Group of 77 & China
Co-Chairs,
1. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of 77 and
China.
2. The Group of 77 is happy to see this Open Working Group on Sustainable
Development Goals (OWG SDGs) commencing its work. We do not need to
remind ourselves the arduous road that have led us to here, though it will be
remiss of the Group not to acknowledge the vital role the President of the
General Assembly (PGA) played in this process. The Group of 77 has held the
view that it is imperative for the success of this multilateral endeavor that the
wishes of all members are accommodated. The convening of today's meeting
exhibits this achievement. The patience of the PGA and the flexibility of members
must be commended.
3. The Group of 77 congratulates the Co- Chairs of the OWG SDGs for your
election. Your role in steering the affairs of this Open Working Group will be
crucial. Representation from the developed and developing world gives the
assurance that all interests will be taken into consideration in a legitimate and
balanced manner.
4. This being the first occasion upon which this open working group is meeting,
the Group of 77 expresses its congratulation to the members of the OWG on
their nomination. The Group of 77 reassures them of its support and trust that in
the conduct of their affairs, they will consider and provide ample opportunities for
all other members of the United Nations, relevant stakeholders from civil
societies, the scientific community and the United Nations system to contribute to
their deliberation in line with the mandate of the Rio +20 Outcome Document. It is
vital for the success of this OWG that it is inclusive, open and transparent.
Co-Chairs
5. The Group of 77 notes that the main task of the OWG is to submit a report
containing recommendations for sustainable developments goals to the
Assembly at its sixty-eight session in September 2013 for consideration and
appropriate action. In this respect, the Group of 77 will be engaging
constructively in substantive discussions of the Working Group for the
identification and formulations of these goals.
6. Paragraph 246 of the Rio+20 Outcomes Document states that the SDGs
should be a driver for implementation and mainstreaming of sustainable
development in the United Nations system as a whole. While the development of
the SDGs must not divert focus or effort from the achievement of the MDGs, the
Group stresses the need for serious concerted effort in this OWG towards
developing a set of aspirational, concise, action-oriented and universally
applicable sustainable development goals. These SDGs should be integrated
into the United Nations' post-2015 development agenda in a way that
incorporates the social, economic and environmental dimensions of sustainable
development and their interlinkages in a balanced manner.
7. Consistent with the mandate and spirit of the Rio+20 Outcomes Document, the
development of the SDGs should be guided by a set of key principles with an
overarching objective of achieving poverty eradication. Our efforts to achieve the
MDGs have highlighted how poverty is multidimensional and that development
must be achieved in a holistic sense. Any vision of sustainable development ideal
for the 21st century must recognise that eradicating poverty, removing
inequalities and achieving social justice is inextricably linked to ensuring
ecological stability and renewal so as not to jeopardize the needs of future
generations. We must therefore increase our efforts towards changing
unsustainable patterns of consumption and production, with developed countries
taking the lead.
8. The Group of 77 underscores the fundamental importance for the SDGs to
build upon and complement the MDGs. As we focus our attention on the SDGs, it
is imperative that we learn from the lessons of the MDGs. One of the key
shortcomings of the MDGs is the lack of accountability in the global partnership
under MDG8. For example, MDG8 explicitly recognized the special needs of
vulnerable countries and called for strengthening of commitments to increase
Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) to LDC, LLDCs, SIDS, and MICs.
However, the targets and indicators were not backed up by any quantitative nor
time-bound targets. Little progress has been made in other areas of MDG 8, such
as the development of a fair open trading system, dealing with the debt problem,
providing access to medications in developing countries and making available
the benefits of new technologies, including ICTs. This only highlights the need to
create an enabling international environment that favors development. The
Group believes that the post-2015 development agenda must enhance the global
partnership for development, and further advance in all commitments contained
in MDG8.
Co-Chairs,
9. A genuine global partnership must be founded on strong political will and
shared responsibility. It requires strengthened commitment from our developed
partners to provide international cooperation and sufficient policy space to
developing countries, taking into account their different national circumstances,
priorities and capabilities. In this regard, particular attention must be given to
developing countries with a focus on eradicating the problem of inequality
between and within countries.
10. In practice, this means that the development and implementation of SDGs
must be based on the principle of 'common but differentiated responsibility'. It
means that SDGs should not place additional restrictions or burdens on
developing countries. Importantly, it requires the donor community to honor its
international commitments especially those related to financial resources,
technology transfer and capacity.
