Denmark
Denmark’s statement on the discussion paper for a political declaration on the post-2015 agenda
20 February 2015
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Mr co-facilitators,
Thank you for the discussion paper. It has sparked a very interesting debate yesterday and today which we find constructive and thought provoking. It also shows that there is a lot that unites us.
In line with many others, we welcome a short declaration which is visionary and which can inspire political leadership for transformative action for the benefit of people and planet.
The declaration should speak to everybody. We very much welcome the suggestion at the major group discussions yesterday morning to get input from all stakeholders on the title as well as to let the youth proof read the text. We also note as our Dutch colleague, that children is not mentioned in the discussion paper and we would like to see them mentioned as they are an important group and those who will grow up with this agenda
There are many aspects that we do not have time to mention, therefore I would like to not mention a human rights based approach, to not mention institutions, good governance and rule of law, to not mention peaceful and inclusive societies, and to not mention the importance of combatting climate change as a key part of the agenda. These aspects of the agenda are incredibly important.
Today, my delegation would focus on some issues where we would like to see even more emphasis than is currently reflected in the discussion document:
Firstly, we need to emphasize up front what is new about the post-2015 agenda - universality, transformative action and partnership.
Universality is one of the unique features. The new goals apply to all countries for the benefit of all people and based on a shared responsibility.
The declaration should inspire transformative action whether through goals and targets, means of implementation or in our monitoring, review and accountability.
A new Global Partnership is required, which unleashes the potential of all actors and spurs transformative action.
Secondly, we would like to highlight some of the core compelling visions, which we believe should also be put up front.
a) Declaration must clearly recognize that poverty eradication and sustainable development are intrinsically linked and mutual overall aims of our agenda.
b) Environmental sustainability is fundamental to ensuring the sustainable prosperity and well-being of people within planetary boundaries. The 2015 agenda should thus integrate the three
dimensions of sustainable development in a balanced way across the agenda. For that reason we agree with Mexico and others who have highlighted the need to acknowledge environmental degradation as a major challenge to poverty eradication and sustainable development.
Finally, We need a strong, forward looking statement on gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls – half of humanity. Without gender equality and women’s empowerment we cannot even dream of achieving the SDG's and the new development agenda. Neither can we claim to have an agenda for the people. Therefore, we propose that gender equality and the rights of women and girls be put forward as an incredibly important aspect on its own and at the same time reflecting the cross-cutting importance of gender equality.
Thank you.
20 February 2015
Check against delivery
Mr co-facilitators,
Thank you for the discussion paper. It has sparked a very interesting debate yesterday and today which we find constructive and thought provoking. It also shows that there is a lot that unites us.
In line with many others, we welcome a short declaration which is visionary and which can inspire political leadership for transformative action for the benefit of people and planet.
The declaration should speak to everybody. We very much welcome the suggestion at the major group discussions yesterday morning to get input from all stakeholders on the title as well as to let the youth proof read the text. We also note as our Dutch colleague, that children is not mentioned in the discussion paper and we would like to see them mentioned as they are an important group and those who will grow up with this agenda
There are many aspects that we do not have time to mention, therefore I would like to not mention a human rights based approach, to not mention institutions, good governance and rule of law, to not mention peaceful and inclusive societies, and to not mention the importance of combatting climate change as a key part of the agenda. These aspects of the agenda are incredibly important.
Today, my delegation would focus on some issues where we would like to see even more emphasis than is currently reflected in the discussion document:
Firstly, we need to emphasize up front what is new about the post-2015 agenda - universality, transformative action and partnership.
Universality is one of the unique features. The new goals apply to all countries for the benefit of all people and based on a shared responsibility.
The declaration should inspire transformative action whether through goals and targets, means of implementation or in our monitoring, review and accountability.
A new Global Partnership is required, which unleashes the potential of all actors and spurs transformative action.
Secondly, we would like to highlight some of the core compelling visions, which we believe should also be put up front.
a) Declaration must clearly recognize that poverty eradication and sustainable development are intrinsically linked and mutual overall aims of our agenda.
b) Environmental sustainability is fundamental to ensuring the sustainable prosperity and well-being of people within planetary boundaries. The 2015 agenda should thus integrate the three
dimensions of sustainable development in a balanced way across the agenda. For that reason we agree with Mexico and others who have highlighted the need to acknowledge environmental degradation as a major challenge to poverty eradication and sustainable development.
Finally, We need a strong, forward looking statement on gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls – half of humanity. Without gender equality and women’s empowerment we cannot even dream of achieving the SDG's and the new development agenda. Neither can we claim to have an agenda for the people. Therefore, we propose that gender equality and the rights of women and girls be put forward as an incredibly important aspect on its own and at the same time reflecting the cross-cutting importance of gender equality.
Thank you.
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