Statement by Fabio Palacio, ATD Fourth World
Intergovernmental Negotiations on the Post-2015 Development Agenda
Meeting with Major Groups and Other Stakeholders, 24 June 2015
‘Follow-up and Review’
1. Thank-you for the opportunity to speak today. I am speaking on behalf of the following 16 organizations and in collaboration with Beyond 2015: Association for Promotion of Sustainable Development (India), Between Two Worlds, Christian Aid, International Presentation Association, National Ethical Service, Norwegian Forum for Development and Environment, Plan International, Restless Development, Save the Children, Soroptimist International, StateWide Small Farm Program, United Nations Association of South Sudan, United Religions Initiative, National Ethical Service, Women Educators Association of Nigeria (WEAN) and my own organization, ATD Fourth World.
2. A promise is only good if it is kept. The post-2015 agenda is the promise of a better, more equitable and just world for all, and a robust system of accountability is how we can ensure that this promise is kept.
3. First, we welcome the reference in para. 3(c) to an enabling environment for participation. This should be strengthened to read: ‘They will be open, inclusive, responsive, participatory and transparent, supported by an enabling environment for the meaningful participation of all people and stakeholders, including women, children and youth, persons with disabilities, and the most marginalized groups.’
4. Second, an agenda that seeks to leave no one behind must focus on progress for those that are the furthest behind. We recommend adding a key principle in para. 3 that follow-up and review ‘will focus on the progress of the social and economic groups that are the furthest behind, and monitor inequalities within and between countries.’
5. Third, reflecting the need for participation at national and global levels, paras. 5 and 9 should provide for reviews based on a government report, a report from the UN System and a national stakeholder report.1
6. Fourth, in para. 9, we recommend adding after ‘Resolution 67/290’ ‘and we commit to ensure that the HLPF has sufficient human and financial resources to fulfil its mandate.’ Para. 9 should further state:
i. ‘They shall focus on assessment of implementation of sustainable development commitments and objectives, including those related to the means of implementation,2 achievements and challenges faced by developed and developing countries, offer recommendations to support implementation and report on steps taken by countries to follow-up previous recommendations…’
ii. At the end of para. 9: ‘Reviews shall also consider the progress of all social and economic groups in order to leave no one behind.’
7. Fifth, para. 12 should, in addition to data from national statistical systems, include data from ‘non-governmental sources as well as qualitative and perception-based indicators.’
8. Finally, in para. 16, we recommend that further detail on the guidelines for national and international reviews be provided by adding after ‘national reports and review processes,’ ‘including recommendations on timelines for implementation and review, citizen participation, review of the contributions of corporate actors, and steps to raise public awareness of the SDGs.’ And, after ‘state-led reviews at the HLPF under the auspices of ECOSOC, including’ ‘peer reviews and steps to improve complementarity…’
1 As suggested in para. 149.i of the Synthesis Report of the Secretary-General on the Post-2015 Agenda, The Road to Dignity by 2030: Ending Poverty, Transforming All Lives and Protecting the Planet.
2 In line with language in para. 8 of A/RES/67/290.
