Briefing on human development and dignity in EU-Africa pillar of the post-Cotonou agreement

Sustainable development cannot only be achieved through a political and economic partnership, as it requires a human-rights based approach through the inclusion of a strong social dimension, as well as a focus on good governance.

In this policy brief, CONCORD calls for the EU-Africa partnership, one of the regional pillars of the future ACP-EU agreement, to ensure an integrated approach to sustainable development through the mainstreaming of the four dimensions of sustainability (economic, social, environment, governance) and the adherence to the principles of leave no one behind and respect for planetary boundaries.

A strong focus on human development, ensuring a gender-sensitive cross-cutting approach, access to quality education, healthcare services and housing, addressing inequalities and promoting investments in research, is central to lifting people out of poverty and reducing inequalities, as recognised by the international community in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Therefore, this policy brief puts forward recommendations to make this a reality in the EU-Africa partnership.