In a connected world

We live in turbulent times. Big geopolitical changes are taking place. Chinese influence is growing in Asia as well as on a worldwide basis. With the Russian invasion of Ukraine, we have a conventional war ongoing in Europe. On top of that, it is difficult to deny that global warming is taking place after a record hot summer in Japan and numerous fires in southern Europe.

The UN Sustainable Development Goals, adopted by most of the nations in 2015 is a plan to set the world development in the right direction and changed the perception of what development cooperation should look like. It is no longer only about poverty reduction but also about peace and security, the right to a decent job and economic growth, clean water, affordable and clean energy and the development of industry, innovation, and infrastructure.

It is in this light that the EU-Japan Partnership on Sustainable Connectivity and Quality Infrastructure should be seen.It is based on sustainability as a shared value, quality infrastructure and their belief in the benefits of a level playing field. EU and Japan are champions of development. They have agreed to jointly promote openness, transparency, inclusiveness. They intend to work together for a rule-based world order.

This partnership could make a real difference in the unstable times we are living in. It is in fact more important than ever. The question is now how to move on from a broad political statement to the implementation stage.

Success will depend on how broadminded the people involved are, as well as on the will of politicians to implement unconventional ideas.

The world is changing at a rapid pace, and we must change with it to remain relevant. The EU and Japan have the knowledge, education and experience, as well as economic resources, to be at centre stage in this process and make a strong contribution to a sustainable world order.