Speech by Commissioner Urpilainen at the Espeech at the EU-LAC High-Level Event on Inclusive Human Development and Equitable Access to Health Products

EU-LAC High-Level Event on Inclusive Human Development

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Welcome to the EU-LAC High-Level Event on Inclusive Human Development and Equitable Access to Health Products.

Four years have passed since Covid-19 first emerged. The pandemic claimed over six million lives, disrupted economies, challenged social services, health and education systems.

It showed the urgent need to collectively address global health threats.

Human development is at the forefront of EU's global agenda. Our Global Gateway investment strategy fosters resilience through high-quality partnerships of equals. We prioritize social issues through regional and bilateral initiatives and investments across the globe.

With Latin American and Caribbean partners this happens through the Global Gateway Investment Agenda presented at the EU-CELAC Summit last July.

This event is about next steps. And I have three messages.

First, following last year's Summit, we developed a roadmap towards 2025 to advance our collaboration on human development, including health.

On health, this follows the partnership launched in 2022 on manufacturing of health products and health resilience.

A number of actions have been taken already. In the high-level business fora and matchmaking event 96% of EU and LAC participants identified a new potential business partner.

We also directly work with countries such as Costa Rica, Barbados and Mexico on possible projects.

Second, our goal 360º approach means advancing health equity, promoting education and social cohesion, and supporting just green and digital transitions.

We forge alliances based on equality, social dialogue, and respect for human values. Together we promote social cohesion, combat climate change and bring last-mile connectivity.

This means in addition to financial support and peer-to-peer collaboration, we seek to promote high social and environmental standards.

And to offer the kind of regulatory, technology, and knowledge exchange necessary to make our investments last.

To create links, not dependencies.

This is the True heart of the Team Europe Initiative on Inclusive and Equitable societies we will be launching today.

Finally, with so many global challenges, we must work together to ensure that our social systems are resilient, and that no one is left behind.

And that brings me back to you. Today, we have changemakers from across Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

High-level officials. International and financial institutions. Academia. Private sector leaders. Civil society and local actors. Young people.

Together, you can drive positive change on the ground.

Today I am eager to hear your insights and recommendations.

By leveraging our collective expertise, resources, and commitment, we can make a difference to put the Sustainable Development Goals back on track.

To ensure that no one is left behind.