Intervention delivered by Ambassador Michael Grant, Deputy Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of Canada
Thursday, 21 May
First, Canada believes that the technical revisions proposed in the Revised Targets Document have improved the quality of the targets. The objective of the exercise was to improve the targets, to make sure the targets are measurable and implementable, to ensure they are aligned with agreed international ambition. Canada feels that the TST has applied these criteria.
One example of an improved target is Target 3.2 on reducing child mortality. Providing a clear numerical global minimum standard to which all countries should aspire strengthens this target significantly, while respecting its original substance.
But consistency would imply that Target 3.1 on reducing maternal mortality be strengthened in exactly the same manner.
That is, without altering the original language of the target, simply add that every country reduce its maternal mortality to no more than 140 per 100,000 live births. Technical experts in various international fora have already proposed this ratio as ambitious but achievable.
We believe this suggestion is completely in keeping with the intent and parameters of the technical proofing exercise. And it would improve consistency between Targets 3.1 and 3.2.
This is just one example where a technical review can improve a target. Canada believes that this work should continue where there are other targets that can be improved in a similar manner with relatively little difficulty, to ensure consistency across targets.
Going forward, we look to you, co-facilitators, to continue to lead this process as fair and objectively as you have been doing to date.
