H.E. Mr. Martin Sajdik, President of ECOSOC
1
Wrap-up by the
President of the Economic and Social Council
3 July 2014
Excellencies,
Colleagues,
Ladies and gentlemen,
The last four days have been intense but also very fruitful.
I am sure many of you are tired by now and longing to find some rest and revive your spirits during the 4th of July weekend ahead. However, it was well-worth our time and efforts: We covered a lot of ground and gained a better knowledge of what is at stake to achieve sustainable development. We also reached a better understanding of each other’s experiences and have heard the views of so many different stakeholders, representatives of governments, major groups, academia, civil society, private sector and have brought forward their ideas and shared insights with the forum.
In this context, I would like to thank the representatives of major groups and other stakeholders, with whom I have had the opportunity to meet with every morning to enrich our thinking going forward.
2
We had a rich programme having considered the way from Rio+20 to Post-2015, the role of sustainable consumption and production within the sustainable development agenda, the regional dimensions and countries in special situations and how we can shape the forum to prepare it for its tasks beyond 2015. Furthermore, right before our deliberations on the science policy interface, we launched the prototype of the Global Sustainable Development Report that was coordinated by DESA with a large number of scientists and researchers. We have had various side-events that have also been crucial in outlining the development of this forum.
I am impressed by the richness of this discussion and devotion of all the participants.
Let me share the key messages I have taken from the last four days.
On the post-2015 development agenda and sustainable development goals the points are as follows:
First and foremost: we honor what has been accomplished by the Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals so far. It is not up the HLPF to create parallel streams of discussion.
3
There is a clear sense of opportunity amongst participants as we reach this final phase in crafting the SDGs and the post -2015 development agenda. Three major interconnected tasks need to be conducted in parallel: we must complete the unfinished business of the MDGs; we must solve urgent issues and crises; and we must make progress on socio-economic and environmentally sound development.
The new agenda should build on Rio+20 which reaffirmed the importance of integration of economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. It was emphasized many times that in order to meet the challenges we face, the agenda has not only to be integrated but also to be transformative, universal, inclusive and people-centered. We also should address inequality.
In order to address the actions and trends that will have an impact on future generations, we have to adopt a long-term perspective. It was proposed that we should enter into a new social contract within and between generations in order to achieve our shared vision of a sustainable future.
4
Climate change is an issue of intergenerational dimension. Our biggest challenge is human behaviour and the unwillingness of decision-makers to take bold decisions.
The Sustainable Development Goals can provide guidance to a more sustainable world. The Open working group on SDGs and the committee on sustainable development financing should aim for ambitious results.
The regional consultations have helped to identify priorities for the post 2015 development agenda. There are differences but also convergence on what the world should look like in 2030 and beyond.
The actions to implement the agenda should be strongly supported by the international community. Renewing the global partnership for implementing post-2015 development agenda will be crucial.
The business sector also has a critical role. Corporate Social Responsibility has gathered momentum. But there is need for more efforts to engage the business sector. Creativity and a spirit of mutual trust are necessary to bring us forward.
5
To ensure that countries are willing to undertake actions to realize the SDGs nationally and internationally, there should be a common vision, a common purpose and a common understanding. There should be trust as well as a commitment of various stakeholders, at all levels, to achieve the task.
The Post-2015 agenda should not be presented as a “gloom and doom”, but as a “yes we can” message.
On strengthening the science-policy interface the points are as follows:
Across the world, an effective conversation should occur between scientific communities and decision-makers to ensure evidence-based policy-making. This is also critical to expand the capabilities of future generations.
One possibility to strengthen the science-policy-society interface was seen in the Global Sustainable Development Report: It offers an opportunity to bring the view of the scientific communities to the attention of policy makers.
We have heard some very interesting ideas about the scope and methodology of the report and considered the
6
recommendations of the UN Secretary General. Many speakers supported a multi-stakeholder, multi-scale and multi-level approach with links to national processes. Further discussions on this topic will be necessary.
On Sustainable Consumption and Production the points are as follows:
Sustainable consumption and production is an essential requirement for sustainable development. SCP policies are key to addressing climate change.
The linkage between the shift to SCP patterns and the future SDGs should be explored.
The 10 Year Framework of Programmes on SCP (10YFP) has some momentum. But it needs to move quickly to the implementation phase and to deliver on its mandate.
As it is true for the whole implementation of the post 2015 agenda, solid monitoring and accountability mechanisms based on transparency and use of indicators are needed to ensure the achievement of our aim.
7
On Countries in special situations including small island developing states the points are as follows:
While all countries in special situations face similar challenges in building resilience, each category also faces unique circumstances and obstacles. Policies and approaches for building resilience need to be integrated into national sustainable development plans.
Small island developing states face special vulnerabilities and challenges. It is urgent to put them on track for inclusive development and achieving long-term sustainability. The Samoa conference will be a milestone event. There were calls for establishing a vulnerability index as well as for developing tools to address climate change and extreme weather events.
Coordinated support by the international community is crucial. At the same time, new forms of cooperation need to be developed that redefine the traditional donor-recipient relationship. South-South and regional cooperation have proven to be essential in building resilience.
