The theme of the 2017 European Development Days is Investing in Development. The forum will promote a new global strategy to address the most pressing current global development challenges and bring together development actors committed to tackling poverty worldwide, with a particular emphasis on engaging the private sector as a partner in economic development.
The private sector's role in international development policies will be discussed and spotlighted throughout the forum. Overarching objectives of this private sector engagement include the promotion of inclusive growth and the creation of decent jobs in particular for women and youth, which lead to improved living conditions. Through high-level debates, interactive labs and brainstorming sessions as well as the Global Village, which presents successful initiatives from around the world, the European Development Days seek to shape global policy, share knowledge and promote real innovation.