Distinguished co-facilitators,
In addition to the EU statement made earlier today to which Croatia aligns, allow me to make several remarks on the Declaration in my national capacity.
Croatia is strongly convinced that the overall vision, objectives and expected results of the overarching and transformative post-2015 agenda need to be communicated to various national stakeholders, in particular to the general public, in a clear and well articulated manner.
Our work on the sustainable development goals needs to be unmistakably understood and accepted. Our citizens must be granted an opportunity to take their part in the global post-2015 agenda. They need to share our belief that the change for the better is possible and that our ambitions are attainable. To this end, the governments should keep them duly informed and they need to feel that the governments are responsible and accountable to them for many reforms that will be required in the implementation of the SDGs.
The achievement and implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals indeed relies heavily but not solely on the states’ actions. Other actors, from the civil society and the private sector, also need to be involved. This is why we believe that the Declaration needs to send a clear, univocal message, a call for action by all stakeholders.
Furthermore, we need to keep in mind that the conflict-affected and fragile states, those emerging from conflicts, being at the brink of a relapse to violence – will probably lag behind in the implementation. As we are familiar with these challenges, Croatia firmly believes that the reconstruction and revitalization of the post-conflict states and their societies and economies deserve our special attention in the implementation of the SDGs.
Finally, the Declaration should also address the structural causes of poverty, inequality and violence. A true reform potential in these areas can only be achieved by strengthening capable and accountable institutions, democratic governance and rule of law.
I thank you.
