11 January 2018: The European Commission’s high-level multi-stakeholder platform on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) held its first meeting, agreeing on several priorities for future discussion. The multi-stakeholder platform supports and advises the Commission on delivering the SDGs at the EU level, including through providing a forum for exchange of experiences and best practices on the SDGs.

The multi-stakeholder platform brings together representatives from academia, business, civil society, NGOs, the European Economic and Social Committee and the European Committee of the Regions. The UN, World Bank and the European Sustainable Development Network (ESDN) participate in the platform as observers.

The platform’s first meeting took place on 10 January 2018, in Brussels, Belgium. Priorities for future discussion identified by the group included: how to monitor and report on progress; how to mainstream the SDGs in the Multiannual Financial Framework; and how to generate inclusive, sustainable growth. Participants also agreed to work on a contribution to the EC’s reflection paper titled, ‘Towards a sustainable Europe by 2030.’ The reflection paper is part of the ‘Future of Europe’ debate, which the EC launched in 2017. The platform also decided it will help the Commission with the selection process for an annual sustainability award, and that it will support and advise the Commission on sustainable development events.

The Commission announced the launch of the platform in November 2016, and published a call for applications in May 2017. Over 160 applicants responded to the call for applications, of which 30 members were selected.

The Commission’s First Vice-President Frans Timmermans, who chairs the platform, emphasized that sustainable development is at the heart of the EC’s agenda. He called for using the knowledge and skills of a diverse group of stakeholders to reshape economies and societies. He explained, “the multi-stakeholder platform is an opportunity for experts to come together and learn from each other” and to work with the EC “to develop the vision and the tools…to succeed in delivering on the SDGs.” [EC Press Release] [Meeting Agenda] [EC White Paper on Future of Europe] [Platform Webpage] [Platform Members]