11. Elaborating on these commitments, they must be matched by the effective
transfer of financial and technical resources, which improve conditions in the
developing countries and assist in eradicating poverty. Transfer of technology
must encompass technological cooperation and the necessary technical and
commercial information to understand, use and develop cutting-edge technology
with a view to promoting endogenous capacity to use and further develop such
technologies. Moreover, the dissemination of related technological knowledge as
well as technical and commercial cooperation is also important. Only through this
effective transfer and sharing will it be possible to promote the use and
subsequent development of technology by developing countries themselves.
12. Promoting mechanisms that strengthen capacity-building, the allocation of
adequate, predictable and additional financial resources and the transfer of
cutting edge technologies on concessionary terms from the developed to the
developing countries must be a top priority.
13. In addition, developing countries need a favorable international economic
climate if their national development policies and programmes are to succeed. In
this connection, the Monterrey Consensus provides the United Nations with a
framework for promoting an economic climate favorable to development
financing in its national, international and systemic aspects. We should continue
working on these issues.
14. There is a need for an ample international dialogue with a view to building a
new financial architecture that guarantees the democratization and transparency
of financial management and institutions and in this sense, it is indispensable to
guarantee the full participation of developing countries in the reform of the
international economic and financial architecture, favorable to sustainable
development. We must advance towards a far-reaching democratization of the
international financial institutions, significantly increasing the voice,
representation and voting power of developing countries
Co-Chairs,
15. The Group of 77 reiterates that for the SDGs to be successful, it is important
that these goals be based on the outcomes of Agenda 21 and the Johannesburg
Plan of Implementation as well as outcomes of all UN major summits in the
economic, social and environmental fields, including the Istanbul Program of
Action, the Barbados Program of Action and Mauritius Strategy.
16. The Group of 77 further reiterates that the means of implementation identified
in Agenda 21, the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation, the Monterrey
Consensus and the Doha Declaration on Financing for Development are
indispensible for translating the SDGs into tangible sustainable development
outcomes. The Group of 77 is of the view that each SDG must be linked to an
effective means of implementation.
17. In conclusion, the Group of 77 and China conveys its readiness to play a
constructive role in the work of this Open Working Group on the SDGs.
Thank you.
1. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of 77 and
China.
2. The Group of 77 is happy to see this Open Working Group on Sustainable
Development Goals (OWG SDGs) commencing its work. We do not need to
remind ourselves the arduous road that have led us to here, though it will be
remiss of the Group not to acknowledge the vital role the President of the
General Assembly (PGA) played in this process. The Group of 77 has held the
view that it is imperative for the success of this multilateral endeavor that the
wishes of all members are accommodated. The convening of today's meeting
exhibits this achievement. The patience of the PGA and the flexibility of members
must be commended.
3. The Group of 77 congratulates the Co- Chairs of the OWG SDGs for your
election. Your role in steering the affairs of this Open Working Group will be
crucial. Representation from the developed and developing world gives the
assurance that all interests will be taken into consideration in a legitimate and
balanced manner.
4. This being the first occasion upon which this open working group is meeting,
the Group of 77 expresses its congratulation to the members of the OWG on
their nomination. The Group of 77 reassures them of its support and trust that in
the conduct of their affairs, they will consider and provide ample opportunities for
all other members of the United Nations, relevant stakeholders from civil
societies, the scientific community and the United Nations system to contribute to
their deliberation in line with the mandate of the Rio +20 Outcome Document. It is
vital for the success of this OWG that it is inclusive, open and transparent.
Co-Chairs
5. The Group of 77 notes that the main task of the OWG is to submit a report
containing recommendations for sustainable developments goals to the
Assembly at its sixty-eight session in September 2013 for consideration and
appropriate action. In this respect, the Group of 77 will be engaging
constructively in substantive discussions of the Working Group for the
identification and formulations of these goals.
6. Paragraph 246 of the Rio+20 Outcomes Document states that the SDGs
should be a driver for implementation and mainstreaming of sustainable
development in the United Nations system as a whole. While the development of
the SDGs must not divert focus or effort from the achievement of the MDGs, the
Group stresses the need for serious concerted effort in this OWG towards
developing a set of aspirational, concise, action-oriented and universally
applicable sustainable development goals. These SDGs should be integrated
into the United Nations' post-2015 development agenda in a way that
incorporates the social, economic and environmental dimensions of sustainable
development and their interlinkages in a balanced manner.
