Major Group: NGOs
NGO Major Group statement - delivered on the Second Session of the Open
Working Group on SDGs
18 April 2013
Thank you Mr. Chairman for this constructive dialogue in this second session of the
OWG. We would like to echo issues that have been raised and to highlight other issues
for further attention from our perspective.
Many NGOs support the universality of SDGs, the integration with the post 2015
agenda and the incorporation of Rio principles mentioned in Agenda 21 in the framing of
the SDGs.
NGOs strongly support the full integration of the three dimensions to meet emerging
challenges of growing inequalities related to eradication of poverty, economic
governance, fair share of resources and urgent environmental challenges. We also
agree that the adoption of the SDGs must build on drivers for sustainable development,
such as new environmental and economic challenges. We would also stress, in favour
of policy coherence, to phase out all drivers for unsustainable development.
NGOs and Civil Society called consistently and loudly for a bold new development
paradigm that builds upon a rights based approach and addresses equity for all. The
processes of SDG agenda-setting, implementation, evaluation and accountability should
be rooted in authentic social inclusion of those most marginalized.
The OWG must integrate the voices of Civil Society at the local, national and
international levels, as referred to by several Member States. We look forward to the
incorporation of more specific modalities directly into the SDG development process
and into the goals themselves.
We call on members of the SDGs OWG to design multi-stakeholder mechanisms to
ensure participation, transparency and accountability. The full and effective involvement
of all stakeholders, including those more affected by is needed in order to provide a
practical and useful diversity of perspectives and experience. The issues the SDGs will
seek to address are complex and interlinked. Innovative and pragmatic solutions from
all sectors are needed to deliver a pioneering framework which breaks through
traditional barriers which are one-dimensional or lack means of implementation.
NGOs and other Major Civil Society Groups propose to member states and the cochairs
a morning or afternoon session during the formal agenda or back-to-back to the
third session and for the following sessions, including a panel and discussion. The
purpose for such a discussion is to bring attention to specific modalities for civil society
engagement from agenda-setting to implementation.
Such multi-stakeholder initiatives will also support the merging of the Post-Rio and
Post-2015 agendas into a legitimate people-centered and democratic process.
Working Group on SDGs
18 April 2013
Thank you Mr. Chairman for this constructive dialogue in this second session of the
OWG. We would like to echo issues that have been raised and to highlight other issues
for further attention from our perspective.
Many NGOs support the universality of SDGs, the integration with the post 2015
agenda and the incorporation of Rio principles mentioned in Agenda 21 in the framing of
the SDGs.
NGOs strongly support the full integration of the three dimensions to meet emerging
challenges of growing inequalities related to eradication of poverty, economic
governance, fair share of resources and urgent environmental challenges. We also
agree that the adoption of the SDGs must build on drivers for sustainable development,
such as new environmental and economic challenges. We would also stress, in favour
of policy coherence, to phase out all drivers for unsustainable development.
NGOs and Civil Society called consistently and loudly for a bold new development
paradigm that builds upon a rights based approach and addresses equity for all. The
processes of SDG agenda-setting, implementation, evaluation and accountability should
be rooted in authentic social inclusion of those most marginalized.
The OWG must integrate the voices of Civil Society at the local, national and
international levels, as referred to by several Member States. We look forward to the
incorporation of more specific modalities directly into the SDG development process
and into the goals themselves.
We call on members of the SDGs OWG to design multi-stakeholder mechanisms to
ensure participation, transparency and accountability. The full and effective involvement
of all stakeholders, including those more affected by is needed in order to provide a
practical and useful diversity of perspectives and experience. The issues the SDGs will
seek to address are complex and interlinked. Innovative and pragmatic solutions from
all sectors are needed to deliver a pioneering framework which breaks through
traditional barriers which are one-dimensional or lack means of implementation.
NGOs and other Major Civil Society Groups propose to member states and the cochairs
a morning or afternoon session during the formal agenda or back-to-back to the
third session and for the following sessions, including a panel and discussion. The
purpose for such a discussion is to bring attention to specific modalities for civil society
engagement from agenda-setting to implementation.
Such multi-stakeholder initiatives will also support the merging of the Post-Rio and
Post-2015 agendas into a legitimate people-centered and democratic process.