Caribbean Community (CARICOM)
CARICOM Statement on Global Partnerships for Sustainable Development
10 December 2013
Sixth session of the Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals
Permanent Mission of The Bahamas to the United Nations
Thank you Mr. Co-Chair,
I speak on behalf of the 14 Member States of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). We thank the Secretariat for the briefing papers provided for our discussions; and the speakers this afternoon for their excellent presentations.
Mr. Co-Chair,
For CARICOM countries, the pursuit of quality partnerships is central to our efforts to achieve sustainable development. It is important to add, that given our size, economies and particular vulnerabilities, partnerships are not new for CARICOM countries, but have been a necessary aspect of our modus vivendi.
CARICOM also views the issue of partnerships as an important part of our discussion on Means of Implementation, which must permeate the discussion on all other clusters and issues.
Mr. Co-Chair,
Indeed, CARICOM believes that a transformation in the way we approach partnerships must be a major part of our efforts to create the sustainable development goals.
Global partnerships must be based on a common understanding of our shared humanity, and must engage all actors and relevant partners including, inter alia, the private sector, non-governmental organisations, philanthropic organisations and civil society.
In this context, we agree that a renewed, inclusive and strengthened global partnership for sustainable development must focus on poverty eradication and promote sustainable development; build on ODA; should strengthen statistical and other capacities in developing countries; and promote complementary partnerships at all levels.
Mr. Co-Chair,
CARICOM wishes to underscore, in this regard, the importance of the proposed theme for the Third International Conference on SIDS, which will take place in Samoa next year – Genuine and Durable Partnerships for the Sustainable Development of SIDS.
The theme is indicative of our recognition that genuine and durable partnerships must be an integral part of our SIDS Conference, which is inextricably linked to the elaboration of the post-2015 agenda, and the creation of sustainable development goals.
2
Mr. Co-Chair,
CARICOM notes that the Secretary-General recommends multi-stakeholder partnerships in each thematic area of future goals. On health issues in particular, we view effective global partnerships, such as the GAVI Alliance and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria as potential models in this regard. CARICOM also recognises the need for a more comprehensive partnership to combat the Non-Communicable Disease epidemic.
CARICOM will give further consideration to this approach as the process evolves.
Mr. Co-Chair,
The sustainable development goals and targets eventually agreed will embody different aspirations for human development outcomes; will be shaped by different environmental threats and challenges; and different types of global partnerships will be required for implementation.
The partnerships developed to achieve the sustainable development goals must draw on past experience, as well as conduct realistic assessments on what future challenges may be faced in an ever- changing world. These realistic assessments must include discussions on how development costs and benefits are distributed, the roles and responsibility of stakeholders, as well as the terms of collaboration and channels of mutual accountability.
Thank you, Mr. Co-Chair.
10 December 2013
Sixth session of the Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals
Permanent Mission of The Bahamas to the United Nations
Thank you Mr. Co-Chair,
I speak on behalf of the 14 Member States of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). We thank the Secretariat for the briefing papers provided for our discussions; and the speakers this afternoon for their excellent presentations.
Mr. Co-Chair,
For CARICOM countries, the pursuit of quality partnerships is central to our efforts to achieve sustainable development. It is important to add, that given our size, economies and particular vulnerabilities, partnerships are not new for CARICOM countries, but have been a necessary aspect of our modus vivendi.
CARICOM also views the issue of partnerships as an important part of our discussion on Means of Implementation, which must permeate the discussion on all other clusters and issues.
Mr. Co-Chair,
Indeed, CARICOM believes that a transformation in the way we approach partnerships must be a major part of our efforts to create the sustainable development goals.
Global partnerships must be based on a common understanding of our shared humanity, and must engage all actors and relevant partners including, inter alia, the private sector, non-governmental organisations, philanthropic organisations and civil society.
In this context, we agree that a renewed, inclusive and strengthened global partnership for sustainable development must focus on poverty eradication and promote sustainable development; build on ODA; should strengthen statistical and other capacities in developing countries; and promote complementary partnerships at all levels.
Mr. Co-Chair,
CARICOM wishes to underscore, in this regard, the importance of the proposed theme for the Third International Conference on SIDS, which will take place in Samoa next year – Genuine and Durable Partnerships for the Sustainable Development of SIDS.
The theme is indicative of our recognition that genuine and durable partnerships must be an integral part of our SIDS Conference, which is inextricably linked to the elaboration of the post-2015 agenda, and the creation of sustainable development goals.
2
Mr. Co-Chair,
CARICOM notes that the Secretary-General recommends multi-stakeholder partnerships in each thematic area of future goals. On health issues in particular, we view effective global partnerships, such as the GAVI Alliance and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria as potential models in this regard. CARICOM also recognises the need for a more comprehensive partnership to combat the Non-Communicable Disease epidemic.
CARICOM will give further consideration to this approach as the process evolves.
Mr. Co-Chair,
The sustainable development goals and targets eventually agreed will embody different aspirations for human development outcomes; will be shaped by different environmental threats and challenges; and different types of global partnerships will be required for implementation.
The partnerships developed to achieve the sustainable development goals must draw on past experience, as well as conduct realistic assessments on what future challenges may be faced in an ever- changing world. These realistic assessments must include discussions on how development costs and benefits are distributed, the roles and responsibility of stakeholders, as well as the terms of collaboration and channels of mutual accountability.
Thank you, Mr. Co-Chair.
Stakeholders