EU Statement – UN General Assembly: Explanation of Position on the World Social Summit Political Declaration

President of the General Assembly,

Excellencies,

I have the honour to deliver this Explanation of Position on behalf of the European Union and its Member States. 

I would like to start by extending our sincere appreciation to the State of Qatar for hosting the World Social Summit from 4 to 6 November. The Summit has brought together world leaders, as well as parliamentarians, civil society, social partners, the private sector, youth representatives, persons with disabilities and many others. Such broad and active participation is a clear indication that this event is a resounding success by every measure. 

Colleagues, the World Social Summit is a clear demonstration that multilateralism and multilateral cooperation not only deliver, but remain indispensable for the people and the Planet. Only by working together can we eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities and ensure decent work for all. 

The EU and its Member States support the World Social Summit Political Declaration. We congratulate and thank all those who have worked hard to achieve this milestone and look forward to working together in earnest on its implementation. 

We welcome the holistic approach to eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions and to reducing inequalities, firmly grounded in a human rights–based approach. International labour standards are the basis for working towards social development that is just, fair, inclusive, sustainable and equitable, in line with the 2030 Agenda. We further welcome that the Declaration includes other fundamental elements for social development such as the commitment to expanding social protection coverage, increasing investment in healthcare, promoting access to sexual and reproductive health, strengthening social dialogue and recognition of the role of social and solidarity economy, and the importance of responsible business conduct.

We reaffirm our commitment to promote inclusive and sustainable socio-economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all. Ensuring access to inclusive, equitable and quality education at all levels, alongside skills development and social protection is crucial in this regard. We stress the importance of engaging the private sector, financial institutions, employers and workers, and their respective organizations as key partners. The promotion of adequately remunerated and decent employment remains fundamental. The creation of decent, sustainable and quality employment, and formalisation of existing jobs, is not only a gainful road to social development, but also a powerful tool to eradicate poverty in all its forms.

We welcome that the declaration places gender equality and the rights of women and girls at the centre of efforts to achieve social development, also taking into account perspectives of different groups including young and older persons, persons with disabilities, persons living in rural and remote areas and those in vulnerable situations. A human rights-based, whole-of-society and the whole-of-government approach is indispensable for social policy coherence and sustainable social development.

However, we would also like to put on record a few points where our views differ. We disassociate from the following two paragraphs of the document.

First, from paragraph 14 for the following reasons:

We regret that the language in paragraph 14 is not replaced with a reference to the principle set out in Article 2.2 of the Paris Agreement, which refers to equity, and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, in the light of different national circumstances. 

Second, we dissociate, similar to other recently adopted documents, from the partially caveated references to the transfer of technology in paragraphs 33 c) and i). The transfer of technology that we commit to must be voluntary and on mutually agreed terms – a clear and unambiguous language meaning that the process is initiated voluntarily by the concerned parties and is implemented under mutually agreed conditions in full compliance with international obligations. 

Finally, the EU and its Member States express their disappointment with the fact that the text lacks a reference to the “renewed global social contract”. The social contract is a foundational concept embedded in the ILO’s Constitution since 1919. It refers to the implicit agreement between governments, employers, and workers to cooperate in shaping fair, productive, peaceful and resilient societies through decent work and social justice. The International Labour Conference called on all Member States “to fulfil their responsibility to deliver social justice and social development through a renewed global social contract with a human-centred approach, to be developed in close consultation with employers’ and workers’ organisations”.

We are also disappointed by the absence of a reference to the “green transition”. We would have preferred a Declaration that fully reflects the profound changes in the world since 1995, such as the social (including demographic), digital and green transitions. It is important to ensure a just and competitive transition and to address the transformation of work, along with the new opportunities and challenges emerging from these inevitable transitions, leaving no one behind. 

In a context where rapidly growing irregular migration flows call for resolute action, the EU and its Member States are disappointed that the Declaration does not reflect these aspects more accurately, ensuring a balanced and comprehensive approach to migration governance globally. Irregular migration flows put at risk the lives of migrants and profit only the traffickers and smugglers. The EU and its Member States pursue a comprehensive approach to migration in line with the EU law and international obligations, including cooperation with countries of origin and transit based on mutually beneficial comprehensive partnerships, addressing the root causes of  irregular migration and supporting education and job creation, the prevention of irregular migration with more effective control of external borders and the fight against the smuggling of migrants, forced labour,  and human trafficking, reinforced cooperation on return and readmission and providing, opportunities for safe and legal pathways, in line with national competences. 

We request that the European Union’s disassociation from paragraphs 14 and 33 c) and i) together with the rationale provided, be duly reflected in the official records of this meeting.

I thank you.