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TWN Info Service on UN Sustainable Development (Mar15/03)
10 March 2015
Third World Network

Dear friends and colleagues,

The second meeting of the Post-2015 Development Agenda process took place on 16-20 February at the UN headquarters in New York. The topic was the political Declaration that will be adopted at the Development Summit in September of this year. Below is Part II of a Third World Network report on the discussion.

Part I was on the ÒElements PaperÓ circulated before the February Session by the Co-facilitators of the negotiations process, Ambassadors David Donoghue (Ireland) and Macharia Kamau (Kenya). See TWN mailing dated 5 March: Post-2015 Development Agenda Declaration: One Step Forward, Two Steps Backward? (Part 1).

Part II below reports on the ÒDiscussion DocumentÓ that was an attempt by the Co-facilitators to capture the views of Member States expressed in the first half of the week.

The next meeting will be on 23-27 March where Member States will discuss the Sustainable Development Goals and targets and their integration into the post-2015 agenda.

With best wishes,

Third World Network

Post-2015 Agenda Declaration: Deep North-South Differences (Part II)

Delhi, 8 Mar (Ranja Sengupta) Ð The United Nations negotiations on the Post-2015 Development Agenda in New York saw Member States inching towards a political Declaration amidst considerable differences.

The Declaration is to lay the broader framework on which the more specific elements of the Agenda will rest in a separate outcome document. These will be adopted at the UN Summit on 25-27 September tilted ÒDelivering on and Implementing a Transformative PostÐ2015 Development AgendaÓ.

The Declaration was discussed at the second session of the Post-2015 process on 16 Ð 20 February at the UN headquarters in New York. The first session in January was a stock taking one.

The Co-facilitators of the negotiations, Ambassadors David Donoghue (Ireland) and Macharia Kamau (Kenya), tabled a ÒDiscussion Document for DeclarationÓ before the Member States towards the middle of the week. This drew from comments to the Elements Paper for the declaration, circulated earlier by the Co-facilitators and which had received a round of comments during the first part of the February session.

From the Member StatesÕ views on the Elements Paper, major differences were evident between the developed and the developing countries in several aspects of what should be in the Declaration, especially regarding the underlying principles. In particular, the reference to common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR) was stressed by all developing countries but rejected by the developed countries. (See Part I of this article: ÒPost-2015 Development Agenda Declaration:  One Step Forward, Two Steps Backward?Ó http://www.twn.my/title2/unsd/2015/unsd150302.htm)

Thus while a draft Declaration is still to come out of the shadow of the Elements Paper, an agreement on approach and content still seems far from close.

The Discussion Document contains 15 paragraphs. It does seem to incorporate several of the suggestions offered by both the developed and developing countries, and is therefore a list of the suggestions, but not does not by any means represent a consensus. At the very beginning the Co-facilitators state their view that Òto be effective, this Declaration should not exceed three pagesÓ.

The first paragraph declares that the Agenda will have a bold and ambitious vision and include transformational goals and targets. The second paragraph talks about the link and Òunfinished businessÓ of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). This issue had been raised by several Member States in the first phase of the discussion. While this paragraph does provide a link with the MDGs, it still falls short of the ÔasksÕ.  Many Member States had asked for continuity and integration between the MDGs and the Post-2015 Agenda, taking forward and building on commitments made under the MDGs including on MDG 8 (global partnership for development).

Paragraph 3 identifies the Òmajor global challenges to sustainable development, such as poverty and exclusion, unemployment, climate change, conflict and humanitarian crisesÓ. Paragraph 4 mentions the underlying values of the UN.

Paragraph 5 is specifically about the importance of building peaceful and inclusive societies, strengthening governance and institutions, and promoting the rule of law. This was a major point of contention during the discussion of the Open Working Group (OWG) on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on Goal 16 related to this issue. Finally Goal 16 had been formulated on the lines of Òaccess to justiceÓ to meet the concerns of all Member States. However, this particular listing of issues was brought up by several developed countries again during the February discussion on the Declaration.

(The negotiated SDG 16 reads: ÒPromote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.Ó)

The document goes on to say that Òpoverty eradication is the greatest global challenge facing our worldÓ, that Òno one will be left behindÓ, and that Òno target will be considered met unless it is met for all economic and social groupingsÓ (paragraph 7). There is a specific mention of gender equality and womenÕs empowerment as critical for sustainable development. While the objective of poverty eradiation as the primary goal has been agreed to by almost all, the standard set by the last could raise some concerns among poorer Member States.

