Armenia
June 22-25, 2015
Informal meeting of the plenary on the process of intergovernmental negotiations on the post-2015 development agenda, pursuant to resolution 69/244 and decisions 69/550 and 69/555, focusing on the Zero Draft of the Outcome Document (the Declaration)
Remarks by H.E. Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Armenia to United Nations
Thank you very much, co-facilitators.
Evidently, we have a solid basis of a text to negotiate upon and we also commit ourselves to work with others to achieve a consensual text, and we thank you for this draft.
We do recognize the broad objectives, which, in our view, are worthy to be pursued. We are also of the view that we should have a concise, lucid, comprehensible text of a draft declaration. We think we should make sure that, while avoiding a ‘Christmas Tree” approach in identifying the challenges and objectives, we should also be careful not to be selective in putting together those challenges and objectives in the draft declaration. Some objective, which, in our view, is worthy of paying attention to, is about the tone of the declaration - it is a political text, it aims at appealing to people.
We very much support an approach, which demonstrates determination on our part to pursue the agenda of development and the seriousness of purpose, yet, at the same time, we would want this to be operational, realistic and honest in its nature. Perhaps, we might not expect the world to change entirely by 2030, but at least we want to aim at a better world by then.
Another point, as a general observation, concerns the compatibility of all the texts dealing with the post-2015 agenda that we have been negotiating in different ways and different formats. We have the OWG Proposal on the SDGs and we have the FfD Outcome Document - perhaps, not entirely agreed at the moment, but we hope it will be finalized soon. With all these texts available, we should bear in mind that, one way or another, we are shaping the terminology for the next 15 years on the development agenda, hence, the compatibility of these texts is something that we believe should be taken good care of. A demonstration of this point can be reflected by examining the wording in paragraph 17 of the draft, in which you have put together various groups or categories of who we expect to enjoy fundamental rights and freedoms. We believe, the text of the OWG Proposal (Introduction and target 10.2) is good enough to be more comprehensive and worthy of borrowing.
We have rather more specific points to be made on other parts, which we will share with you in writing, but before concluding, I would still like to draw your attention to a number of points.
On paragraph 12 of the draft, we have also come to note the way in which migration is reflected in the text. We believe it is quite unfair to equate migration to other challenges such as conflict, violence, extremism, humanitarian crises. We might think, for example, of natural disasters or other problems that are commensurate to the categories listed here but migration, after all, is a human condition. Entire nations have been shaped as a result of migration. We might, perhaps, consider a separate paragraph on migration, which has so many shades and aspects that are worthy of reflection.
The other point is about the various levels of partnership in implementation. We do recognize the national level, we are ready to focus on the global level of partnerships, yet, there are other important levels, which, we believe, need to be reflected in the text. In particular, this concerns the regional level - the level of regional cooperation in the implementation of the post-2015 agenda.
I would like to make a short remark regarding paragraph 27, speaking about the climate change and safeguarding oceans and seas and biodiversity. In this paragraph, we would also welcome focusing on such issues as desertification, land degradation and draught.
In the interests of time, I will limit myself to these points for now, while we will be submitting our remaining remarks in writing.
Thank you very much, co-facilitators.
TRANSFORMING OUR WORLD BY 2030:
A NEW AGENDA FOR GLOBAL ACTION
Preamble
This Agenda is a plan of action for people, planet and prosperity that also seeks to strengthen universal peace in larger freedom. All countries acting in collaborative partnership will implement the Agenda. We are resolved to free the human race from the tyranny of poverty and want and to heal and secure our planet for present and future generations. We are determined to take the bold and transformative steps needed to shift the world on to a sustainable path. As we embark on this collective journey, we pledge that no one will be left behind.
