Opening Plenary Session - Global Gateway Forum 2023

Summary

Key Points

• The Global Gateway Forum 2023 brings together the European Union and global partners to discuss leveraging mutual support and investment in key areas like green energy, education, raw materials, transport, health, and digital infrastructure. 0:55
• The initiative aims to address pressing global challenges, including ongoing conflicts, the climate crisis, and post-pandemic recovery, by fostering cooperation and strategic investments in essential infrastructure. 3:07
• President Ursula von der Leyen launched the Global Gateway as Europe's largest global investment programme, committing €300 billion to finance and build clean infrastructure, offering countries better, more sustainable choices. 3:56
• A flagship project of Global Gateway involved mobilising €1.2 billion to establish vaccine manufacturing capacity in African countries like Ghana, Rwanda, Senegal, and South Africa, with plans to expand to Latin America and the Caribbean. 7:43
• Global Gateway prioritises clean technology and energy investments, supporting developing economies in their transition to a green future, exemplified by new deals on critical raw materials and strategic economic corridors in Africa. 12:10
• The private sector is identified as a crucial partner for accelerating the speed, scale, and impact of Global Gateway investments, with public-private teamwork creating a conducive environment for ambitious, long-term projects. 14:10
• President Macky Sall of Senegal highlighted Africa's significant infrastructure deficit, particularly in electricity access, and stressed the continent's commitment to renewable energies while advocating for the development of all available energy sources. 21:18
• Prime Minister Edi Rama of Albania welcomed the EU's new growth plan for the Western Balkans, emphasising the fundamental need for infrastructure development alongside democratisation and closer integration with the EU. 33:33
• Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh showcased her country's economic progress and LDC graduation, inviting EU investment in areas like green hydrogen, regional hydropower, and pharmaceutical production, including vaccines. 44:56
• UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed underscored the Global Gateway's role in achieving sustainable development and peace, calling for strengthened political leadership, addressing root causes of conflict, and increasing women's participation in peace processes. 57:20