The 55th session of the United Nations Commission for Social Development (CSocD55) took place in New York on 1-10 February 2017. The priority theme for the event was “Strategies for eradicating poverty to achieve sustainable development for all”. Representatives of governments, civil society, social partners and NGOs from all regions of the world were invited to attend the CSocD55.
Director-General of DG Employment, Social Affairs & Inclusion, Michel Servoz took part in a high-level panel discussion on the above priority theme to present the key elements of the EU’s response to sustainability challenges in the context of the UN 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Sustainable development is mainstreamed in the Commission’s key cross-cutting projects as well as in sectoral policies and initiatives to support the EU and its Member States to be a frontrunner in implementing the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs. In its Communication on ‘Next steps for a sustainable European future – European action for sustainability‘ (22 November 2016), the Commission presented – through concrete examples – how its 10 priorities are contributing to the implementation of the SDGs across the EU.
For example, under “Priority 5: A deeper and fairer Economic and Monetary Union”, the European Pillar of Social Rights and action on Corporate Social Responsibility will help to address the challenges of work in the 21st century as required by the SDGs, including in the area of poverty eradication and the fight against exclusion supported also by integrated policies and a special focus on those most in need to ensure that no one is left behind.
