CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES

The major global environmental changes, and in particular climate change, loss of biodiversity and desertification, are adversely impacting the human and natural systems on which human well-being and economic activities are based. They will continue to influence countries’ development conditions. These changes constitute threats and a major challenge for societies in their ability to meet basic human needs, promote justice, peace and security and pursue sustainable growth and development.

The countries of the South, whose public health systems are often already fragile, are particularly badly impacted by the effects of the health crisis linked to COVID-19, with vulnerable groups on the front line suffering disproportionately. In this context, starting in the first quarter of 2020 Luxembourg’s Development Cooperation provided a coordinated response, both in terms of development cooperation and on humanitarian action. It sought on the one hand to directly support its partner countries bilaterally, and on the other hand to help with the international community’s response.

The year 2020 was a landmark year for gender equality, for many reasons. Five years after the launch of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), 20 years after the historic resolution of the United Nations Security Council on women, peace and security, 25 years after the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, 2020 is an important year for reflection, commitment and action.

In accordance with its commitment as a responsible member of the European Union and the international community, the coalition agreement of the Luxembourgish government (2018-2023) reiterates the importance it places in its external action on protecting the values of freedom, peace and security, democracy, respect for human rights and dignity, solidarity, tolerance, pluralism and equality.