From Vision to Action: Paving the Way for a Sustainable Future

From Vision to Action: Paving the Way for a Sustainable Future

Next week, global attention will turn to the United Nations Headquarters in New York, the epicentre of international diplomacy. The 79th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA79) comes at a critical moment for people and for our planet. Opening the week, the Summit of the Future will mark an important milestone for multilateralism. With key agreements on the agenda- a Pact for the Future, a Global Digital Compact, and a Declaration on Future Generations-the Summit signals a decisive moment in setting the path towards a sustainable future.

The session will unfold against the backdrop of multiple crises: Russia's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, conflicts in Gaza, Sudan, and other parts of Africa, as well as the triple planetary crisis-climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution-alongside rising food insecurity, democratic erosion, terrorism, and record-high humanitarian needs.

Today's complex challenges significantly contribute to global inequalities and instability, threatening the progress of the SDGs, with the less developed and vulnerable countries hit hardest. No country can tackle today's challenges or future threats alone.

UNGA79 provides a unique platform for States to unite around a shared vision and take practical steps to address the world's pressing issues. The Summit of the Future (22-23 September), under preparation for four years, aims to reaffirm commitments to the SDGs and the UN Charter while enhancing cooperation and laying the foundations for a reinvigorated multilateral system.

EU's Priorities at UNGA79

The European Union and its Member States remain committed to multilateral solutions grounded in the UN Charter. In today's polarised world, with wars waging on almost all continents, the EU strongly backs the UN Secretary General's drive for 'peace in all its dimensions' and calls for international cooperation to this end.

To deliver the 2030 Agenda and achieve the SDGs, the EU and its Member States will continue to make concerted efforts to advance sustainable development and financing for development. As a key enabler, the EU supports reforms towards a more inclusive and representative international financial architecture.

In the context of the grave, triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, which poses a global and existential threat and aggravates existing security concerns, the EU is committed to working with partners to accelerate a global, just and inclusive green transition.

The EU will continue working on strengthening respect, protection, and fulfilment of all human rights and to call on all States to fully engage with the UN human rights system.

EU actions at the UN in the coming year will be guided by five overarching priorities:

1. Recommit to the foundations of a rules-based international order
2. Support international peace and security
3. Advance sustainable development and financing for development
4. Address the triple planetary crisis
5. Foster trust through a more effective multilateral system

EU Priorities at the United Nations during the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, September 2024- September 2025