Post-2015 Development Agenda: Intergovernmental Process
22 May 2015
The way forward and expectations for the zero draft
Statement by Mr Sean Batten
Director, Global Development Section
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
(Check against delivery)
Co-facilitators
We thank you for your guidance through this stocktaking phase of negotiations.
Under your guidance, we have made good progress towards crafting an inspiring post-2015 development agenda that will focus global efforts on poverty eradication and sustainable economic growth.
As we enter the final phase, we look forward to the timely release of the zero draft outcome document, and subsequent iterations, to allow time for our capitals to consider the text.
On the zero draft itself we have the following comments.
The declaration should be short and inspiring with strong references to the transformational potential of gender equality, governance and economic growth and a revitalised global partnership.
It should speak to our shared ambition for the new agenda, as well as common values to guide its implementation.
Our discussion of the declaration in June will also be an opportunity to discuss the way we communicate the agenda to the wider public – whether we use the Secretary-General’s six themes, the useful suggestions from Germany earlier this week or some other approach which captures the full breadth of the agenda.
The goals and targets chapter should, of course, have the SDG OWGs report as the basis for discussion. We have had a number of interesting contributions in this room and beyond and we look forward to reflecting on these going forward. We do not see merit in including the chapeau as we expect its essential elements will be covered by the declaration.
And we do not support the adoption of the reservations of other member states.
On the Global Partnership and means of implementation, as we and many others have expressed, strong coordination and careful sequencing between the Financing for Development and post-2015 processes is essential.
We should include a ‘placeholder’ in the Post-2015 Outcome Document, and revisit this section once the FfD negotiations have concluded.
To do otherwise – including considering issues such as the Intergovernmental Commission here - would be duplicative and could fragment the important MOI outcome.
Issues of technology and more broadly Science, Technology and Innovation should also be handled in FFD to avoid duplication and ensure the coherence which is essential to the process.
On follow-up and review, after our very constructive discussions this week, we expect this chapter to outline key principles - including efficiency, flexibility and a focus on outcomes - and broad parameters to drive follow-up and review efforts over the next fifteen years.
You have also sought our views on the process going forward
We think it is important that you, co-facilitators, continue to hold the pen and lead us in this process. We are very grateful for your positive leadership to date and strongly supportive of it continuing through the final phases.
This will be particulary important if we are to deliver the short and compelling declaration, to which we all aspire.
Finally, we need to maintain the very positive traditions of these negotiations and maintain ways of working that are transparent and encourage a diverse range of voices to be heard both from a wide range of member states and groups and from civil society and other major groups.
