Statement of H.E. Mr. Mahe Tupouniua
Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Tonga
On behalf of the Pacific Small Island Developing States on “Integrating sustainable development goals and targets into the post-2015 development agenda”
at the intergovernmental negotiations on the post-2015 development agenda
New York, Monday, 19 January, 2015
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Co-facilitators,
I have the honor to speak on behalf of the 12 Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) with presence at the United Nations. We align ourselves with the statement delivered by Maldives as Chair of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), [and for those of us that are members of the Group of 77 and China, with the statement delivered by the distinguished representative of South Africa as Chair of that Group.]
Co-Facilitators,
The Sustainable Development Goals and Targets will articulate the core of the agenda or the roadmap to meet the political vision. The PSIDS reiterate that the report of the Open Working Group on the SDGs provides the basis for the integration of SDGs into the framework of the Agenda, with no change on the number and content, as agreed.
We also would like to re-emphasise the importance to our group of Goal 7. Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all; Goal 13 Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts; Goal 14 Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development; Goal 16 Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels; and Goal 17 Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development
We hear the concern of States regarding some difficulty in communicating the proposed 17 goals and 169 targets. But form follows function and we cannot sacrifice this important framework for the sole reason of communication. We therefore reaffirm the primary objective of our agenda to eradicate poverty and heal the health of the planet. Additionally, we look with interest at the proposal of the Secretary-General to conceptualize the goals as forming six essential elements of a post-2015 development agenda, assuming that such a conceptual organization of the six elements does not result in a re-opening of the OWG proposals. I thank you.
