European Development Days focus on "Investing in Development"
European development policy: Strategy to eradicate poverty and achieve sustainable development.
The 11th edition of European Development Days opened today in Brussels with a specific focus on investing in development.
Europe's leading forum on international cooperation and development is the biggest ever with some 7,000 participants expected. The event's debates, panels, and special events will provide insights into the most pressing development challenges facing the world, and various approaches to dealing with these challenges.
A key moment of the European Development Days has been the signature of the European Consensus on Development, a strategic document, outlining the future of European development policy. For the first time, the Consensus will apply in its entirety to all EU Institutions and all Member States, who are committed to work more closely together.
The new Consensus strongly reaffirms that poverty eradication remains the primary objective of European development policy. It fully integrates the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. In doing so, it aligns European development action with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development which is also a cross-cutting dimension for the EU Global Strategy.
During the European Development Days, discussions will bring together Heads of State or Government, business leaders and stakeholders to debate and share new insights into sustainability, inclusivity, peace and prosperity, focusing on the roles of youth, women and the private sector in development cooperation.
Related links
Press release - The new European Consensus on Development - EU and Member States sign joint strategy to eradicate poverty
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
Audiovisual material
Signing Ceremony of the new European consensus for development