Main agenda items, approximate timing, public sessions and press opportunities.
Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the alignment of certain countries concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine
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Opening remarks by President António Costa at the meeting with President of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto
European Council President António Costa met with the President of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto in Brussels. In his opening remarks, he highlighted that the trade agreement will deepen our exchanges and build a strategic partnership that reflects our shared objectives.
Sustained labor standards not sustained as price uncertainty increases
The threatened or real rate increases are largely focused on taxation of imports to the United States and will make products made by factories outside the country more expensive-a situation that could lower demand.
THE Ilo‘s Best work Program, a partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) supported clothing factories, many of which export their products to the United States.
The Sara Park of the ILO explained to UN News Which could then happen.
Sara Park: Better Work currently operates in the clothing, textiles and shoes in 13 countries around the world.
It was created 24 years ago in Cambodia to monitor working conditions in clothing factories and has since focused on improving and strengthening the capacities of factories and our constituencies in the sector, for example safety and health at work.
There are other elements that support the sector to promote social dialogue, safe and decent work that includes fair wages and working hours. The program has also contributed to strengthening productivity in these sectors.
UN news: How is the ILO involved?
Sara Park: The ILO is a tripartite organization, so we work with governments, employers, unions that represent workers, generally the ministries of labor, but also with the Ministries of Commerce or Commerce because the program focuses on exports.
A worker of a factory in Ethiopia performs an inspection on fire safety equipment.
But what makes us different from other projects is that we have a very close collaboration with the major brands of the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe and Japan to promote responsible commercial practices.
UN news: To what extent did this program succeed?
Sara Park: Our studies show that at the factory level, we have had a significant impact, for example by increasing wages and supporting problems related to gender equality, the empowerment of women and women obtaining more roles of supervision.
During the quarter -century of its existence, better work withdrew millions of people from poverty and reduced the environmental impact of the clothing sector by creating decent work in sustainable companies.
It is always difficult for unions because freedom of association remains a great challenge.
A woman works in a better factory affiliated with work at Viet Nam.
If you try to develop an entire industry and make it competitive, it takes years, even decades; However, we have seen improvements in the factories where we work.
Better factories registered at work also reported an increase in buyers’ orders.
UN news: So, is it good for business too?
Sara Park: It’s good for business and productivity in individual factories. Governments also tell us that the program supports confidence and therefore the growth of industry as a whole in participating countries.
Clothing employees work on a production chain of an export clothing plant in Jordan.
UN news: How has better work been affected by recent world changes in development financing?
Sara Park: As we know by recent developments, the US government has reduced funding and affected our programs in Haiti and Jordan, which was almost entirely funded by the United States. The other countries have not been affected because we are fortunate to have very diverse funding.
UN news: Why is the continuous support of the ILO necessary once the relationship between the factory and the buyer is configured?
Sara Park: Buyers, who are often well -known companies, need a sustainable means of monitoring working conditions to ensure that they comply with international labor standards; This is important to eliminate the risks from the point of view of buyers.
The Better Work program supports improvements in factories, by performing assessments, advisory and learning sessions and helps all parties to better understand compliance with standards. He also works with governments, workers and employers to strengthen capacity.
Workers take their lunch break in an Indonesia clothing factory.
UN news: Currently, there is generalized uncertainty about prices, the imposition of imported goods, especially in the United States. How is the clothing sector affected?
Sara Park: For the moment, we do not know what the impact will be. Governments monitor the situation. Employers and, of course, unions are worried.
It is extremely difficult for factories, because uncertainty means that they cannot plan even in the short term, because they do not know what orders they will have. They are also concerned about the payment of workers.
Better factories registered at work mainly provide jobs in the formal sector; If they close, these jobs can go through the informal sector where workers have fewer protections.
In countries like Jordan, for example, migrants constitute the majority of the workforce in the clothing industry, most of them come from South and Southeast Asia.
UN news: How does this uncertainty have an impact on investment in the world clothing industry?
Sara Park: During periods of crisis or uncertainty, the investment generally stops. One of the concerns is that factories stop investing in improving working conditions, which could affect safety and health at work.
For example, thermal stress is a serious problem. Recently, in Pakistan, temperatures have reached 50 degrees Celsius, it is necessary to take measures to protect workers. This may not happen if the investment dries up.
UN news: How about a worker of the clothes who worried about his work?