The document in paragraph 8 also acknowledges that the needs of countries in special situations Ð least developed countries (LDCs), land-locked developed countries (LLDCs), small island developing states (SIDS), African countries Ð and, of countries facing special challenges (conflict-affected countries and middle income countries), have to be addressed. During the first part of the session, the Group of 77 and China, LDCs, SIDS, PSIDs, African Group had all called strongly for a specific recognition of countries in special situations and to specific commitments for addressing their needs.

Paragraph 9 says that the Agenda must be universal and applicable to all countries, but Òat the same time we take into account different national realities, capacities and levels of developmentÓ. It goes on to say that Ònational ownership is criticalÓ. This universality principle but with differentiation taking into account national level situations was a major ask from the developing countries.

The document also specifically mentions the need for action to combat climate change, widest possible international cooperation and the urgency of a universal climate agreement. This issue was also raised by several Member States. (In the ongoing negotiations under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, CBDR which is an underlying principle of the Convention is also contested by developed countries.)

Under paragraph 11, there is the mention of SDGs and targets as the basis of the new Agenda; and that Òthe six essential elements in the Secretary GeneralÕs Synthesis report, wholly or in part, important as a means of characterising outcomes of global efforts.Ó The recognition that the SDGs form the basis of the Post-2015 negotiations as agreed in the General Assembly, was strongly put forward by the G-77 and China and separately raised by many developing countries. It is important to note that the Elements Paper actually had no clear mention of the SDGs at all. The six elements discussed in the S-G Synthesis Report had been advanced as the key framework in the Elements Paper, and several developing countries had wanted further discussions on it. Brazil had suggested using four of these rather than six i.e. "people", "prosperity", "planet" and "partnership".

Paragraph 12 says that Òimplementation will require an ambitious and effective global partnership which will deliver in full on global goalsÓ. While there is mention of an Òambitious and effectiveÓ global partnership, there is no mention that this has to be led by governments, with greater responsibility of developed country governments at that. Multistakeholder partnership is of course highlghted, and the paragraph talks of Òactive engagement needed from governments as well as civil society, the private Sector and the UN systemÓ.  The responsibility of governments in this global partnership for development is again placed at par with all other partners including the private sector, a concern repeatedly voiced by many civil society organisations and some government delegations.

Paragraph 12 also says (we) Òwelcome the agreement reached in Addis Ababa on Means of ImplementationÓ referring to the upcoming Third International Conference on Financing for Development (Ffd) in July. This seems quite in contrast to what several developing countries have been articulating during both the January and February Sessions. The latter clearly articulated that while the Ffd process may have important bearing for the Post-2015 process, means of implementation (MOI) in the Post-2015 Agenda is in addition to and independent of the Ffd outcome.

(It is noteworthy that the MOI components of the SDG document, i.e. Goal 17 as well as the goal specific components of MOI for Goals 1-16, have been intensely discussed and agreed to as part of the OWG-SDG process and is included in its final report that has been adopted by the General Assembly in 2014 as the basis for the Post-2015 negotiations that are currently going on.)

Paragraph 14 delves into the principles underpinning the declaration. It says the Òagenda is guided by the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. Grounded also in the (UN Declaration on Human Rights) and other human rights commitments, including the right to development. Inspired by the Rio Declaration (including, inter alia, the principle of CBDR) and by the Millennium Declaration. Based also on Rio+20 Outcome Document, and on proposal of the Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals. Informed by SGÕs Synthesis ReportÓ.

It is curious that the principles underlying the Declaration comes at the end rather than the beginning of the document as this should be the major foundation of the Declaration as well as the Post-2015 Development Agenda itself. The principles find themselves in the penultimate paragraph in spite of specific requests from certain Member States that this part be moved up to the first section. It is also interesting that CBDR finds a cursory mention within brackets considering this was the most consistent ask across the developing countries. The dilution of the principles perhaps is a clear indication of the battles that are to come over the Declaration.

The last and 15th paragraph ends with a Òfinal call to action which could recall the foundation of the UN 70 years ago and draw parallels with the scale of the challenge faced today and the response now decided on by world leaders. Emphasis on significance of new agenda for ordinary people around the worldÓ.

There is also a mention of the Òvital contributions to be made by governments, parliaments, private sector,     civil society etcÓ again, as in paragraph 12, putting at par the role of government and other actors.

At the end there is a clear mention of the timeline for ending poverty and the last sentence says Òwe commit to achieving the goal of ending poverty within fifteen years and of preserving our planet for todayÕs young people and future generationsÓ.

