Statement by Brazil
Post-2015 Development Agenda
Intergovernmental Negotiations
May 18th, 2015
Distinguished Co-Facilitators,
Brazil aligns itself with the statement delivered by South Africa on behalf of G-77
and by Ecuador on behalf of CELAC. I would like to deliver additional comments
in my national capacity.
We are setting the stage for the long-term implementation of the sustainable
development goals.
At this historical juncture, we should focus our attentions on devising an effective
framework for follow up and review at the global level; one that ensures greater
exchange of policy knowledge and international support for building capacities,
disseminating technologies, and mobilizing financial and non-financial resources,
as well as governmental and non-governmental actors.
We need to lay solid foundations for a paradigmatic shift. Upfront measures should
take place prior to transformative outcomes. An “inception period” is necessary for
long-term impact.
To harness the transformative potential of sustainable development goals of
universal applicability, the framework for follow up and review should foster
sustainable development policies, resources, commitments and change of behavior.
The “inception period” should allow for a renewed political dialogue, mobilization
of means of implementation and greater global support to secure lasting,
sustainable and balanced outcomes.
The monitoring or outcomes, in and by itself, will not lead to global change.
In our view, the working paper over-emphasizes the production of data, monitoring
of indicators and follow-up of outcomes. It should have dedicated greater attention
to necessary processes of sharing experiences and mobilizing resources to support
developing countries to achieve sustainable development goals and targets.
Before we consider reporting on performance based on global indicators, we need
to put in place the right policies and mobilize means of implementation.
In this regard, Brazil suggests the addition of a principle dedicated to the “diffusion
of innovative solutions and technologies to support the implementation of the
SDGs”.
As we advance in the consideration of a Technology Facilitation Mechanism, it is
critical to reflect the key role of capacity building, science, technology and
innovation to accelerate change toward a sustainable development paradigm.
The principle of “diffusion of innovative solutions and technologies” would also
provide positive incentives for countries and other stakeholders to engage in the
follow up and review of the Post-20l5 Development Agenda.
The consideration of a comprehensive program of action on data, as suggested by
the Secretary-General, should wait until Statistical Commission concludes its
proposal, in March 2016.
Mr. co-Facilitators,
We should also reaffirm the principle of common but differentiated
responsibilities, which constitutes the basis for a universal Post-2015 Development
Agenda.
Developing countries will need to revise national policy arrangements put in place
for the implementation of the MDGs, while developed countries will also need to
establish new mechanisms to report on performance regarding SDGs and MoIrelated
commitments.
Best practices in implementing the MDGs should be explored to better inform and
positively influence national decisions regarding the SDGs.
Capacity building is a priority, as well as the diffusion of innovative solutions and
technologies to support the implementation of the SDGs.
A renewed global policy dialogue on implementation should start in 2016, with a
prioritary focus on the overarching goal of poverty eradication.
The high-level political forum constitutes the primary locus for such dialogue,
mainstreaming the sustainable development paradigm through the United Nations
Development System, while mobilizing action from governments and other
stakeholders.
Mr. co-Facilitators,
The High-Level Political Forum has the mandate to follow-up and review progress
on the implementation of the SDGs, including on commitments related to means of
implementation.
Such a mandate does not preclude the establishment of a dedicated
intergovernmental committee on Financing for Development, which should ensure
consistency and synergy with the follow-up and review under the High-Level
Political Forum.
The High-Level Political Forum deliberations on means of implementation should
build upon the outcomes of the intergovernmental committee to follow-up and
review the Adis Abbeba, Monterrey and Doha commitments.
We should strengthen the capacities of the secretariat in support of the High-Level
Political Forum, while also considering ways to ensure a more effective and
transparent preparatory process for its meetings.
A decisive session of the HLPF will take place in little more than one month. No
consultations took place regarding its ministerial declarations. A preliminary
agenda is yet to be circulated.
We need to ensure that the high-level political forum is able to deliver all its
functions, benefited from and contributing for the strengthening of ECOSOC and
the alignment of the UN Development System.
A universal and integrated agenda should bring about a sea change in the UN
Development System.
Mr. co-Facilitator,
We should not avoid top-down rigid modalities for the follow-up and review of
policies at regional level, let alone at national level.
There is no “one-size-fits-all” formula for regional and national implementation.
The concept of accountability can only be properly applied at national level, where
it refers to the relation between citizens and public authorities.
The concept of "mutual accountability" does not necessarily provide a reference
for a truly universal agenda, as it reflects and reinforces the asymmetrical
relationship between donors and recipient countries in the context of North-South
cooperation.
Issues pertaining to regional arrangements should be further discussed in light of
ongoing regional processes.
ECLAC member States decided to begin consultations on the establishment of a
Regional Forum on Sustainable Development, which will serve as a key platform
for regional cooperation toward implementation of the SDGs.
In this regard, we can provide a mandate for the high-level political forum or the
General Assembly to consider formats for regional and national review in the
future, possibly in four or five years from now.
I thank you, Mr. co-facilitator.