Sara Park: We understand that this is a concern for many workers. However, the work of the ILO continues to ensure that workers are protected and that the ILO remains in these countries and undertakes to improve the conditions of all workers in different sectors.
We will continue to promote social dialogue, because this is how improvements can be made at the factory, the sector and national.
Originally published at Almouwatin.com
United Nations Forum to highlight health, gender equality, oceans, in a critical attempt to achieve development objectives
2025 High -level political forumor HLPF follows two recent United Nations successful conferences focused on vital development issues: one in June in Nice, France, dedicated to the protection of the oceansand another maintained Seville, Spain, was focused on the financing of sustainable initiatives.
The Seville meeting ended with a appeal to action: to urgently approach the enormous $ 4,000 billion in annual financing funding necessary to reach the SDGs. He also highlighted the urgent need for investment and in -depth reform of the global financial system.
Held under the auspices of the UN Economic and social council (Ecosoc), the forum take place From July 14 to 23 at the UN headquarters in New York.
Here are five key elements to know about this year’s forum:
1. It is a question of accelerating the action
HLPF is the main United Nations platform to follow global progress Sustainable development objectives. It meets each year to review the efforts of countries, share solutions and put pressure for more rapid measures to achieve the objectives of 2030
THE 2025 Forum Subject under the theme:
Advance sustainable, inclusive, scientific solutions based on evidence for 2030 agenda For sustainable development and its sustainable development goals leaving no one behind.
This reflects a growing emergency feeling. With the 2030 deadline quickly approaching, the forum will focus on practical and data -oriented strategies to fill the implementation gaps – in particular in the face of the global crisis that meets, including climate change, inequality and economic instability.
The 17 sustainable development objectives are all interconnected, for example progress on ODD 2 to end hunger are closely linked to health and education progress.
2. Five SDGs under the spotlight
Each year, the HLPF performs in -depth examinations on selected objectives. In 2025, the emphasis will be placed on::
ODD 3: Good health and well-being
Odd 5: gender equality
ODD 8: Decent work and economic growth
SDG 14: Life underwater
SDG 17: partnerships for objectives
These objectives cover a wide range of questions – public health and gender equity with economic resilience and marine conservation.
The ODD 17, which is examined each year, underlines the importance of revitalizing global partnerships and improving the means of implementation – including funding, that the nations signed up last month in Seville.
3. Countries will share their progress, voluntarily
A characteristic of the HLPF is the voluntary national journals (VNR)-self-assessment of the Member States on their progress towards the SDGs. In 2025, dozens of countries should present their VNRs, providing information on the persistent achievements and challenges.
These criticisms promote transparency, peer learning and responsibility. They also provide a platform to civil society and other stakeholders to engage directly with governments on development priorities.
VNR Labs – Interactive sessions focused on national criticism – Create a space for dialogue, innovation and collaboration
4. These are not only governments
Although the HLPF is an intergovernmental platform of the United Nations, it brings together a diversified range of votes, in particular young groups, local authorities, indigenous peoples, NGOs, academics, private sector and agencies of the United Nations system.
A rich program of secondary events, exhibitions and round tables. This inclusive approach reflects the spirit of the 2030 program, which recognizes that sustainable development is a universal and shared company.
A wide view of the opening of the high -level 2023 political forum on sustainable development convened under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), held in the general assembly room.
5 – 4 – 3 – 2 – 1 The final countdown
With only five years to deliver the 2030 program, the HLPF 2025 marks a critical inflection point.
It is more than an annual recording. This year’s session arrives at a time when science, solidarity and urgent action must converge. It will help set the tone for the next summit of sustainable development objectives in 2027, where world leaders will take stock of collective progress and determine the final push around 2030.
What is happening now – at this time limit of two thirds – will shape whether the SDGs will make a global promise or will become a missed opportunity.
Originally published at Almouwatin.com
InnoEnergy’s portfolio set to reduce global CO2e emissions
InnoEnergy’s Impact Report 2024 reveals that the cumulative impact of its portfolio of startups and scaleups is projected to save 2.3 Gt of CO₂-equivalent emissions by 2030.
This is comparable to removing 534 million internal combustion engine vehicles from the road for one year. It represents close to 80% of the total greenhouse gas emissions recorded by the EU27 in 2023 and nearly 36.5% of the total greenhouse gas emissions recorded by the U.S. in 2022.
As the world’s leading economies navigate a shifting geopolitical landscape, the report underscores the importance of scaling clean tech innovation to deliver on 2050 net-zero targets and secure long-term strategic autonomy.