It is to be noted that this Discussion Document does not provide final language and is just another step in the move towards reaching an agreed Declaration.        

Member StatesÕ Response

Initial comments were made by Members States on the Discussion Paper. Given the short time to respond, many country groupings did not give inputs due presumably to lack of time for coordination.

The G-77 and China at the very outset suggested that comments on the length of the document should be later determined according to the content (responding to the Co-facilitatorsÕ preference for no more than 3 pages).

The Group wanted a discussion document that Òreflects a balance of the SDGs as contained in the OWG-SDGs ReportÓ and in which Òthe transition from the MDGs to the SDGs and lessons learnt should also be addressedÓ.  It also pointed out that Òwe need to adhere to the agreed conceptual frameworks such as the OWG on SDGs Report to ensure integration of the three dimensions of Sustainable DevelopmentÓ. The Group wanted that Òparagraphs addressing the imperative poverty eradication must be frontloaded as this imperative is the overarching goal of the post-development agendaÓ and found the list of challenges to be non-exhaustive and wanted future opportunities to ensure inclusion of challenges afflicting developing countries.

The G-77 and China also noted that, Òthe declaration makes no mention of important agreed concepts and principles such as sovereignty, territorial integrity, self-determination, cultural diversity, equality, social inclusion and Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) patternsÓ. Instead of "common fundamental values" it called for adherence to the agreed formulation namely, "purposes and principles of the UN charter".

The Group pointed out two major lacunae with respect to policy space and CBDR. ÒMost importantly, the Group notes that there is no reflection of Ôpolicy spaceÕ in the declaration to ensure national ownership and alignment with national development plans and programsÓ. On CBDR the statement said, Òwhile the notion of differentiation is acknowledged in the document the Group would have preferred to see clear reference to the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR). The Group reiterates its view that the seminal principle of CBDR cannot be re-negotiatedÓ.

The statement also suggested that any reference to the rule of law should be qualified with "national and international levels."

Reiterating the importance of the SDG and the OWG process, theG-77 and China said Òthe OWG on SDGs will serve as the main basis for the integration of the SDGs into the post-2015 development agenda while other inputs will also be considered. The Group reiterates its view that the use of other inputs should in no way tamper with the substance and political balance of the OWG on SDGs ReportÓ.

The statement also highlighted the comprehensive nature of MOI required for the Agenda. ÒWhile we recognize that mention of the means of implementation was made in the discussion document we wish to emphasize that the means of implementation in the form of financial assistance, technology transfer and development, and capacity building remain of critical importance to the Group of 77 and ChinaÓ, it pointed out.

Brazil said that, Òthe discussion document needs to reflect an appropriate balance in regards to the SDGs that were negotiated in the Open Working Group, and to provide a vision for the future. Issues that are really transformative, such as promoting equality and changing unsustainable consumption and production patterns should not be downplayed, as they currently are, while Goal 16 is being selectively overemphasized. In fact, it is the only goal out of 17 to deserve a single paragraph in your short and concise document. We can appreciate brevity. However, let's not be brief at the expense of positions that are supported by many, if not a majority of Member StatesÓ.  

On paragraph 3 Brazil said that it misses the interlinkage between the 3 pillars of sustainable development.

On paragraph 4, it said that, Òthe concept of shared responsibility contradicts CBDR. It does not take into account the idea of differentiation. If responsibility for sustainable development were now to be shared, we would be providing countries who most exploited resources and other countries in the past (colonialism and war) a clean slate, and basically relieving them of their commitments and obligations in terms of development assistance and special and differential treatment for developing countriesÉ Simultaneously, we would be making poor developing countries equally responsible, alongside rich developed ones, for achieving sustainable development, no matter how different or asymmetric their respective capacities to do so.Ó Brazil added that, Òwe cannot speak of shared responsibility in a context in which power; resources and representation continue to be unevenly distributed, particularly between developed and developing countries.Ó

It also stressed that Ò(SDG) Goal 16 is inadequately mentioned in isolation in paragraph 5, causing grave distortion in our understanding of the SDG set.Ó

Agreeing with the idea in paragraph 7 of prioritizing the most vulnerable, Brazil disagreed with the suggestions of Òno target will be considered met unless it is met for all economic and social groupingsÓ and Òleave none behindÓ arguing that the latter in particular does not address issues of inequity. It is better to adhere to agreed language on Òpoverty eradication and combating inequalityÓ which implies Òno one is left behind and no one receives a blank checkÓ.

