Last week EBCAM took part in the European Development Days (EDD) 2022, held in Brussels, 21-22 June. The EDD is Europe’s leading forum on international partnerships and this year, as in previous editions, brought together partners to share ideas and experiences that will shape the future of development. It offered the private sector a unique opportunity for involvement with other key stakeholders. The five core topics included energy, transport, education and research, health and energy.
Over the two days, about 4000 people visited the in-person event, with another 3500 joining us online. The event included 79 sessions, with speakers from all over the world – totaling more than 59 hours. 83 stands brought the 5 themes to life in our Global Village and 9 exhibitions added to the experience.
If you were attending in person or were following the event digitally but missed a session or want to go back to the one you took part in, you will find everything on the EDD website. Sessions from Day 1 and Day 2 of the EDD have already been uploaded to their website. There you will find the photo gallery, video gallery and notes and drawings that sum up the brainstorming sessions.
If you want to relive the EDD 2022 experience in a couple of minutes, you might like to check out the wrap-up video, which we hope you will agree captures the spirit of a fun-packed, informative two days.
Executive Summary:
The EBCAm team was attended and was particularly interested in the several events, noting the importance they had in the dialogue surrounding the European private sector's role in African development, sustainable development and fostering a lasting partnership with African counterparts. Also of note were events that were held to discuss and debate about the Global Gateway initiative - a topic about which the EBCAM team engaged in meaningful dialogue with high-level decision makers and key stakeholders at the event. These events included:
- The Geopolitics of the Global Gateway
- The Global Gateway in Africa
- Potential role of green hydrogen in just transition
- Mobilising private capital for a just transition
- Sustainable Finance at the heart of the Global Gateway
- The EU's Global Gateway: market creation or international development?
- Global Gateway: The EU's contribution to an open and secure internet
- The AU-EU Innovation Agenda
- Contribution of digital to Africa's green growth and progress
- Towards quality and green infrastructure investments
- Global Health Policy Forum
- Safe and green mobility in low- and middle income countries
- Bringing people at the centre of the AU-EU digital partnership
Background
Biodiversity loss, climate change and environmental degradation are defining challenges of our generation and require more coordinated and incisive international efforts. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown the interlinkages between human health and an healthy planet. The post COVID recovery should be an opportunity to build back greener and more inclusive societies and economies.
The European Green Deal is EU’s roadmap for a green and inclusive transition to help improve people’s well-being and secure a healthy planet for generations to come. The Green Deal goes beyond EU borders and commits the EU to engage with its partners to support the global transition. Moving to a green and climate neutral economy and protecting biodiversity concerns us all - from citizens to governments across not just Europe and Africa, but the world.
