(Madam/Mr.) Chair,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.

The Candidate Countries Türkiye, North Macedonia*, Montenegro*, Serbia*, Albania*, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina* and Georgia as well as San Marino, align themselves with this statement.

First, let me thank the core group for presenting this draft resolution adopted today, all Delegations for their valuable contributions to the negotiations, as well as the Secretariat for its support throughout.

We are pleased to join consensus today.  

Building on “Our Common Agenda” and the SDG Summit, momentum to accelerate implementation of the 2030 Agenda continues towards the “World Social Summit” in 2025. Rebuilding the social contract through a comprehensive approach based on human rights, fundamental freedoms and labour standards is key to overcome mistrust and build social cohesion and solidarity.

We understand that the new title of the “World Social Summit” does not limit its scope, which as the resolution stipulates, should address the gaps of the Copenhagen Declaration and its Programme of Action and give momentum towards the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.

Our priorities include: decent work, full and productive employment, social dialogue, adherence to international labor standards, social protection, and social justice, thereby contributing to Sustainable Development Goals and social integration.

Social justice and eradicating poverty are our fundamental aims enshrined in the Treaty on European Union. The EU and its Member States promote gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls as a priority across all areas of action.

We recognize the central role played by the International Labour Organisation in promoting social justice and decent work for all within the multilateral system, as the unique specialized agency giving an equal voice to workers, employers and governments. Therefore it is crucial to coordinate the World Social Summit preparations with ILO and its tripartite structure.

The European Union and its Member States strongly support the Global Coalition for Social Justice and its ambition. The Coalition should play a crucial role in contributing to the Summit's objectives and ensuring effective follow-up.

We are committed to engage constructively and in the spirit of cooperation in the consecutive negotiations on the Summit’s modalities, and the political declaration.

Thank you.

* North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.