Brazil asked that the conclusion of ÒDoha Round of multilateral trade negotiations in a manner that delivers on its development mandate, fundamentally linked to the elimination of trade distorting agricultural subsidiesÓ be added to paragraph 10. ÒWe also need to mention the importance of reforming institutions of global governance and international financial institutions,Ó it added. On paragraph 12 Òthe importance of technology facilitation for the achievement of the new agenda should be highlightedÓ. On paragraph 14, Brazil was emphatic that ÒThe SG's synthesis report should be recognized as a valuable input. However, it is different in nature from agreed outcomes of intergovernmental processes, and therefore should not be mentioned alongside them on an equal footing.Ó

India in its comments said that, Ògenerally, while we are happy that the Discussion draft does capture many of the issues, it does so in manner that is selective and somehow disturbs the balance of the SDGsÓ and also cautioned against over simplification of the Declaration. ÒCommunicability cannot be at the cost of substance,Ó it stressed.

Repeating its earlier concern, India said that, Òthe chapeau of the SDGs is of considerable importance, but this has somehow been relegated to the background of our discussion. The chapeau in itself contains a political balance and in addition some important understandings and guidance, which cannot be separated from the SDGs themselves. The chapeau should therefore be integrated into the Declaration.Ó

India added that Òwe feel it extremely important that the Rio principles, in particular the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, must be explicitly and unequivocally reaffirmed in an early part of the Declaration ÉWe do not agree with those who feel that this principle applies to a bygone era and nor too with their claim that it is somehow inconsistent with the notion of universality.Ó

India refuted the claim of inconsistency of CBDR with universality. ÒUniversality is dear to us too, because it means that for the first time, developed countries would also be held to account for their actions.Ó

Like the G-77 and Brazil, India also expressed its dissatisfaction with the listing of todayÕs challenges, adding that, Òwhile the ideal of no target to be considered met unless it is  met for all  economic  and  social  groupings is an important one, this should not be at the cost of recognizing progress. We need to ensure that all progress will nevertheless be duly measured and accounted for.Ó

India also pointed out Òthe lack of a strong reference to technology, which holds the golden key to the problem of sustainability, is jarring by its absenceÓ. ÒIn paragraph 12, we should talk not only strengthening the UN but also reforming it, including its primary organs,Ó it said. ÒParagraph 15 should recall the linkage between the Bretton Woods institutions, the WTO and the United Nations and the failure of the institutional framework created 70 years ago evident in absence of reform of global governance institutions.Ó

India argued that Òthe six elements proposed by the SG cannot be considered a basis for framing without adequate discussion. There is a lot of disagreement on the number and nature of elements required. We clearly need to also agree on whether we need such elements or that they would provide value-addition to the Declaration.Ó

On a reference to the Ffd Conference Outcome, India categorically stated, Òthe reference to Addis Ababa is factually incorrect. While it would certainly complement and support the post-2015 Development Agenda, we would not at this stage like to prejudge the nature and outcome of this fundamentally important conference.Ó

Egypt in its statement supported the G-77 position on limiting the number of pages and suggested the Declaration should focus on quality rather than quantity. On paragraph 1 when a bold vision, transformative goals are addressed, MOIs also need to be addressed.

On paragraph 2 on MDGs, Egypt pointed to the Òneed to include the lessons learnt and the gap in implementing MDG 8 which is the MOIs.Ó  It also suggested that paragraph 3 be replaced with paragraph 7 Òwhich recognizes poverty eradication as the greatest challenge to Sustainable DevelopmentÓ to which other threats as well as inequalities within and between countries could be added. On paragraph 4, Egypt suggested replacement of the word ÒCommon Fundamental ValuesÓ with reference to the principles of the UN charter.

On paragraph 5 Egypt cautioned against an over emphasis on Goal 16. While it could be included it must be at both Ònational and international levelsÓ and it also suggested the addition of language Òrecognizing the rights of people under occupation to self-determination and the increasing threats of Terrorism to achieving sustainable development.Ó

On paragraph 10 it suggested the addition of a fair trading system, and systemic issues related to reform of international economic and financial institutions, along with climate change.