The new Agenda sets out, inter alia, to:
• End poverty and hunger;
• Secure education, health and basic services for all;
• Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls;
• Combat inequalities within and between countries;
• Foster inclusive economic growth, shared prosperity and sustainable lifestyles for all;
• Promote safe and inclusive cities and human settlements;
• Protect the planet, fight climate change, use natural resources sustainably and safeguard our oceans;
• Strengthen governance and promote peaceful, safe, just and inclusive societies;
and
• Revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development
TRANSFORMING OUR WORLD BY 2030:
A NEW AGENDA FOR GLOBAL ACTION
Introduction
1. We, the Heads of State and Government of the 193 member States of the United Nations, meeting in New York from 25-27 September 2015 as the Organization celebrates its seventieth anniversary, have agreed today on new global goals for the sustainable development of humanity and of our planet.
2. On behalf of the peoples we serve, we have adopted a historic agreement on a comprehensive and far-reaching set of universal goals and targets. On behalf of the peoples we serve, we have adopted a comprehensive and far-reaching set of universal goals and targets. If these are realized, they will transform for the better the world in which we all live.
3. We recognize that poverty eradication is the greatest global challenge and an indispensable requirement for sustainable development. We intend, between now and 2030, to end poverty and hunger once and for all; to combat inequalities; to ensure the lasting protection of the planet and its resources; and to create conditions for sustainable, inclusive and sustained economic growth and shared prosperity.
4. As we embark on this great collective journey, we pledge that nobody will be left behind. We wish to see the goals and targets met for all economic and social groupings, without prejudice to economic, social or other status.
5. Having consulted widely with stakeholders, and having made a special effort to listen to the voices and concerns of the poorest and the vulnerable, we are adopting a universal Agenda for sustainable development. We commit ourselves to working tirelessly for its implementation and for the attainment by 2030 of our shared vision.
6. This Agenda is of unprecedented scope and significance. Accepted by all countries and applicable to all, it has been agreed following two years of intensive public consultation and engagement around the world. It is the first ever global compact for human development and preservation of the planet.
7. This is a plan of action for people, planet and prosperity which also seeks to strengthen universal peace in larger freedom. It will be implemented by all of us acting in collaborative partnership. We are resolved to free the human race from the tyranny of poverty and want and to heal and secure our planet for future generations. We are determined to take the bold and transformative steps needed to shift the world onto a sustainable footing.
8. Almost fifteen years ago, the Millennium Development Goals were agreed. These provided an important framework for development and significant progress has been made in a number of areas. But the progress has been uneven and some of the Goals remain off-track. We recommit ourselves to the full realization of the off-track MDGs. The new Agenda builds on the Millennium Development Goals and seeks to complete what these did not achieve.
9. In its scope, however, the framework we are announcing today goes far beyond the MDGs.
Alongside traditional development priorities such as health, education and food security and nutrition, it sets out a wide range of economic and environmental objectives and also promises more peaceful, better governed and inclusive societies. Reflecting the integrated approach that we have agreed, there are deep interconnections and many cross-cutting elements across the new goals and targets.
Our commitment and shared principles
10. We recall the outcomes of major UN conferences and summits which have laid a solid foundation for sustainable development and have helped to shape the new Agenda. These include the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development; the Millennium Declaration; the World Summit on Sustainable Development; the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (“Rio
+ 20”); and the latter’s follow-up intergovernmental processes. We recall also the synthesis report produced by the Secretary General of the United Nations in December 2014.
11. The new Agenda is guided by the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, including full respect for international law. It is grounded also in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international instruments such as the Declaration on the Right to Development. We reaffirm all the principles of the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, including, inter alia, the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.
Our world today
12. We are meeting at a time of immense challenges to sustainable development. There are rising inequalities within and between states. There are enormous disparities of opportunity, wealth and power. Unemployment, particularly youth unemployment, is growing. Spiraling conflict, violence and extremism, humanitarian crises and a growing migration challenge threaten to reverse much of the development progress made in recent decades. Natural resource depletion and adverse impacts of environmental degradation, including drought and the prospect of irreversible climate change, add to the list of challenges which humanity faces. The survival of many societies, and of the planet itself, is at risk.
13. These challenges are interrelated and call for integrated solutions. To address them effectively, a new approach is needed. Sustainable development recognizes that eradicating poverty and inequality, preserving the planet and creating inclusive economic growth are linked to each other and interdependent.
