European leadership for the future: Civil society driving the post 2030 agenda

As the 2030 deadline approaches, the European Union faces a defining moment: accelerating action on the Sustainable Development Goals while preparing to shape what comes next. In a context marked by overlapping crises—geopolitical instability, climate disruption, social fragmentation, and economic uncertainty—the need for a forward-looking, integrated and resilient development model has never been more urgent. Recognised by the United Nations as one of the most advanced national multi-stakeholder initiatives for implementing the 2030 Agenda, the Italian Alliance for Sustainable Development (ASviS) brings to Brussels a unique experience in mobilising institutions, businesses, and civil society around a shared vision of sustainable development. This event aims to elevate that experience to the European level, contributing to a bold and actionable vision for the EU’s role in the post-2030 global agenda.

While the European Union is grounded in strong values — enshrined in Article 2 and Article 3 of the Treaty on European Union — and benefits from a unique socio-economic model, current policy trajectories risk undermining its long-term leadership. Fragmented governance, insufficient investment frameworks, and a persistent reliance on GDP as the primary measure of progress limit the Union’s capacity to address systemic risks and seize transformative opportunities. Building on the outcomes of the 2023 SDG Summit and in view of the Summit of the Future, this event calls for a shift from incremental progress to systemic transformation. The objective is to empower European civil society to act as a catalyst for a renewed European project —one that not only delivers on the 2030 Agenda, but actively shapes a fair, sustainable, and resilient future beyond it. By leveraging its unique model, the European Union can — and must — position itself as a global leader in designing the post-2030 development paradigm.

ASviS organises this event in collaboration with the Civil Society Organisations’ Group of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) and with the support also of SDG Watch Europe.

Statement by Cillian Lohan - Conference on the sustainable development agenda post-2030

The conference starts at 9.30 and finishes at 13.30 CEST. For more information, please consult the programme.

Simultaneous interpretation will be available in English and Italian.

The event will be webstreamed. The streaming will be available on this page on the day of the event. Prior registration for the streaming is not required.

Please note that the EESC cannot support participants with any possible travel or accommodation costs.

For further information, please write to: Events-CSOGroup@eesc.europa.eu