Sustainable development and climate action - Main contents

November is the European Year for Development thematic month dedicated to sustainable development

In September I had the privilege of representing the European Union at the UN summit in New York that adopted the 2030 sustainable development agenda. It was a proud moment for the entire international community, having come together strongly to adopt a comprehensive set of universal Sustainable Development Goals after years of careful preparation and intense negotiation.

But that was the easy part! Now we have to get down to the detailed implementation, which requires the creation of new partnerships and ways of working together on cross-cutting, complex issues - as individuals, governments, organisations and institutions. Since sustainable development is about ensuring that we can meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs, we need to carry out a thorough examination of policies and structures in a wide range of areas.

It's no underestimation to say that this is a challenging and complex task. Eradicating poverty, preserving the planet, creating sustained and inclusive economic growth and fostering social inclusion all reinforce and depend upon each other. Nowhere is this more obvious than in the area of climate action, where there are many interests at stake - economic, political, environmental and social.

Developing countries are faced with particular challenges in responding to climate change. They are among the most affected, as they depend more on the natural environment while they have the least resources to cope with a changing climate. It is essential that developed countries do their utmost to work closely with partners in developing countries to address their needs and help provide sustainable solutions.

In a few days, the 2030 agenda will be put under its first big test, when the international community meets in Paris for the 21st Conference of the Parties on climate change. The European Union remains committed to contributing our fair share to reach the target of USD 100 billion annually by 2020. We are determined to secure a new global climate agreement at COP21 that is ambitious, comprehensive and legally binding. And one that offers a fair deal to developing countries.

The EU and its Member States are the biggest contributors of climate finance to developing countries, providing EUR 14.5 billion in 2014. This includes grants from the budgets of the EU and its Member States and loans by public development banks. We recently launched a new phase of the Global Climate Change Alliance (GCCA), called Global Climate Change Alliance plus (GCCA+), one of our key tools to assist the world’s most vulnerable developing countries - including Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States - in addressing global climate change. Around €350 million of EU funds will be made available until 2020 for the GCCA+, in addition to the private and national public investments that this financial support is expected to leverage.

In this way, we will be able to demonstrate that we are serious about following up the talk with determined action for the benefit of all.