Pacific Small Island Developing States
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 the “Synopsis of the process; how we got here”
at the intergovernmental negotiations on the post-2015 development agenda
New York, Monday, 19 January, 2015
CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY
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 on behalf 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.]
2015 will be a fundamental year as we will set the global agenda for the next generation on sustainable development, climate change, and disaster risk reduction. Meanwhile, other important work on priority areas within that agenda continues, as with currently ongoing discussions on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. While it is important to respect the mandate of each process, it is also important to be guided by our common responsibility to ensure human wellbeing and security, and seek to make all these decisions complementary.
For PSIDS, the post-2015 development agenda will also draw on the lessons learned from MDGs and the heritage of Agenda 21, Johannesburg Plan of Implementation, Rio+20, and the BPoA, and the MSI. The priority areas as reflected in the SAMOA Pathway, which contain the blueprints for sustainable development of SIDS need to be an integral part of the post-2015 development agenda.
We have already accomplished much and identified some of the necessary steps and tools to reach the overarching goals to eradicate poverty, including tackling climate change, ocean degradation, achieving sustainable fisheries, and improving energy access and delivery.
As we embark on this groundbreaking intergovernmental negotiation process, we also need to remain ambitious to make this agenda truly transformational and universal, leaving no one behind. This intergovernmental process must take into account in an equitable manner the needs of all countries, in particular the most vulnerable and disadvantaged, such as SIDS. This will ensure that the post-2015 development agenda is truly universal, and will not leave us behind.
With that in mind, we would like to address, in a preliminary way, the four components on the agenda.
First, the high-level political declaration to be delivered by our Heads of State and Government will set the ambitious tone and vision of this endeavor to advance sustainable development and the eradication of poverty. And the declaration should further highlight key principles that are guiding the implementation and elaboration of that agenda, ensuring that differing national and regional circumstances are considered. The declaration should reaffirm that SIDS remain a special case for sustainable development in view of their unique and particular vulnerabilities and that they remain constrained in meeting their goals in all the three dimensions of sustainable development and thus require international support in the implementation of the post-2015 agenda.
Second, the set of 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 health 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.
Third, as regards to the Means of Implementation and Global Partnership, PSIDS firmly believe that the Monterey Consensus, the Doha Declaration, the Rio Plus 20 Outcome "The Future We Want", the Report of the Open Working Group on SDGs, the Report of the Intergovernmental Committee of Experts on Sustainable Development Financing, as well as the S.A.M.O.A Pathway provide the international community with solid guiding platforms for a meaningful and robust financing for development architecture that accounts for all stakeholders.
Strong partnerships are effective tools to compliment international cooperation and to deliver the needed means of implementation, as highlighted in the SAMOA Pathway. We reiterate the critical role partnerships play in achieving sustainable development- partnerships that operate on mutual trust and accountability and hold each partner as equal. Genuine and durable partnerships are therefore key to supporting the implementation of our ambitious set of goals. They must be inclusive and ensure meaningful engagement involving all stakeholders.
We also look forward to further discuss the elaboration and establishment of a global technology facilitation mechanism, in order to support developing countries in gaining access to appropriate, reliable, affordable, modern and environmentally sound technologies and know-how. Such a mechanism is also needed to increase connectivity and use of information and communications technology through improved infrastructure, training, and national legislation, as well as public and private sector involvement.
Last, meeting the objectives of the post-2015 development agenda will require that we all keep track of our progress. Developing a robust review and accountability framework will help us avoid gaps in future implementation of the Agenda. In doing so, we must ensure that national and regional follow up and accountability mechanisms are also considered.
An important contribution to the framework will come from the Statistical Commission, in developing indicators to measure the progress of the targets. PSIDS stress that the indicators must be developed with due consideration to developing countries in particular situations, such as SIDS, who have limited capacity and data. The indicators must not constitute an additional burden for such countries.
The development of indicators is also an opportunity to recognize broader measures of progress to complement traditional measures, such as GDP, in order to better inform policy decisions. PSIDS have turned to developing measures to value wellbeing and happiness, such as the 2012 Vanuatu “Alternative Indicators of Wellbeing for Melanesia,” or the notion of “Gross National Happiness” as advanced by Bhutan. And as the report of the HLPF “Wanted: A New Data Revolution,” suggests, there is a need to go beyond current statistical parameters to ask the essential question of what is to be valued, and how best we can capture and promote it through indicators, policies and behaviors.
At this stocktaking session, we seek to clarify how indicators will be determined, as these questions will be integral to the development of an effective follow up and review framework, which is in turn critical to the success of the Agenda taken as a whole.
Co-facilitators,
In concluding, I would like to reiterate the PSIDS’ strong commitment to providing constructive engagement in the process so as to contribute to crafting a pragmatic and transformative post-2015 development agenda.
I thank you.
Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Tonga On behalf of the Pacific Small Island Developing States
on the “Synopsis of the process; how we got here”
at the intergovernmental negotiations on the post-2015 development agenda
New York, Monday, 19 January, 2015
CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY
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 on behalf 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.]
2015 will be a fundamental year as we will set the global agenda for the next generation on sustainable development, climate change, and disaster risk reduction. Meanwhile, other important work on priority areas within that agenda continues, as with currently ongoing discussions on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. While it is important to respect the mandate of each process, it is also important to be guided by our common responsibility to ensure human wellbeing and security, and seek to make all these decisions complementary.
For PSIDS, the post-2015 development agenda will also draw on the lessons learned from MDGs and the heritage of Agenda 21, Johannesburg Plan of Implementation, Rio+20, and the BPoA, and the MSI. The priority areas as reflected in the SAMOA Pathway, which contain the blueprints for sustainable development of SIDS need to be an integral part of the post-2015 development agenda.
We have already accomplished much and identified some of the necessary steps and tools to reach the overarching goals to eradicate poverty, including tackling climate change, ocean degradation, achieving sustainable fisheries, and improving energy access and delivery.
As we embark on this groundbreaking intergovernmental negotiation process, we also need to remain ambitious to make this agenda truly transformational and universal, leaving no one behind. This intergovernmental process must take into account in an equitable manner the needs of all countries, in particular the most vulnerable and disadvantaged, such as SIDS. This will ensure that the post-2015 development agenda is truly universal, and will not leave us behind.
With that in mind, we would like to address, in a preliminary way, the four components on the agenda.
First, the high-level political declaration to be delivered by our Heads of State and Government will set the ambitious tone and vision of this endeavor to advance sustainable development and the eradication of poverty. And the declaration should further highlight key principles that are guiding the implementation and elaboration of that agenda, ensuring that differing national and regional circumstances are considered. The declaration should reaffirm that SIDS remain a special case for sustainable development in view of their unique and particular vulnerabilities and that they remain constrained in meeting their goals in all the three dimensions of sustainable development and thus require international support in the implementation of the post-2015 agenda.
Second, the set of 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 health 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.
Third, as regards to the Means of Implementation and Global Partnership, PSIDS firmly believe that the Monterey Consensus, the Doha Declaration, the Rio Plus 20 Outcome "The Future We Want", the Report of the Open Working Group on SDGs, the Report of the Intergovernmental Committee of Experts on Sustainable Development Financing, as well as the S.A.M.O.A Pathway provide the international community with solid guiding platforms for a meaningful and robust financing for development architecture that accounts for all stakeholders.
Strong partnerships are effective tools to compliment international cooperation and to deliver the needed means of implementation, as highlighted in the SAMOA Pathway. We reiterate the critical role partnerships play in achieving sustainable development- partnerships that operate on mutual trust and accountability and hold each partner as equal. Genuine and durable partnerships are therefore key to supporting the implementation of our ambitious set of goals. They must be inclusive and ensure meaningful engagement involving all stakeholders.
We also look forward to further discuss the elaboration and establishment of a global technology facilitation mechanism, in order to support developing countries in gaining access to appropriate, reliable, affordable, modern and environmentally sound technologies and know-how. Such a mechanism is also needed to increase connectivity and use of information and communications technology through improved infrastructure, training, and national legislation, as well as public and private sector involvement.
Last, meeting the objectives of the post-2015 development agenda will require that we all keep track of our progress. Developing a robust review and accountability framework will help us avoid gaps in future implementation of the Agenda. In doing so, we must ensure that national and regional follow up and accountability mechanisms are also considered.
An important contribution to the framework will come from the Statistical Commission, in developing indicators to measure the progress of the targets. PSIDS stress that the indicators must be developed with due consideration to developing countries in particular situations, such as SIDS, who have limited capacity and data. The indicators must not constitute an additional burden for such countries.
The development of indicators is also an opportunity to recognize broader measures of progress to complement traditional measures, such as GDP, in order to better inform policy decisions. PSIDS have turned to developing measures to value wellbeing and happiness, such as the 2012 Vanuatu “Alternative Indicators of Wellbeing for Melanesia,” or the notion of “Gross National Happiness” as advanced by Bhutan. And as the report of the HLPF “Wanted: A New Data Revolution,” suggests, there is a need to go beyond current statistical parameters to ask the essential question of what is to be valued, and how best we can capture and promote it through indicators, policies and behaviors.
At this stocktaking session, we seek to clarify how indicators will be determined, as these questions will be integral to the development of an effective follow up and review framework, which is in turn critical to the success of the Agenda taken as a whole.
Co-facilitators,
In concluding, I would like to reiterate the PSIDS’ strong commitment to providing constructive engagement in the process so as to contribute to crafting a pragmatic and transformative post-2015 development agenda.
I thank you.
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