Contribution by Panama PR Laura E Flores
P2015 Declaration
Feb 20 2015
Mr. Co-facilitator
Panama aligns itself with statement made earlier by G77+China and appreciates this space to make a few additional more precise remarks in our national capacity.
We thank you for the great effort and the good organization of the document, which follows the previously circulated outline.
We feel we have made great progress and agree with a lot of what has already been said by other delegations.
Perhaps at this stage it would be useful to make sure the text is fine tuned so that it answers the relevant questions as do effective communication-actionable pieces: Who? What? Why? How?
We know the answers to When? by 2030; and Where? Universally.
So continuing on with WHO is the target audience for this Declaration? Who does this speak to? I hear loud and clear from most countries that this is an agenda for the people by the people. If we are to truly transform our world and embark on the process of changing human behavior (as Fiji wisely said), we need to speak to each and everyone of the 7 billion plus that we are today. Our Heads of State will sign the declaration in Sept amidst pomp and circumstance, but it will be assumed by the people, men and women, individually and collectively, from their beliefs, ethics, and diversity of cultures.
Having said that, a few editorial contributions to what should retain its power and not be much longer than the current 2 pages and 15 paragraphs.
Par 1 - commitment. The WHAT. Needs to mention the 4 Ps. Instead of agenda will provide opportunity, agenda "enables the partnerships" ... and then add "for all peoples" after prosperity…
Par 2+3 - pending issues The WHY... of MDGs and a reference to what challenges we are starting from, which should also include “inequalities”.
Par 4 - values on which we base our commitment. We support combining with elements of Par 14 as some delegations have suggested, but clearly differentiating between values, principles and purposes, and footnoting the relevant references.
Par 5 should be the VISION (currently included in Par 6) and should be a standalone statement which conveys a picture, in full color, if you will, that individuals can connect to, and where it is clear what is in it for them. For example, it could read "In 2030 we have a just, equitable, tolerant and inclusive world where every individual contributes to and enjoys wellbeing…"
Par 6 thru 12 state the HOW, and not to go thru each PAR, I would like to make a suggestion that when editing, we make sure each and every concept of the 17 SDGs is mentioned (not necessarily as a paragraph of its own like “Peaceful and Inclusive Societies” which deserves that place for the reasons already stated), but the one or two words are woven into the text so the declaration makes a direct link to the SDGs and more importantly connects with individuals in terms of what their responsibility is and also what is in it for them. (Education, Technology, Decent Work, Sustainable Energy, Safe Cities, Responsible Consumption, Protection of the Oceans and Protection of the Earth).
In Par 9 say National ownership and LEADERSHIP is critical. So include the concept now absent and which is strongly linked to the necessary Political Will.
Par 13 - is necessary about accountability, and needs clearer language.
Last Par would be the final call, the punchline. Ensure it does not sound like a top down prescription but rather also greatly influenced by bottoms up contributions in what has been an unprecedented participatory process.
A note about gender equality, which like the other goals is mentioned... In this great partnership for the SDGs, where we are proposing to summon all the people, half of which are women and girls; rather than making a standalone Par, we should just make sure women and girls can see themselves reflected throughout the text. (e.g. translation of “children” to include boys and girls—niños y niñas.)
We do need a title, an Inspiring Title – e.g. "Transforming our world - engaging globally and locally" would summarize a declaration that people individually and collectively can feel proud of and that inspires us to unleash our potential.
