States at the delivered by Aurélie Vernin, Team Leader SDGS at European Commission DG INTPA, at the Official meeting on SDG9 at the 2026 High Level Political Forum on SDG 9 and interlinkages with other SDGs - Industry, innovation and infrastructure

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Mr Chair, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

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

The European Union and its Member States stress the need for accelerated, just and transformative action to get the SDGs back on track.

We recognize the cross-cutting contribution of SDG9 to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda by strengthening productive capacities, local value addition, resilient and sustainable infrastructure, and innovation ecosystems that drive sustainable development.

On SDG 9, our message is clear: progress requires bridging divides and boosting inclusive, sustainable investment in infrastructure, innovation and digital transformation. Many developing countries still face systemic barriers to inclusive and sustainable industrialisation, as well as secure and resilient supply chains.

Partner countries therefore 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 the integration of concepts such as the circular economy. This must be supported by knowledge-sharing and capacity-building to ensure local resilience and long-term sustainability. This approach also needs to be backed by private sector investment and buy-in from industries, to ensure that financial capacity reaches the levels needed to fill the infrastructure investment gap.

However, hard infrastructure alone is not enough. It must be accompanied by an effective and sustainable enabling socio-economic environment, and by the soft measures that make systems effective and sustainable over time: sound governance, policy coherence, strong institutions, regulatory frameworks, digital solutions, and an enabling environment for quality investment, as well as a level-playing field in international procurement practices.

Mr. Chair

The European Union believes that achieving these goals requires international solidarity and multilateral cooperation. That is why we are committed to partnering with Partner countries to provide technical assistance that fosters political ownership while delivering meaningful results.

This is what the EU and its Member States do through Global Gateway. We forge mutually beneficial partnerships that mobilise public and private resources through sustainable, resilient, high-quality infrastructure investment. Global Gateway investments are implemented in a holistic, 360-degree approach, building the enabling environment needed for local value creation and inclusive growth - from strong regulation and social protection to skills, good governance and human rights.

On connectivity and regional integration, Global Gateway supports strategic transport and economic corridors, helping to improve logistics, trade links, regional value chains and access to markets. On energy access and resilience, we are supporting regional power infrastructure and renewable energy investments, including the Ruzizi III regional hydropower project and the Zambia-Tanzania-Kenya Interconnector. On transport, Team Europe invests in upgrading rail networks in Cameroon and in waterborne public transport in Lagos.

The EU and its Member States will remain a reliable and constructive partner in advancing inclusive, sustainable and resilient infrastructure that leaves no one behind.

I thank you.