Germany
1
Intergovernmental negotiations on the post-2015 agenda
18 – 22 May 2015, New York
German Statement on
Review and Follow-up of the Post-2015 Development Agenda
held by State Secretary Dr. Friedrich Kitschelt,
Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development
on 19 May 2015
Mr. Co-Facilitator,
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Germany aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union
and would like to add some points in its national capacity. We thank the cofacilitators
for the thought-provoking points raised in the discussion paper
distributed for this session.
We all know the challenges the global community is facing today: to eradicate
poverty and hunger, a proper management of our natural resource base and
the necessity to ensure sustainable economic development are only some of
the pressing issues we urgently need to deal with. We are at a crossroads,
and the year 2015 will be pivotal for the future of people and planet.
We have made significant progress in setting the parameters for a social,
economic and ecological transformation. But we all know: after the
September summit, our work will only just begin. We have a long way ahead
of us if we want to get from aspirations to real change, and we must not
lose sight of our aim: a decent life for all future generations.
2
The good news is that we need not, and indeed cannot, travel this road alone.
To unlock the transformative potential of the post-2015 global sustainability
agenda, we will need the overarching framework of a New Global
Partnership.
The post-2015 agenda is about challenges that all countries face. Thus,
the goals and targets of the agenda are relevant for all countries and all must
contribute to their realization. Each country will need to address these
challenges in its national setting: national levels of ambition will be decisive
for the success of the global agenda. Shared challenges will need to be
addressed by the international community as a whole, each member
contributing their fair share.
But the comprehensive set of goals cannot be achieved by governments
alone. The realization of the agenda needs to be based on a multistakeholder-
approach: governments, parliaments, civil society, the private
sector, academia and others will play a crucial role in the implementation of
the agenda. Ownership by all stakeholders is required for successful
implementation.
Agreeing on an inclusive and transformative agenda that is based on
universality, shared responsibility and a multi-stakeholder approach may
reflect our best intentions, but we will not know whether we will live up to our
collective goals unless we follow-up on their implementation. Therefore, we
need an inclusive and efficient review framework at the national,
regional and global levels to realize the true potential of the agenda.
Why are we convinced that review is of the essence for the realization of
the post-2015 agenda? Our answer is simple: review is an instrument that
can guide us on our path from aspirations to real change for people and
planet. We need an effective review process to see whether we are reaping
3
the maximum benefits from our implementation efforts, or whether we could
learn from each other to better achieve our aims.
The arguments in favor of such a review framework are compelling:
As was shown during the implementation of the MDGs, countries derive huge
benefits from improved data and statistics. For example, there has been a
tremendous improvement in the ability of national statistical systems to
provide data on poverty, food security and nutrition, child and maternal health
and access to water and sanitation over the past ten years that helped States
to better design and target policies. This has been one of the greatest
achievements of MDG monitoring.
Germany understands the follow-up and review as an opportunity to learn
from one another as we all strive to achieve the SDGs. We are convinced that
an analytical element to identify causes for success or failure (i.e. “what
worked, what did not work”) would allow States to continuously assess the
effectiveness of their own implementation measures and adapt as necessary,
and thereby increase trust in the agenda overall.
The cornerstone of such an inclusive and effective review framework at the
global level will be the High Level Political Forum, backed by an effective
support structure: it should allow for a broad assessment of
implementation efforts, levels of ambition and achieved results. In the
preparatory process of the HLPF, States should have the opportunity to make
national presentations and discuss these presentations amongst each other.
Interested States could present the results of this interactive dialogue at the
HLPF.
We consider that the following principles should be reflected in the
outcome document as the basis for an effective and inclusive review
framework on all levels:
4
It should build on already established systems. Systems at national level
should preferably be set up on the basis of national sustainable
development strategies or other relevant frameworks. In Germany the
cabinet already decided that our National Sustainable Development Strategy
provides an essential framework for the national implementation of the post-
2015 agenda.
It should foster ownership by all stakeholders through a multi-stakeholder
approach while being transparent and independent as well as ensuring
regularity in the review. As laid out in the OWG document, nationally defined
strategies and commitments should constitute the basis of a multi-layered
review framework that interlinks the national, regional and global levels
under the leadership of the High Level Political Forum. It should be evidencebased
and carried out on the basis of clear indicators as well as sound and
reliable data. It should go beyond monitoring global progress to include an
analytical element which provides information on gaps, challenges and
lessons learnt. It should facilitate peer-learning and exchange on the basis
of this analysis. It should be efficient, using existing monitoring and review
structures for other processes, so as to avoid overstraining international and
national capacity.
The objective of this review process is not to exercise control over each
other, but to benefit from each other’s knowledge and foster
understanding of common challenges. We all have lot to learn from each
other, and Germany is looking forward to the opportunity!
