Portugal
1
* check against delivery*
5
th High-Level Political Forum
New York, July 18th 2017
Honourable President of ECOSOC Ambassador Frederick Shava
/ Honourable Vice-President of ECOSOC,
Distinguished Permanent Representatives,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is with great pleasure that I address here today the 5th High-level
Political Forum for Sustainable Development, in the same place
where almost two years ago a bold new global agenda was
unanimously adopted.
To bridge the gap between the “World we live in” and the “World
we want”, and in contrast with the Millennium Development Goals,
we distinguish in this Agenda for Sustainable Development a
universal action plan focused on people, planet, prosperity, peace
and partnerships - an Agenda with a Universal dimension, to be
implemented by all Parties, and not just by the developing
countries.
2
* check against delivery*
We see an Agenda that challenges all States and stakeholders to
assume their responsibilities towards the achievement of each and
every single SDG, leaving no one behind, and taking care of the
most vulnerable first.
Portugal has stood up to that challenge.
We should emphasize that this Agenda is also, in the words of
former UN Secretary General, Mr. BAN KI-MOON, “a shared vision of
humanity and a social contract between the world’s leaders and the
people”. A most needed upgrade of the centuries old social
contract…
Recognizing the inextricable link between the fight against climate
change and the promotion of sustainable development, as
underlined by UN Secretary General António Guterres, Portugal
strongly believes that the implementation of the Paris Agreement
goes hand-in-hand with the implementation of the 2030 Agenda -
the climate agreement is the environmental pillar of the 2030
Agenda.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Portugal played an active role in drafting the Agenda, including in
the establishment of the common European Union position:
3
* check against delivery*
i) by recognizing the need to give more attention to peace,
security and good governance, with an emphasis on the
situation of fragile States;
ii) by promoting and advocating the conservation and
sustainable use of the oceans; and
iii) by integrating a strong human rights dimension that tackles
inequalities, while paying particular attention to gender
issues.
Portugal defends that this Agenda needs to be based on genuine
shared responsibilities between the whole of society, as well as
between developed and developing countries, through South-South
and Triangular Cooperation, in addition to the traditional NorthSouth
approach.
Portugal has also been arguing for an adaptation of the United
Nations development system to the challenges of the 2030 Agenda,
to follow up on the degree of our ambitious political commitment,
while ensuring efficiency and effectiveness across the United
Nations system. We have received with satisfaction the first report
of the Secretary General on this very important issue and strongly
support his efforts to bring reform to the organization, taking
advantage of the opportunity provided by the Agenda.
4
* check against delivery*
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Portuguese Government adopted the first guidelines regarding
its role and responsibilities in the implementation of the 2030
Agenda in February 2016. Overarching coordination was given to
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, together with the Ministry of Planning
and Infrastructures.
Portugal devised an institutional mechanism based on a “whole-ofgovernment”
approach, using existing structures to respond to these
transformative global challenges, to reflect and meet the inherent
cross-sector coordination requirements, open to the involvement of
all stakeholders.
Institutional coordination took place through two inter-ministerial
commissions, one in charge of overseeing the domestic
implementation and the other of development cooperation, aligning
our strategic cooperation programs with the SDG’s.
Each of the SDGs was allocated to a coordinating ministry
responsible for its implementation, monitoring and review.
In order to ensure a “whole-of-society” approach, we promoted
constant dialogue and consultation between all ministries and
stakeholders, with a view to implement the Agenda in a cohesive
and inclusive manner.
5
* check against delivery*
The country’s baseline analysis on the implementation of the
Agenda began with the collection of data and information in relation
to all 17 SDGs, leading to a mapping of national policies contributing
to its achievement.
In the preparation of the VNR, due consideration was given to the
alignment of national and European strategies and programs with
global commitments.
In this exercise, I would like to underline the crucial role of the
National Statistical Institute and the Agency for Development and
Cohesion, two organisms that have been providing important
technical support to the Commissions and the coordinating
ministries.
Local authorities also play a significant role in this regard, through a
set of initiatives that, in the framework of their own autonomy,
undoubtedly contribute to the implementation at the national level,
supporting cohesion, reinforcing proximity and concrete action on
the ground.
Ladies and Gentleman,
Civil society engagement is paramount if we are to achieve the
Agenda’s ambitious Goals. Aside from the usual “vertical”
6
* check against delivery*
contribution of civil society to the drafting of public policies, we
wanted to make way for “horizontal” cooperation.
With this in mind, aware of the holistic and inclusive nature of this
exercise and seeking to foster partnerships, the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs organized a multi-stakeholder forum, bringing together civil
society representatives. Its chief purpose was to take stock of their
recommendations on the work in progress at the Government level.
