Europees Economisch en Sociaal Comité
Water is a vital but an increasingly scarce resource. As the global population grows, so does the demand for water. The problem is global, but also concerns our continent: in summer 2022 Europe saw the most severe droughts in 500 years. Almost two thirds of European citizens consider water quality and/or quantity in their country to be a serious problem. Climate change will further affect the availability, quality and quantity of water. …
As in the previous years, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) will actively take part in the annual United Nations Framework on Climate Change – COP28, which this year will take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from 30 November until 12 December 2023. This year's COP marks the 31st anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
In the context of the European Gender Equality Week and as part of its section meeting, the NAT section will host a public debate on gender equality and youth in rural areas.
On 17 November 2023, the Permanent Group on Sustainable Food Systems (PG) and the Sustainable Development Observatory (SDO) of the EESC will hold a joint meeting on the theme "Sustainable food systems as drivers for the implementation of the SDGs" to bring together members of the two EESC bodies and representatives from the European Commission and other stakeholders from the agri-food chain.
The event will present a grassroots and local government perspective on the European Green Deal, with ECOLISE and ICLEI Europe sharing insights into the handprint of community-led initiatives and local governments in addressing the planetary crisis.
On 6 November 2023, the EESC will host a public hearing in the context of its ongoing opinion on 'Promoting autonomous and sustainable food production: strategies for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) post-2027' requested by the upcoming Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU.
The hearing aims to gather the views of different civil society actors on the steps the EU should take to establish a comprehensive, just transition policy framewor.
This event aims to follow up on the discussions and outcomes of this year's High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) and prepare for the upcoming SDG Summit of 18-19 September 2023.
The EU Side Event hosted jointly by the European Commission and the European Economic and Social Committee will allow for a conversation with civil society on how to boost the implementation of the SDGs. The event takes place in the context of the 2023 High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development.
As in previous years, the European Economic and Social Committee, as the body representing organised civil society in the EU, will be following the High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), which will take place in New York from Monday 10 July to Wednesday 19 July 2023.