Now is the moment to unite and scale clean technologies at speed. Our portfolio offers proven solutions that can create thousands of jobs, significantly strengthen industrial bases around the world, and reduce emissions. But we can only unlock this impact if global leaders join forces to co-invest, build resilient value chains, and industrialise together
Elena Bou, Co-founder and Innovation Director at InnoEnergy
In addition to the environmental impact, the report highlights strong economic results. By the end of 2024, the portfolio had generated €943 million in cumulative revenue and had raised €34 billion in cumulative investment. By 2030, it is expected to deliver €13.5 billion in energy cost savings. Further demonstrating the portfolio’s far-reaching impact, by the end of 2024, it had created over 47,000 jobs and enabled access to energy for 2.9 million people in developing countries.
The energy transition is no longer a question of when, but how fast. With 15 years of demonstrated impact and a strategic position at the heart of Europe’s clean tech ecosystem, InnoEnergy is central to uniting industrial, political, and financial players to accelerate clean tech champions. Our portfolio shows that what once came with a ‘green premium’ is now competing, and often winning, on cost and performance. These are not just cleaner technologies; they’re smarter, faster, and better ways to meet rising energy demand
Elena Bou, Co-founder and Innovation Director at InnoEnergy
Since its inception, InnoEnergy has evaluated over 9,000 startups, supporting more than 540 companies, four of which have grown into unicorns. With a portfolio survival rate of 89%, and the same percentage exporting their products globally, the data highlights strong resilience and international demand for European clean energy solutions.
EIT Awards €63 Million To Boost Innovation Capacity In Higher Education
As the EU steps up efforts to close the innovation and talent gap, the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) is investing €63 million to strengthen the role of higher education in building a more innovative, resilient, and skilled Europe.
The funding, awarded under the EIT Higher Education Initiative’s Call for Proposals 2024, will support 47 cross-sector projects connecting 620 organisations in 46 countries to enhance their innovation capacity.
The EIT Higher Education Initiative is the only European instrument solely focused on boosting the innovation capacity of higher education institutions, empowering them to become the innovation leaders of tomorrow. It grants project partners access to Europe’s largest innovation ecosystem. Of the 47 EIT Higher Education Initiative projects announced, 12 will also focus on Deep Tech and will directly support the Deep Tech Talent Initiative, the EIT’s flagship programme training 1 million deep tech talents by the end of 2025.
When universities, research centres and businesses team up, ideas become real-world solutions. The EIT Higher Education Initiative has helped build closer links between academia and industry, driving innovation and growth. The results of this Call for Proposals are a show of confidence in Europe’s innovation capacity. These are the investments that keep Europe strong and competitive
Roxana Mînzatu, Executive Vice-President Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness
The results delivered by the EIT Higher Education Initiative since its launch four years ago are impressive. This is the only European initiative dedicated to the earliest stages of the innovation lifecycle within higher education institutions. It is core to the EITs mission of linking academic excellence to impact for society and the economy. The achievements of the first 65 projects are a testament to the power of this approach. We are pleased to welcome the new project partners, including a record number of industry partners, to Europe’s largest innovation ecosystem. We have no doubt that these new projects will deliver significant impact for Europe
Stefan Dobrev, Chairperson of the EIT Governing Board
The new projects, which kicked off on 1st April 2025, bring together 620 organisations, of which 284 are HEIs, 186 are businesses, and 150 are other non-academic organisations, including research centres, public authorities, and associations. This Call introduces 193 new HEIs as full partners, raising the total number of funded HEIs to 501 since 2021, surpassing the original target of 500 participants by 2027 ahead of time.
A total of 130 consortia, bringing together 1 480 organisations from 55 countries applied to the 2024 call, which closed in December. Due to the high quality of applications, five more projects were funded than originally planned, bringing the total to 47 projects, each receiving up to €1 340 000. Each consortium includes full partners, who receive funding directly, and associated partners in a supporting role.
The strong number and quality of applications, along with the wide range of partners involved, show the growing momentum of the EIT Higher Education Initiative and its ability to connect industry and higher education institutions to boost innovation and entrepreneurship in Europe. More details on the selected projects can be found here.
EIT Awards €63 Million To Boost Innovation Capacity In Higher Education
As the EU steps up efforts to close the innovation and talent gap, the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) is investing €63 million to strengthen the role of higher education in building a more innovative, resilient, and skilled Europe.