How could States benefit from participating in such a review? In our
view, it is in countries’ self interest to participate, since the review will
offer States several advantages: Implementation will be a challenging task for
all States. We all have a lot to learn and will profit from the experiences
of others. Participation in the review process on all levels will allow States to
5
enhance the visibility of their implementation efforts as well as allow them to
clearly define their needs. While the High-level Political Forum (HLPF) should
have a key oversight role in this task, it is obvious that there will be more
need for further capacity support. For example, States could be provided
with capacity support to conduct inclusive multi-stakeholder evidence-based
reviews and to conduct in-depth exchange in a safe space on issues
regarding implementation. States wishing to do so should be supported in
becoming pioneers for effective and inclusive review processes.
We look forward to further discussing these points with you during this
session. I would also like to seize this opportunity to invite you to a side event
hosted by Mexico, Peru and Germany on “Benefitting from review” today at
1:15pm, where we look forward to hearing your perspectives on the
advantages of an inclusive and effective review mechanism.
In conclusion, I want to underline once again the central importance of
creating ownership and bringing everybody on board for the realization of the
post-2015 agenda. To achieve this, we must also find a way to communicate
the agenda’s complexities in a clear and concise manner. For this reason,
we welcomed the idea of the UN Secretary General to reflect the new,
holistic and transformative spirit of the agenda in overarching key
messages. These messages should be inspiring, easily understandable and
capable of spurring action worldwide through the use of innovative and
appealing language. We propose the following key messages to
communicate the core of the post 2015 agenda:
End poverty and hunger – fight inequality.
Empower people, achieve gender equality and ensure a good and healthy life
for everyone.
Promote shared prosperity and achieve sustainable lifestyles for all.
6
Respect planetary boundaries: fight climate change, protect and sustainably
use natural resources.
Protect human rights – ensure peace, good governance and access to
justice.
Establish a new global partnership.
These key messages are not intended to diminish the SDGs in their
substance; nor to reduce or simplify them. They should speak to those who
are not so deeply involved in the process to understand the new spirit of
the agenda and should generate support and action worldwide.
We have committed to work together in order to promote sustained, inclusive
and sustainable economic growth, social development and environmental
protection for the benefit of people everywhere. Let us work together to make
these goals a reality and to deliver on our promises.
I thank you for your attention.
Intergovernmental negotiations on the post-2015 agenda
18 – 22 May 2015, New York
German Statement on
Review and Follow-up of the Post-2015 Development Agenda
held by State Secretary Dr. Friedrich Kitschelt,
Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development
on 19 May 2015
Mr. Co-Facilitator,
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Germany aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union
and would like to add some points in its national capacity. We thank the cofacilitators
for the thought-provoking points raised in the discussion paper
distributed for this session.
We all know the challenges the global community is facing today: to eradicate
poverty and hunger, a proper management of our natural resource base and
the necessity to ensure sustainable economic development are only some of
the pressing issues we urgently need to deal with. We are at a crossroads,
and the year 2015 will be pivotal for the future of people and planet.
We have made significant progress in setting the parameters for a social,
economic and ecological transformation. But we all know: after the
September summit, our work will only just begin. We have a long way ahead
of us if we want to get from aspirations to real change, and we must not
lose sight of our aim: a decent life for all future generations.
2
The good news is that we need not, and indeed cannot, travel this road alone.
To unlock the transformative potential of the post-2015 global sustainability
agenda, we will need the overarching framework of a New Global
Partnership.
The post-2015 agenda is about challenges that all countries face. Thus,
the goals and targets of the agenda are relevant for all countries and all must
contribute to their realization. Each country will need to address these
challenges in its national setting: national levels of ambition will be decisive
for the success of the global agenda. Shared challenges will need to be
addressed by the international community as a whole, each member
contributing their fair share.
But the comprehensive set of goals cannot be achieved by governments
alone. The realization of the agenda needs to be based on a multistakeholder-
approach: governments, parliaments, civil society, the private
sector, academia and others will play a crucial role in the implementation of
the agenda. Ownership by all stakeholders is required for successful
implementation.
Agreeing on an inclusive and transformative agenda that is based on
universality, shared responsibility and a multi-stakeholder approach may
reflect our best intentions, but we will not know whether we will live up to our
collective goals unless we follow-up on their implementation. Therefore, we
need an inclusive and efficient review framework at the national,
regional and global levels to realize the true potential of the agenda.
Why are we convinced that review is of the essence for the realization of
the post-2015 agenda? Our answer is simple: review is an instrument that
can guide us on our path from aspirations to real change for people and
planet. We need an effective review process to see whether we are reaping
3
the maximum benefits from our implementation efforts, or whether we could
learn from each other to better achieve our aims.