8
Good governance, the rule of law, women empowerment, partnerships with the business sector, economic stability and decentralization are essential for building resilience.
The role of partnerships was discussed as a tool for implementation. These partnerships need to be strong and accountable.
On Means of Implementation the points are as follows:
Financing the SDGs will be a critical aspect of the post-2015 development agenda. Since this agenda will be integrated and holistic, there is a need to mobilize a large amount of resources. But we should also give attention to the quality of those resources, especially if we aim to achieve transformative change.
Innovative financing strategies are important to attract new sources of funding for the post-2015 development agenda and complement the traditional forms of ODA. In this regard creating an environment for investments through good governance, the rule of law and transparent and effective institutions is crucial.
9
Financing is only one part of the equation. Knowledge and experiences should be shared. Governments also have to address the role of policies and institutions in addressing sustainable development needs.
Sustainable development should be bolstered by transparent, accountable and effective governance. Little can be achieved in the absence of a determined effort to improve institutions and policies. We need to put in place the structures and practices to implement more integrated policies. People do not live their lives in silos.
The UN system, as a whole but also different units within a specific organization, must work as one to help countries pursue integration and fusion of economic, social and environmental dimensions. It must become fit for purpose to support implementation of the post 2015 development agenda.
Throughout our discussions in the last days, I heard great expectations about the role of the high-level political forum. You stressed the role of the forum to review the implementation of the SDGs and the post 2015 development agenda. You want the forum’s reviews of implementation and follow-up to be meaningful and lead to real change at the country level.
10
As already stated in the General Assembly Resolution 67/290 that established this forum, it was expressed that the review has to be conducted on a voluntary basis. In this regard it is important to emphasise that these reviews shall serve as a platform to share best practises, lessons learnt and highlight challenges in order to find together solutions for these.
I believe that our debates have shown that the establishment of the high level political forum, along with the strengthening of ECOSOC and as well of UNEP are important elements in pursuing sustainable development.
Many actionable and innovative suggestions were brought forward. The Secretariat and I took good note of them.
I will present key messages coming out of these first four days to the three day ministerial segment of the forum during the high-level segment of ECOSOC.
I thank our panellists and lead discussants and all of you who made these first days of this first forum under the auspices of ECOSOC a success.
I thank all the wonderful representatives from the multi-stakeholders, civil society, academia, business sector, philanthropy, media and children and youth. Their role alongside with parliament, supreme audit institutions, ombuds- persons, will indeed be crucial.
11
Participation, Participation, Participation!
--------
Wrap-up by the
President of the Economic and Social Council
3 July 2014
Excellencies,
Colleagues,
Ladies and gentlemen,
The last four days have been intense but also very fruitful.
I am sure many of you are tired by now and longing to find some rest and revive your spirits during the 4th of July weekend ahead. However, it was well-worth our time and efforts: We covered a lot of ground and gained a better knowledge of what is at stake to achieve sustainable development. We also reached a better understanding of each other’s experiences and have heard the views of so many different stakeholders, representatives of governments, major groups, academia, civil society, private sector and have brought forward their ideas and shared insights with the forum.
In this context, I would like to thank the representatives of major groups and other stakeholders, with whom I have had the opportunity to meet with every morning to enrich our thinking going forward.
2
We had a rich programme having considered the way from Rio+20 to Post-2015, the role of sustainable consumption and production within the sustainable development agenda, the regional dimensions and countries in special situations and how we can shape the forum to prepare it for its tasks beyond 2015. Furthermore, right before our deliberations on the science policy interface, we launched the prototype of the Global Sustainable Development Report that was coordinated by DESA with a large number of scientists and researchers. We have had various side-events that have also been crucial in outlining the development of this forum.
I am impressed by the richness of this discussion and devotion of all the participants.
Let me share the key messages I have taken from the last four days.
On the post-2015 development agenda and sustainable development goals the points are as follows:
First and foremost: we honor what has been accomplished by the Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals so far. It is not up the HLPF to create parallel streams of discussion.
3
There is a clear sense of opportunity amongst participants as we reach this final phase in crafting the SDGs and the post -2015 development agenda. Three major interconnected tasks need to be conducted in parallel: we must complete the unfinished business of the MDGs; we must solve urgent issues and crises; and we must make progress on socio-economic and environmentally sound development.
The new agenda should build on Rio+20 which reaffirmed the importance of integration of economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. It was emphasized many times that in order to meet the challenges we face, the agenda has not only to be integrated but also to be transformative, universal, inclusive and people-centered. We also should address inequality.
In order to address the actions and trends that will have an impact on future generations, we have to adopt a long-term perspective. It was proposed that we should enter into a new social contract within and between generations in order to achieve our shared vision of a sustainable future.
4
Climate change is an issue of intergenerational dimension. Our biggest challenge is human behaviour and the unwillingness of decision-makers to take bold decisions.
The Sustainable Development Goals can provide guidance to a more sustainable world. The Open working group on SDGs and the committee on sustainable development financing should aim for ambitious results.