7. Consistent with the mandate and spirit of the Rio+20 Outcomes Document, the
development of the SDGs should be guided by a set of key principles with an
overarching objective of achieving poverty eradication. Our efforts to achieve the
MDGs have highlighted how poverty is multidimensional and that development
must be achieved in a holistic sense. Any vision of sustainable development ideal
for the 21st century must recognise that eradicating poverty, removing
inequalities and achieving social justice is inextricably linked to ensuring
ecological stability and renewal so as not to jeopardize the needs of future
generations. We must therefore increase our efforts towards changing
unsustainable patterns of consumption and production, with developed countries
taking the lead.
8. The Group of 77 underscores the fundamental importance for the SDGs to
build upon and complement the MDGs. As we focus our attention on the SDGs, it
is imperative that we learn from the lessons of the MDGs. One of the key
shortcomings of the MDGs is the lack of accountability in the global partnership
under MDG8. For example, MDG8 explicitly recognized the special needs of
vulnerable countries and called for strengthening of commitments to increase
Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) to LDC, LLDCs, SIDS, and MICs.
However, the targets and indicators were not backed up by any quantitative nor
time-bound targets. Little progress has been made in other areas of MDG 8, such
as the development of a fair open trading system, dealing with the debt problem,
providing access to medications in developing countries and making available
the benefits of new technologies, including ICTs. This only highlights the need to
create an enabling international environment that favors development. The
Group believes that the post-2015 development agenda must enhance the global
partnership for development, and further advance in all commitments contained
in MDG8.
Co-Chairs,
9. A genuine global partnership must be founded on strong political will and
shared responsibility. It requires strengthened commitment from our developed
partners to provide international cooperation and sufficient policy space to
developing countries, taking into account their different national circumstances,
priorities and capabilities. In this regard, particular attention must be given to
developing countries with a focus on eradicating the problem of inequality
between and within countries.
10. In practice, this means that the development and implementation of SDGs
must be based on the principle of 'common but differentiated responsibility'. It
means that SDGs should not place additional restrictions or burdens on
developing countries. Importantly, it requires the donor community to honor its
international commitments especially those related to financial resources,
technology transfer and capacity.
11. Elaborating on these commitments, they must be matched by the effective
transfer of financial and technical resources, which improve conditions in the
developing countries and assist in eradicating poverty. Transfer of technology
must encompass technological cooperation and the necessary technical and
commercial information to understand, use and develop cutting-edge technology
with a view to promoting endogenous capacity to use and further develop such
technologies. Moreover, the dissemination of related technological knowledge as
well as technical and commercial cooperation is also important. Only through this
effective transfer and sharing will it be possible to promote the use and
subsequent development of technology by developing countries themselves.
12. Promoting mechanisms that strengthen capacity-building, the allocation of
adequate, predictable and additional financial resources and the transfer of
cutting edge technologies on concessionary terms from the developed to the
developing countries must be a top priority.
13. In addition, developing countries need a favorable international economic
climate if their national development policies and programmes are to succeed. In
this connection, the Monterrey Consensus provides the United Nations with a
framework for promoting an economic climate favorable to development
financing in its national, international and systemic aspects. We should continue
working on these issues.
14. There is a need for an ample international dialogue with a view to building a
new financial architecture that guarantees the democratization and transparency
of financial management and institutions and in this sense, it is indispensable to
guarantee the full participation of developing countries in the reform of the
international economic and financial architecture, favorable to sustainable
development. We must advance towards a far-reaching democratization of the
international financial institutions, significantly increasing the voice,
representation and voting power of developing countries
Co-Chairs,
15. The Group of 77 reiterates that for the SDGs to be successful, it is important
that these goals be based on the outcomes of Agenda 21 and the Johannesburg
Plan of Implementation as well as outcomes of all UN major summits in the
economic, social and environmental fields, including the Istanbul Program of
Action, the Barbados Program of Action and Mauritius Strategy.
16. The Group of 77 further reiterates that the means of implementation identified
in Agenda 21, the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation, the Monterrey
Consensus and the Doha Declaration on Financing for Development are
indispensible for translating the SDGs into tangible sustainable development
outcomes. The Group of 77 is of the view that each SDG must be linked to an
effective means of implementation.
17. In conclusion, the Group of 77 and China conveys its readiness to play a
constructive role in the work of this Open Working Group on the SDGs.
Thank you.
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