The funding, awarded under the EIT Higher Education Initiative’s Call for Proposals 2024, will support 47 cross-sector projects connecting 620 organisations in 46 countries to enhance their innovation capacity.
The EIT Higher Education Initiative is the only European instrument solely focused on boosting the innovation capacity of higher education institutions, empowering them to become the innovation leaders of tomorrow. It grants project partners access to Europe’s largest innovation ecosystem. Of the 47 EIT Higher Education Initiative projects announced, 12 will also focus on Deep Tech and will directly support the Deep Tech Talent Initiative, the EIT’s flagship programme training 1 million deep tech talents by the end of 2025.
When universities, research centres and businesses team up, ideas become real-world solutions. The EIT Higher Education Initiative has helped build closer links between academia and industry, driving innovation and growth. The results of this Call for Proposals are a show of confidence in Europe’s innovation capacity. These are the investments that keep Europe strong and competitive
Roxana Mînzatu, Executive Vice-President Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness
The results delivered by the EIT Higher Education Initiative since its launch four years ago are impressive. This is the only European initiative dedicated to the earliest stages of the innovation lifecycle within higher education institutions. It is core to the EITs mission of linking academic excellence to impact for society and the economy. The achievements of the first 65 projects are a testament to the power of this approach. We are pleased to welcome the new project partners, including a record number of industry partners, to Europe’s largest innovation ecosystem. We have no doubt that these new projects will deliver significant impact for Europe
Stefan Dobrev, Chairperson of the EIT Governing Board
The new projects, which kicked off on 1st April 2025, bring together 620 organisations, of which 284 are HEIs, 186 are businesses, and 150 are other non-academic organisations, including research centres, public authorities, and associations. This Call introduces 193 new HEIs as full partners, raising the total number of funded HEIs to 501 since 2021, surpassing the original target of 500 participants by 2027 ahead of time.
A total of 130 consortia, bringing together 1 480 organisations from 55 countries applied to the 2024 call, which closed in December. Due to the high quality of applications, five more projects were funded than originally planned, bringing the total to 47 projects, each receiving up to €1 340 000. Each consortium includes full partners, who receive funding directly, and associated partners in a supporting role.
The strong number and quality of applications, along with the wide range of partners involved, show the growing momentum of the EIT Higher Education Initiative and its ability to connect industry and higher education institutions to boost innovation and entrepreneurship in Europe. More details on the selected projects can be found here.
12th High-Level Political and Security Dialogue held in Dushanbe
On 11 July, the EU and the countries of Central Asia – Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan held the 12th meeting of the annual High-Level Political and Security Dialogue, in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.
The High-Level Political and Security Dialogue took place in the context of increased engagement between Central Asia and the European Union, following up on the 20th Ministerial meeting, held on 27 March 2025 in Ashgabat and the first-ever EU-Central Asia Summit on 4 April 2025 in Samarkand, which upgraded the EU-Central Asia relations to the level of a strategic partnership.
The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss common global and regional security challenges resulting from Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine as well as the situation in the Middle East and Afghanistan.
The meeting allowed to take stock of progress on the implementation of the Joint Roadmap for Deepening Ties between the EU and Central Asia, whose key area 4 focuses on addressing security challenges.
The Participants agreed to intensify cooperation on security, with the EU reiterating its willingness to support these efforts. It was also an occasion to exchange views on emerging security threats such as disinformation, cyber and hybrid threats. All participants agreed that the current turbulent geopolitical situation bears significant impact on the security, stability and economic development of both regions.
Furthermore, the dialogue was an opportunity to discuss strengthening regional cooperation on a number of key issues, including counter-terrorism and violent extremism, border management and illicit drug trafficking, as well as water management and connectivity.
The High-Level Political and Security Dialogue was held back-to-back with the first-ever EU-Central Asia Counter-Terrorism (CT) Dialogue, that took place on 10 July 2025 in Dushanbe.
The meeting was chaired by the Deputy Secretary-General for Political Affairs at the European External Action Service, Olof Skoog, with participation of the Deputy Foreign Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic Meder Abakirov, Deputy Foreign Minister of Tajikistan Ismatullo Nasredin, Deputy Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan Muzaffar Madrakhimov, the Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Stanislav Vassilenko and Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Tajikistan Aymyrat Gochmyradov.
EU-Central Asia: 12th High-Level Political and Security Dialogue held in Dushanbe