Interactive exchange of views on conceptualizing the sustainable development goals
and the sustainable development goal process
17-19 April, 2013, Conference Room 4 NLB
Oral intervention by the subcommittee for the Eradication of Poverty and the Mining Working
Group
The Subcommittee for Poverty Eradication and Mining Working Group are comprised of a
number of NGOs, representing constituencies spread across the world, engaging with the people
living in poverty and those negatively impacted and impoverished by current natural resource
extraction practices.
We welcomes the Co-Chair’s opening remarks when he stated that (open quote) ‘the so called
Bottom Billion must be front and centre of our discussions on the SDGs. We need to consider
how our new development goals can be formulated so that they support achievement of our
overarching aim which is eradication of extreme poverty and empowering the weakest and the
most vulnerable’ (end quote).
We would like to express that the following must be considered as non-negotiable in the
formulation of sustainable development goals…
Principles and values underpinning SDGs: Holistic in approach incorporating the social,
economic, environmental and cultural dimensions; People-centered; Human rights based;
Ethical and inclusive; Addresses systemically and structurally the root causes of poverty; Builds
peace and security; Ensures equality and in particular gender equality; Operates within planetary
boundaries; Promotes good governance based on rule of law including compliance with
international laws1 including a legally binding framework for corporate social and environment
responsibilities; Guiding Principles on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights2 Rio Principles and
the 10-year framework for sustainable consumption and production patterns3.
The SDGs must include
· The multi-dimensional aspect of poverty and address multiple deprivations in cross
cutting ways
· Universal ratification and implementation of the Human Rights Treaties
· The implementation of the ILO Recommendation 202 on Social Protection Floor
· Full employment and decent work for all based on ILO Decent Work Agenda
· Rural development and sustainable agriculture with special consideration of the
smallholder farmers as essential for food security
· Results of evidence based and multidimensional studies of the cumulative impact
of concession for oil, gas and mining on the life, livelihood and health of local
communities and the health of vital eco-systems to sustain life globally.
1 Realizing the Future We Want –para 93
2 Guiding principles on extreme poverty and human rights
http://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Issues/Poverty/A-HRC-21-39_en.pdf
3 The Future We Want -para 226
· Specific focus on natural resource extraction in session on oceans, forests,
biodiversity and in thematic considerations of water, food, energy, land, women’s
empowerment and ecological sustainability.
· A new global financial and economic governance system that is inclusive
· Aid for development effectiveness and additional Resources for Least Developed
Countries (FTT)
· Qualitative and quantitative measures of sustainable development must include
social, cultural, environmental, economic and political aspect of wellbeing
· Establishment of an accountability mechanism supported by a Universal Periodic
Review (UPR) on development modeled on the UPR mechanism of the Human
Rights Council
Thank you!
Friday April 19, 2013
5th meeting, Second Session of the General Assembly Open Working Group on
Sustainable Development Goals
http://webtv.un.org/watch/5th-meeting-second-session-of-the-general-ass…-
on-sustainable-development-goals/2312785092001/
