Brussels, 24/09/2015 (Agence Europe) - The European Union will be represented in force at the world sustainable development summit that opens in New York on 25-27 September, on the sidelines of the 70th United Nations General Assembly (28 September-6 October).
Hosted by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, the world's heads of state and government will commit to the sustainable development goals (SDG), which will take over from the millennium development goals (MDG) until 2030 (see EUROPE 11391).
European Commission First Vice-President Frans Timmermans will speak on behalf of the EU on Sunday 27 September, at the adoption of a universal framework for eradicating poverty and for sustainable development, while High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini will participate in high level meetings. The number of European commissioners that will be in New York reflects the scope of the 17 SDG to be adopted at world level - Kristalina Georgieva (Budget), Günther Oettinger (Digital Economy), Johannes Hahn (Neighbourhood), Neven Mimica (International Cooperation and Development), Miguel Arias Canete (Climate/Energy Action), Dimitris Avramopoulos (Migration) and Christos Stylianides (Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management).
EU equipped with new framework on gender equality. Gender equality will be a key aspect of the SDG. Ahead of the summit in New York, the EU adopted a new framework on 22 September for EU actions on gender equality and on the emancipation of women, as part of the EU's external relations. This new framework is expected to be applicable from 2016. It is based on four pillars: the fight against all forms of violence on women and young girls; the economic and social emancipation of women and young girls; strengthening their voices and their participation in policy development and decision-making at all levels; and development of the institutional culture. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)