The arguments in favor of such a review framework are compelling:
As was shown during the implementation of the MDGs, countries derive huge
benefits from improved data and statistics. For example, there has been a
tremendous improvement in the ability of national statistical systems to
provide data on poverty, food security and nutrition, child and maternal health
and access to water and sanitation over the past ten years that helped States
to better design and target policies. This has been one of the greatest
achievements of MDG monitoring.
Germany understands the follow-up and review as an opportunity to learn
from one another as we all strive to achieve the SDGs. We are convinced that
an analytical element to identify causes for success or failure (i.e. “what
worked, what did not work”) would allow States to continuously assess the
effectiveness of their own implementation measures and adapt as necessary,
and thereby increase trust in the agenda overall.
The cornerstone of such an inclusive and effective review framework at the
global level will be the High Level Political Forum, backed by an effective
support structure: it should allow for a broad assessment of
implementation efforts, levels of ambition and achieved results. In the
preparatory process of the HLPF, States should have the opportunity to make
national presentations and discuss these presentations amongst each other.
Interested States could present the results of this interactive dialogue at the
HLPF.
We consider that the following principles should be reflected in the
outcome document as the basis for an effective and inclusive review
framework on all levels:
4
It should build on already established systems. Systems at national level
should preferably be set up on the basis of national sustainable
development strategies or other relevant frameworks. In Germany the
cabinet already decided that our National Sustainable Development Strategy
provides an essential framework for the national implementation of the post-
2015 agenda.
It should foster ownership by all stakeholders through a multi-stakeholder
approach while being transparent and independent as well as ensuring
regularity in the review. As laid out in the OWG document, nationally defined
strategies and commitments should constitute the basis of a multi-layered
review framework that interlinks the national, regional and global levels
under the leadership of the High Level Political Forum. It should be evidencebased
and carried out on the basis of clear indicators as well as sound and
reliable data. It should go beyond monitoring global progress to include an
analytical element which provides information on gaps, challenges and
lessons learnt. It should facilitate peer-learning and exchange on the basis
of this analysis. It should be efficient, using existing monitoring and review
structures for other processes, so as to avoid overstraining international and
national capacity.
The objective of this review process is not to exercise control over each
other, but to benefit from each other’s knowledge and foster
understanding of common challenges. We all have lot to learn from each
other, and Germany is looking forward to the opportunity!
How could States benefit from participating in such a review? In our
view, it is in countries’ self interest to participate, since the review will
offer States several advantages: Implementation will be a challenging task for
all States. We all have a lot to learn and will profit from the experiences
of others. Participation in the review process on all levels will allow States to
5
enhance the visibility of their implementation efforts as well as allow them to
clearly define their needs. While the High-level Political Forum (HLPF) should
have a key oversight role in this task, it is obvious that there will be more
need for further capacity support. For example, States could be provided
with capacity support to conduct inclusive multi-stakeholder evidence-based
reviews and to conduct in-depth exchange in a safe space on issues
regarding implementation. States wishing to do so should be supported in
becoming pioneers for effective and inclusive review processes.
We look forward to further discussing these points with you during this
session. I would also like to seize this opportunity to invite you to a side event
hosted by Mexico, Peru and Germany on “Benefitting from review” today at
1:15pm, where we look forward to hearing your perspectives on the
advantages of an inclusive and effective review mechanism.
In conclusion, I want to underline once again the central importance of
creating ownership and bringing everybody on board for the realization of the
post-2015 agenda. To achieve this, we must also find a way to communicate
the agenda’s complexities in a clear and concise manner. For this reason,
we welcomed the idea of the UN Secretary General to reflect the new,
holistic and transformative spirit of the agenda in overarching key
messages. These messages should be inspiring, easily understandable and
capable of spurring action worldwide through the use of innovative and
appealing language. We propose the following key messages to
communicate the core of the post 2015 agenda:
End poverty and hunger – fight inequality.
Empower people, achieve gender equality and ensure a good and healthy life
for everyone.
Promote shared prosperity and achieve sustainable lifestyles for all.
6
Respect planetary boundaries: fight climate change, protect and sustainably
use natural resources.
Protect human rights – ensure peace, good governance and access to
justice.
Establish a new global partnership.
These key messages are not intended to diminish the SDGs in their
substance; nor to reduce or simplify them. They should speak to those who
are not so deeply involved in the process to understand the new spirit of
the agenda and should generate support and action worldwide.
We have committed to work together in order to promote sustained, inclusive
and sustainable economic growth, social development and environmental
protection for the benefit of people everywhere. Let us work together to make
these goals a reality and to deliver on our promises.
I thank you for your attention.
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