On paragraph 11, Egypt reiterated that the OWG Report should be the main basis for integrating sustainable development into the Post-2015 Development Agenda.  On paragraph 12 it was very clear that Òthe agreement in Addis Abba does not deal with MOIs in post-2015. FfD and post-2015 are two processes with inter linkages, but this stops here, FfD is a follow up to Monterrey and deals with issues that are larger in scope and different in tenor than the post-2015.Ó

On paragraph 14, Egypt said that the Post-2015 Agenda should be stemming directly from the Rio+20 and also that ÒCBDR is an agreed principle that we request it is moved to the forefront of the documentÓ.

Bangladesh, in is statement said that, ÒPeopleÓ should be at the heart of this Agenda, and that Òthe Agenda and the Declaration has to be a ÔCompactÕ among all actors, all States Ð to lead our peoples towards a life of prosperity, well-being and dignity. And the Compact should aim at mobilizing our individual and collective actions for sustainable development.Ó

Bangladesh suggested a cogent and brief narrative at the beginning of the Declaration and wanted mention of Òsome of the elements that has transformative potential during the next 15 years period and beyond É For instance, population dynamics and mobility; connectivity of movement of goods, services, energy, finance, investment, people, ideas, culture; deepening regional economic integration; ICT for Development.Ó On shared responsibilityÕ, while ÔsharingÕ is absolutely desired, it has to be in terms of Ôshared commitmentÕ and Ôshared responsibilityÕ for Ôshared prosperityÕ, Bangladesh said. Paragraphs 3 and 7 should be viewed together and references to addressing Òpoverty-exclusion-inequalityÓ within and among countries should be added.

Bangladesh went on to add that ÒParagraphs 9, 12, 13 of the text relates to ÔimplementationÕ issues. We would however need further clarity on the ÔelementsÕ and their Ôinter-linkagesÕ over the coming weeks Ð on enabling environment, institutions, (national) policy space, national ownership, mainstreaming across national processes, partnerships. This is crucial to ensure balance at global and national levels, with required transparency.Ó The statement also suggested that Ò Ômutual accountabilityÕ would need to be de-configured and at the national level; and also judged about their applicability in context of diverse level of development of countries.Ó

Finally, Bangladesh added that Òit should be useful to revert to the chapeau of OWG report and have a concise form of itÉThat chapeau was wrapped up with most of the elements in a balanced manner, capturing both substance and underlying political underpinning rather cautiously.Ó

The statements of the developed countries were expectedly the almost total contrast from the developing countries.

The European Union applauded the ÒbrevityÓ of the paper and the inclusion of Òbuilding peaceful and inclusive societies, strengthening institutions, promoting the rule of law and good governance.Ó It also agreed strongly Òwith recalling the fundamental values, including solidarity and shared responsibility.Ó The EU also found positive the inclusion of the six essential elements put forward by the UN SG in his Synthesis Report that Òcould be used to facilitate communication of the agenda and galvanise collective action.Ó

The EU mentioned areas where it had ÒdifficultiesÓ. First, in the context of the new global partnership, there is a need to promote enabling policy frameworks and policy coherence for sustainable development. The EU then said that the new Global Partnership must mobilise all actors and resources, at all levels. It also argued that the Òagreement in Addis should then be integrated into the September outcome and result in one single framework.Ó 

The EU also had difficulty with the paper singling out Rio Principle 7 on CBDR, which was designed in the context of global environmental degradation, and as such cannot apply to the entire agenda.

The United Kingdom also agreed with the length of the document and said that Òall the key ideas are in there Ð and to name check them Ð finishing the job of the MDGs, eradicating poverty and achieving sustainable development, achieving gender equality, combating climate change, delivering shared prosperity, strengthening governance/ institutions, rule of law and build peaceful societies and leaving no one behind.Ó

But the UK wanted the Declaration to be braver and upfront, possibly in the first paragraph, with a framing concept that could be something like the six essential elements of the SG Report perhaps framed as actions or outcomes. It wanted a stronger articulation of the principle of universality and also supported the strong reference to climate change in the text.

In reviewing the Member StatesÕ responses, it is clear that the differences over the Declaration, and in fact, probably over the entire agenda itself, are as large as ever. The differences over CBDR, MOI, global partnership, global systemic issues, which had been somewhat settled in the OWG Report, are again back on the table in this tough battle. In fact even the sanctity of the SDGs themselves as the basis for the Post-2015 Agenda is being challenged and new formulations and frameworks that have not even been discussed by Member States or were actually rejected are being persistently advanced. In spite of all the talk of an ambitious and a transformational agenda, the Post-2015 framework will remain weak and meaningless unless Member States show a strong political resolve to deliver on this agenda including on the implementation issues.+

(Edited by Chee Yoke Ling.)

 


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