The regional consultations have helped to identify priorities for the post 2015 development agenda. There are differences but also convergence on what the world should look like in 2030 and beyond.
The actions to implement the agenda should be strongly supported by the international community. Renewing the global partnership for implementing post-2015 development agenda will be crucial.
The business sector also has a critical role. Corporate Social Responsibility has gathered momentum. But there is need for more efforts to engage the business sector. Creativity and a spirit of mutual trust are necessary to bring us forward.
5
To ensure that countries are willing to undertake actions to realize the SDGs nationally and internationally, there should be a common vision, a common purpose and a common understanding. There should be trust as well as a commitment of various stakeholders, at all levels, to achieve the task.
The Post-2015 agenda should not be presented as a “gloom and doom”, but as a “yes we can” message.
On strengthening the science-policy interface the points are as follows:
Across the world, an effective conversation should occur between scientific communities and decision-makers to ensure evidence-based policy-making. This is also critical to expand the capabilities of future generations.
One possibility to strengthen the science-policy-society interface was seen in the Global Sustainable Development Report: It offers an opportunity to bring the view of the scientific communities to the attention of policy makers.
We have heard some very interesting ideas about the scope and methodology of the report and considered the
6
recommendations of the UN Secretary General. Many speakers supported a multi-stakeholder, multi-scale and multi-level approach with links to national processes. Further discussions on this topic will be necessary.
On Sustainable Consumption and Production the points are as follows:
Sustainable consumption and production is an essential requirement for sustainable development. SCP policies are key to addressing climate change.
The linkage between the shift to SCP patterns and the future SDGs should be explored.
The 10 Year Framework of Programmes on SCP (10YFP) has some momentum. But it needs to move quickly to the implementation phase and to deliver on its mandate.
As it is true for the whole implementation of the post 2015 agenda, solid monitoring and accountability mechanisms based on transparency and use of indicators are needed to ensure the achievement of our aim.
7
On Countries in special situations including small island developing states the points are as follows:
While all countries in special situations face similar challenges in building resilience, each category also faces unique circumstances and obstacles. Policies and approaches for building resilience need to be integrated into national sustainable development plans.
Small island developing states face special vulnerabilities and challenges. It is urgent to put them on track for inclusive development and achieving long-term sustainability. The Samoa conference will be a milestone event. There were calls for establishing a vulnerability index as well as for developing tools to address climate change and extreme weather events.
Coordinated support by the international community is crucial. At the same time, new forms of cooperation need to be developed that redefine the traditional donor-recipient relationship. South-South and regional cooperation have proven to be essential in building resilience.
8
Good governance, the rule of law, women empowerment, partnerships with the business sector, economic stability and decentralization are essential for building resilience.
The role of partnerships was discussed as a tool for implementation. These partnerships need to be strong and accountable.
On Means of Implementation the points are as follows:
Financing the SDGs will be a critical aspect of the post-2015 development agenda. Since this agenda will be integrated and holistic, there is a need to mobilize a large amount of resources. But we should also give attention to the quality of those resources, especially if we aim to achieve transformative change.
Innovative financing strategies are important to attract new sources of funding for the post-2015 development agenda and complement the traditional forms of ODA. In this regard creating an environment for investments through good governance, the rule of law and transparent and effective institutions is crucial.
9
Financing is only one part of the equation. Knowledge and experiences should be shared. Governments also have to address the role of policies and institutions in addressing sustainable development needs.
Sustainable development should be bolstered by transparent, accountable and effective governance. Little can be achieved in the absence of a determined effort to improve institutions and policies. We need to put in place the structures and practices to implement more integrated policies. People do not live their lives in silos.
The UN system, as a whole but also different units within a specific organization, must work as one to help countries pursue integration and fusion of economic, social and environmental dimensions. It must become fit for purpose to support implementation of the post 2015 development agenda.
Throughout our discussions in the last days, I heard great expectations about the role of the high-level political forum. You stressed the role of the forum to review the implementation of the SDGs and the post 2015 development agenda. You want the forum’s reviews of implementation and follow-up to be meaningful and lead to real change at the country level.
10
As already stated in the General Assembly Resolution 67/290 that established this forum, it was expressed that the review has to be conducted on a voluntary basis. In this regard it is important to emphasise that these reviews shall serve as a platform to share best practises, lessons learnt and highlight challenges in order to find together solutions for these.
I believe that our debates have shown that the establishment of the high level political forum, along with the strengthening of ECOSOC and as well of UNEP are important elements in pursuing sustainable development.
Many actionable and innovative suggestions were brought forward. The Secretariat and I took good note of them.
I will present key messages coming out of these first four days to the three day ministerial segment of the forum during the high-level segment of ECOSOC.
I thank our panellists and lead discussants and all of you who made these first days of this first forum under the auspices of ECOSOC a success.
I thank all the wonderful representatives from the multi-stakeholders, civil society, academia, business sector, philanthropy, media and children and youth. Their role alongside with parliament, supreme audit institutions, ombuds- persons, will indeed be crucial.
11
Participation, Participation, Participation!
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