14. It is for this reason that we have decided on a set of integrated and indivisible goals which balance three crucial dimensions: the economic, the social and the environmental. Furthermore, these are universal goals which transcend the traditional North/South divide and involve the entire world, rich and poor countries alike, in a new global compact for the betterment of humanity.
Our vision
15. In the goals and targets which we have agreed, we are setting out a supremely ambitious vision.
We envisage a world free of poverty, hunger, disease and want. A world, for example, of safe and nutritious food; of affordable drinking water; of universal access to basic education; of physical, mental and social well-being. A world of universal respect for human rights and human dignity; of justice and equality; of respect for race and ethnicity; and of equal opportunity permitting the full realization of human potential while promoting shared prosperity. A world in which every woman and girl enjoys full gender equality and all barriers to their empowerment in our societies have been removed. A just, equitable, tolerant and inclusive world. And one in which humanity lives in complete harmony with nature
The new Agenda
16. We are announcing today 17 Goals with 169 associated targets. Never before have world leaders pledged common action and endeavour across such a broad policy agenda. We are setting out together on the path towards sustainable development, devoting ourselves collectively to the pursuit of global development and of “win-win” cooperation which can bring huge gains to all countries and all parts of the world. We will implement the Agenda for the full benefit of all, for today’s generation and for future generations. In doing so, we reaffirm our commitment to international law and emphasize that the Agenda will be implemented in a manner that is consistent with the rights and obligations of states under international law.
17. This is an Agenda which encompasses all human rights and will promote dignity for all human beings. It will work to ensure that fundamental rights and freedoms are enjoyed by all without discrimination on grounds of race, colour, sex, language, religion, culture, migratory status, political or other opinion, national or social origin, economic situation, birth or disability / without distinction of any kind such as age, sex, disability, culture, race, ethnicity, origin, migratory status, religion, economic or other status (Introduction of the Open Working Group Proposal for Sustainable Development Goals and Targets )/ irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status (Goal 10 target 10.2.)..
18. Working for gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls will make a crucial contribution to progress across all the goals and targets. The achievement of full human potential and of sustainable development is not possible if one half of humanity continues to be denied its full rights and opportunities to be excluded from exercising its full rights and opportunities. This is also a basic issue of human rights. Women and girls must enjoy equal access to education and equal opportunities for employment with men and boys. All forms of gender inequality, gender-based discrimination and violence against women and children, both boys and girls, will be combatted.
19. The new goals and targets will come into effect on 1 January 2016 and will guide the decisions we take over the next fifteen years. All of us will work to implement the Agenda within our own countries and at the regional and global levels. We will at the same time take into account different national realities, capacities and levels of development. We will respect national policies and priorities and provide adequate policy space for economic growth, in particular for developing states. We acknowledge also the importance of the regional dimension: regional frameworks can facilitate the effective translation of sustainable development policies into concrete action at national level.
20. Each country faces specific challenges in its pursuit of sustainable development. The most vulnerable countries and, in particular, African countries, least developed countries, landlocked developing countries and small island developing states deserve special attention, as do countries in situations of conflict. There are also serious challenges within many middle-income countries.
21. Vulnerable sections of the population whose needs are reflected in the goals and targets include children, youth, people living with disability and older people; the needs of others who are vulnerable, such as migrants and indigenous peoples, are also reflected. People living in areas affected by conflict, terrorism and complex humanitarian emergencies, as well as in areas affected by terrorism are also experiencing severe challenges.
22. We commit to providing quality education at all levels – early childhood, primary, secondary and tertiary. All people irrespective of gender, race or ethnicity, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, children and youth in vulnerable situations, should have access to learning
that helps them acquire the knowledge and skills needed to exploit opportunities and to participate fully in society.
23. To extend life expectancy for all, we must achieve universal health coverage. No one must be left behind. We commit to accelerating the progress made to date in reducing infant, child and maternal mortality by ending all preventable deaths of infants, children and expectant mothers by
2030. We shall ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health care services, including for family planning, information and education. We will equally accelerate the pace of progress made in fighting malaria, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and other communicable diseases and epidemics. At the same time we shall devote greater effort to tackling non-communicable diseases.
