EESC and African Union ECOSOCC present Joint Declaration at the UN Summit of the Future

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) and the African Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) today presented a Joint Declaration at the UN Summit of the Future in New York, emphasising the crucial role of civil society in addressing global challenges and advancing sustainable development.

This declaration, in the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding between the EESC and ECOSOCC, outlines a shared vision for a fairer, more inclusive, and equitable world. Both institutions call for a reinvigorated multilateral system where civil society is empowered to actively engage in global governance, climate action, and development financing.

President Röpke said: ‘This declaration represents far more than mere words; it is a strong commitment to our shared values of democracy, inclusivity, and sustainability. In the face of pressing global challenges, we require a more robust multilateralism—one that genuinely engages civil society at its core. Beyond consultation, we must foster true dialogue with civil society, for this is essential to the future of global governance—not a mere formality or a box-ticking exercise’.

A comprehensive call for sustainable and inclusive development

The Joint Declaration emphasises:

• Accelerating progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The EESC and ECOSOCC call for a comprehensive strategy to advance the SDGs, highlighting the need for structured civil society engagement and financing mechanisms to support sustainable initiatives.
• A fair transition to climate neutrality: The declaration stresses the importance of ensuring decent work and eradicating poverty while transitioning to climate-neutral economies.
• Global financial reform: The institutions advocate for substantial reforms in the global financial system to better support sustainable development, particularly in vulnerable countries.
• Gender-responsive policies: The declaration addresses the disproportionate impact of climate change on women and girls, calling for gender-inclusive policies in climate action and development programs.

Civil society at the heart of global governance reform

The EESC and ECOSOCC underline that civil society must play a central role in reforming global governance, including a reformation of the United Nations’ decision-making bodies. The declaration calls for greater representation of developing nations, particularly from Africa, in the UN Security Council and other key global institutions.

Promoting youth and digital innovation

The declaration underscores the importance of engaging young people and fostering digital innovation as key drivers of future global governance. The EESC and ECOSOCC call for increased funding and global cooperation in science, technology, and digital governance, ensuring that these developments benefit humanity and the planet.

A partnership for the future

The partnership between the EESC and ECOSOCC aims to inspire new alliances and initiatives. As President Röpke noted, "This Joint Declaration reflects our joint commitment to creating a more just and equitable global system where the voices of all are heard and included."

Background

The EESC and ECOSOCC partnership was formalised with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 17 July 2024 in Accra, Ghana. This MoU strengthens cooperation on key issues like sustainable development, climate action, and civil society engagement. It sets out actions including regular meetings, joint contributions to EU-AU summits, and the creation of a permanent civil society engagement mechanism.

The collaboration reflects both institutions' commitment to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and promoting inclusive governance. With a focus on enhancing civil society’s role in the EU-Africa partnership, the MoU underscores the need for joint solutions to global challenges, including climate change and democratic resilience.

The EESC and ECOSOCC aim to empower civil society across Africa and Europe, with a special emphasis on youth participation, digital innovation, and gender equality, ensuring a just transition towards sustainable development.