Statement by State Secretary of Development Policy,
Mr. Martin Bille Hermann on behalf of Denmark
____________________________________________________________
Intergovernmental Negotiations on the
Post-2015 Development Agenda
18-22 May
Statement by Denmark on monitoring, accountability and review delivered on
May 18, 2015
____________________________________________________________
New York
Monday, 18 May 2015
Check against delivery
E-mail:
nycmis@um.dk
http://fnnewyork.um.dk
Co-facilitators,
Denmark aligns itself with the statement made by the EU on behalf of the EU and its member states and would like to add a few remarks in national capacity. They will be about (1) the existing foundation for a framework for monitoring, accountability and review, (2) its overall purpose and (3) some reflections on key features and principles.
Denmark welcomes the discussion paper regarding follow-up and review and supports the principles presented.
The matter of monitoring, accountability and review is of paramount importance to the success of the post2015 Agenda. MAR is essentially about ensuring that we deliver on the ambitions and aspirations set out in the Post-2015 Agenda – that we are able to deliver tangible results for our people and planet. Let me highlight a few key considerations. First, the framework of monitoring, accountability and review (MAR) should be universal and encompass the implementation of the goals, targets and other commitments to be made in the post-2015 agenda. Hence, it should also include the means of implementation – financial and non-financial.
In this respect, we welcome the deliberations regarding monitoring and review in the FfD-negotiations. We expect the outcome of the deliberations to be merged into a coherent and comprehensive framework for the entire post-2015 agenda.
Second, the main purpose of the MAR framework should be to steel our action and address gaps in implementation. Drawing on the indispensable efforts and expertise of all actors involved will be crucial, including non-state actors such as civil society, private sector and parliaments.
The MAR framework should have as some of its key principles to underpin an integrated and balanced approach to sustainable development and the
fulfilment of all human rights. In terms of indicators, we fully support that 'no target should be considered met unless met for all social and economic groups'.
Third, and as already said by many, the success of the post-2015 agenda and any MAR depends on national political commitment to and ownership of the implementation of the post-2015 Agenda. One key commitment to make would be for countries to define sustainable development strategies or other similar frameworks on which to build their periodic reporting, which will feed into the HLPF.
Fourth and last, let me address the issue of accountability, which seems to have become such a contested principle. The purpose of accountability is to promote action, which supports the most effective and efficient attainment of the goals. Accountability builds ownership among all relevant stakeholders and spurs action. It supports the sharing of knowledge about gaps and needs as well as best practices. And it contributes to transparency and inclusion. Ultimately, accountability takes place between governments and their citizens with national parliaments playing a key role. It is about shared responsibility and living up to that responsibility. Accountability is also needed at global level to ensure a consistent effort to meet the goals and targets at global level. Therefore, we believe, that it is crucial to agree on some common principles and measures of accountability at national, regional and international level.
We look forward to continue the conversations the coming days. We all need to keep in mind that the framework of monitoring, accountability and review needs to be manageable for all of us and at the same time allow us to assess, if we are on track to reaching the goals. If we are delivering real outcomes that have real impact. That produces results.
Thank you.