24. We will seek to build strong economic foundations for all our countries. Sustained and inclusive economic growth is essential for prosperity. We will work to build dynamic, sustainable and people-centred economies, promoting youth employment in particular and decent work for all. All countries stand to benefit from having a healthy and well-educated workforce with the knowledge and skills needed for productive and fulfilling work and full participation in society. We will therefore adopt policies which increase productivity and productive employment, financial inclusion, agricultural and industrial development, sustainable and efficient transport systems and modern energy provision.
24. bis. We recognize that international migration has a significant potential for the development of origin, transit and destination countries and must be addressed in a coherent, comprehensive and balanced manner. We commit to cooperating internationally to ensure safe, orderly and regular migration, and we reaffirm the need to promote and protect effectively the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all migrants, especially those of women and children.
24. ter. We acknowledge the importance of regional economic integration and interconnectivity to promote inclusive growth and sustainable development, and commit to strengthen regional cooperation and regional trade agreements. We recognize that regional integration can also be an important catalyst to reduce trade barriers, implement policy reforms and promote integration into global value chains. We commit to supporting projects and cooperation frameworks that foster regional and sub-regional integration, with special attention to Africa, and that enhance participation and integration of small-scale industrial and other enterprises, particularly from developing countries, into global value chains and markets. We encourage effective partnerships to address gaps in trade, transport and transit related regional infrastructure, including completing missing links connecting LLDCs, LDCs and SIDS within regional networks.
25. We commit to making fundamental changes in the way that our societies produce and consume goods and services. We recognize our different levels of development and capabilities and agree to work together to mobilize, from all sources, financial, technical and capacity-building support for developing countries. Governments, international organizations, the business sector, other non-state actors and individuals must contribute to changing unsustainable consumption and production patterns.
26. We recognize that sustainable urban development and management are crucial to the quality of life of our people. We will work with local authorities and communities to renew and plan our cities so as to foster community cohesion and personal security and to stimulate innovation and employment. We will reduce the negative impacts of urban activities, including through the safe management and use of chemicals, the reduction and recycling of waste and more efficient use of water and energy. And we will work to minimize the impact of cities on the global climate system.
27. We are determined to address decisively the threat posed by climate change and environmental degradation. The global nature of climate change calls for the widest possible international cooperation aimed at accelerating the reduction of global greenhouse gas emissions. Looking ahead to the COP 21 conference in Paris in December, we underscore the historic responsibility of all States to work for a meaningful and universal climate agreement which will put in place this essential component of a sustainable world. We must also safeguard our oceans and seas, protect biodiversity, combat desertification, land degradation and draught and promote resilience and disaster preparedness.
28. Sustainable development cannot be realized without peace. The new Agenda recognizes the need to build peaceful, just and inclusive societies, based on respect for human rights (including the right to development), the rule of law and effective and accountable institutions. These are fundamental requirements for the achievement of sustainable development. Factors which give rise to violence, insecurity and injustice, such as corruption and poor governance, are addressed in the Agenda. We must redouble our efforts to resolve or prevent conflict and to support countries emerging from conflict situations so as to lay the foundations for sustainable development. We commit to remove the obstacles to the full realization of the right of self-determination of peoples living under colonial and foreign occupation, which continue to adversely affect their economic and social development as well as their environment.
29. We recognize acknowledge the intrinsic value of diversity, culture and sport as enablers of sustainable development. We acknowledge recognize the natural and cultural diversity of the world and recognize that all cultures and civilizations can contribute to sustainable development. We pledge to foster inter- cultural understanding, tolerance, mutual respect and an ethic of global citizenship and shared responsibility.
Implementation
30. The new Agenda deals also with the means required for implementation of the goals and targets.
We recognize that these will require the mobilization of financial resources (both public and private, domestic and international) as well as capacity-building, the transfer of environmentally sound technologies and a wide range of other supportive policies and measures. Business, the private sector and philanthropic organizations will feature prominently in relation to resource mobilization and implementation of the Agenda.
