Post-2015 negotiations on Sustainable Development Goals,
Session on Follow-up and Review
New York, 24 July 2015.
Distinguished co-facilitators,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The complex nature of the SDGs and the mechanisms for their monitoring, accountability and review, suggests that there might be need to take different, perhaps tailor-made routes for each goal to be achieved. Be it strategies, action plane, programmes or some other formats – it is obvious that states will have to make their plans, preparations, also allocate resources, measure progress and involve other stakeholders - all in a meaningful, transparent and inclusive manner.
When it comes to periodical review mechanisms, different strands of action will have their own requirements. However, it would seem prudent to have 2 or 3 stages of the overall review.
Being aware of that, Croatia would also like to point out that there is no ‘one-solution-fits-all’ in this respect since different countries have different levels of engagement with other stakeholders, that will be involved in the process of the reviewing the SDGs. Hence, it is of vital importance that we strive to improve our national capabilities and communication strategies in this regard all the way till 2030 by learning from each other and by building our capacities, especially ICT solutions. It is exactly here that the various national, regional or international outreach programmes should especially make justification.
Besides solutions already proposed thereto, one could also find reasons to involve independent auditors, regional or international organizations, NGOs etc. Here, we would especially like to point out that this involvement is to be done for the process of developing effective communication strategies for the SDGs to stakeholders at home, as well as for the outreach programmes. After any monitoring and review mechanism can be effectively done only if previously properly communicated to all sectors of society. Most importantly, conclusions on the level of implementation would need to be fully utilized in order to improve performance.
To conclude, the success of monitoring, accountability and review process depends on the level of cohesion between countries in different regions. It is difficult to imagine a single globally applicable solution. An exchange of findings could be the first step towards the final global accomplishment.
Thank you.