31. We welcome and endorse fully the outcome document of the Third International Conference on
Financing for Development, held in Addis Ababa from 13-16 July 2015.
32. Official Development Assistance remains important in supporting the sustainable development needs of countries and regions, in particular least developed countries, small island developing states and Africa. We shall accelerate full implementation of the Istanbul Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries, the Small Island Developing States Accelerated Modalities of Action Pathway and the Vienna Programme of Action for Land-Locked Developing Countries.
33. We recognize the central role that science, technology and innovation play in enabling the international community to respond to sustainable development challenges. We recognize the power of communications technologies, technical cooperation and capacity-building for sustainable development.
34. We are committed to a well-functioning, equitable and rules-based multilateral trading system for the realization of the new Agenda. We resolve to work together to enhance macro-economic and financial stability through improved policy coordination and coherence. We resolve to reach early agreement in the Doha Development Round of trade negotiations. We attach great importance to providing trade-related capacity-building for least developed countries.
35. We acknowledge the need for international financial institutions to respect the domestic policy space of all countries, in particular developing countries and least developed countries. We agree to work to increase the representation of developing countries, and their involvement in decision- making, in these institutions.
36. The scale and ambition of the new Agenda calls for a renewed and strengthened Global Partnership to implement it. This Partnership will work in a spirit of global solidarity, in particular solidarity with the poorest and the vulnerable. It will facilitate an intensive global engagement in support of implementation of the goals and targets, bringing together Governments, the private sector, civil society, the United Nations system and other actors and mobilizing all available resources. Inclusive multi-stakeholder partnerships will be needed to support specific priorities under the Agenda and to mobilize the requisite resources.
37. We emphasize more generally the critical importance of local ownership and engaging all relevant stakeholders in implementation of the new Agenda. Governments and public institutions will work closely in this regard with national parliaments, local authorities, international institutions, business and the private sector, civil society, academia, philanthropic organizations, voluntary groups and others.
Follow-up and review
38. Our Governments will be responsible for follow-up and review, at the national, regional and global levels, in relation to the progress made in implementing the goals and targets over the coming fifteen years. To support this accountability, provision has been made – and is detailed in Chapter 4 below – for systematic follow-up and review of implementation at the various levels.
39. We look forward to the development of indicators to assist this work. Quality disaggregated data will be needed to help with the measurement of progress. We agree to intensify our efforts to strengthen statistical capacities in developing countries, particularly least developed countries and other countries in special situations. We also commit to scaling up substantially public-private cooperation to exploit the contribution to be made by a wide range of data, including geo-spatial information, in supporting and tracking progress.
A call for action to change our world
40. Seventy years ago, an earlier generation of world leaders came together to create the United Nations. From the ashes of war and division they fashioned this Organization and the values of peace, dialogue and international cooperation which underpin it. The supreme embodiment of those values is the Charter of the United Nations.
41. Today we are taking a decision of comparable significance. Ours can be the first generation to succeed in ending poverty; just as we are the last to have a chance of saving the planet. We have resolved to build a better future for millions of people in our world, millions who have been denied the chance to lead decent, dignified and rewarding lives and to achieve their full human potential. The world will be a better place in 2030 and beyond if we succeed in our objectives.
42. What we are announcing today – an agenda for global action for the next fifteen years – is a charter for people and planet in the twenty-first century.
43. “We the Peoples” are the celebrated opening words of the UN Charter. It is “We the Peoples” who are embarking today on the road to 2030. Our journey will involve Governments, Parliaments, local authorities, business and the private sector, the scientific and academic community, civil society – and ordinary citizens. Millions have already engaged with, and will own, this agenda. It is an agenda by and for the people – and this, we believe, will ensure its success.
44. The future of humanity and of our planet lies in our hands. It lies also in the hands of today’s younger generation, who will pass the torch to future generations. We have mapped the road to sustainable development; it will be for all of us to ensure that the journey is irreversible.
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