In addition, a public consultation took place in 2016, in a process led
by the Portuguese civil society, to collect input on the
implementation, evaluation and monitoring of the Agenda, namely
for the purpose of preparing periodic sectorial “shadow reports”.
Furthermore, I would like to point out the important work being
done by UN Global Compact Network Portugal, not only to
coordinate the multi-stakeholder platform SDG Alliance Portugal, but
also to inform, raise awareness, promote, monitor and evaluate the
contribution of the private sector and other civil society partners.
Recognizing that partnerships are both a necessity and a priority, as
advocated by SDG17, it is my pleasure to give the floor to the UN
Global Compact Network Representative and President of the SDG
Alliance Portugal, for some words on the role that civil society has
been taking on to promote the implementation of the Agenda.
7
* check against delivery*
[Presentation by Mr. Mário Parra da Silva]
1’30’’
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Standing by our national commitment to sustainable development,
Portugal volunteered to present its national efforts to review the
implementation of the Agenda at this Forum.
Our Report reflects Portugal’s aspirational vision on each of the 17
SDGs, identifies challenges, policies and initiatives contributing
towards the achievement of the Agenda.
It also defines priorities which, without prejudice to the holistic
nature of the Agenda, reflect our view of Portugal’s present and
future.
To better illustrate this, we have prepared a video presentation that
we hope you will enjoy:
[CUE VIDEO]
5’30’’
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Much more than just a ritualistic, bureaucratic exercise, the National
Report stands has a testimony of Portugal’s unwavering
8
* check against delivery*
commitment to sustainable development, human rights and
multilateralism.
As a call for hope and as a call for action, the 2030 Agenda inspires
us to achieve a better, safer, more prosperous and sustainable
future for present generations and those to come, leaving no one
behind and reaching the most vulnerable first… and Portugal is
firmly committed to its full and comprehensive accomplishment.
Thank you very much for you attention.
* check against delivery*
5
th High-Level Political Forum
New York, July 18th 2017
Honourable President of ECOSOC Ambassador Frederick Shava
/ Honourable Vice-President of ECOSOC,
Distinguished Permanent Representatives,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is with great pleasure that I address here today the 5th High-level
Political Forum for Sustainable Development, in the same place
where almost two years ago a bold new global agenda was
unanimously adopted.
To bridge the gap between the “World we live in” and the “World
we want”, and in contrast with the Millennium Development Goals,
we distinguish in this Agenda for Sustainable Development a
universal action plan focused on people, planet, prosperity, peace
and partnerships - an Agenda with a Universal dimension, to be
implemented by all Parties, and not just by the developing
countries.
2
* check against delivery*
We see an Agenda that challenges all States and stakeholders to
assume their responsibilities towards the achievement of each and
every single SDG, leaving no one behind, and taking care of the
most vulnerable first.
Portugal has stood up to that challenge.
We should emphasize that this Agenda is also, in the words of
former UN Secretary General, Mr. BAN KI-MOON, “a shared vision of
humanity and a social contract between the world’s leaders and the
people”. A most needed upgrade of the centuries old social
contract…
Recognizing the inextricable link between the fight against climate
change and the promotion of sustainable development, as
underlined by UN Secretary General António Guterres, Portugal
strongly believes that the implementation of the Paris Agreement
goes hand-in-hand with the implementation of the 2030 Agenda -
the climate agreement is the environmental pillar of the 2030
Agenda.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Portugal played an active role in drafting the Agenda, including in
the establishment of the common European Union position:
3
* check against delivery*
i) by recognizing the need to give more attention to peace,
security and good governance, with an emphasis on the
situation of fragile States;
ii) by promoting and advocating the conservation and
sustainable use of the oceans; and
iii) by integrating a strong human rights dimension that tackles
inequalities, while paying particular attention to gender
issues.
Portugal defends that this Agenda needs to be based on genuine
shared responsibilities between the whole of society, as well as
between developed and developing countries, through South-South
and Triangular Cooperation, in addition to the traditional NorthSouth
approach.
Portugal has also been arguing for an adaptation of the United
Nations development system to the challenges of the 2030 Agenda,
to follow up on the degree of our ambitious political commitment,
while ensuring efficiency and effectiveness across the United
Nations system. We have received with satisfaction the first report
of the Secretary General on this very important issue and strongly
support his efforts to bring reform to the organization, taking
advantage of the opportunity provided by the Agenda.
4
* check against delivery*
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Portuguese Government adopted the first guidelines regarding
its role and responsibilities in the implementation of the 2030
Agenda in February 2016. Overarching coordination was given to
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, together with the Ministry of Planning
and Infrastructures.
Portugal devised an institutional mechanism based on a “whole-ofgovernment”
approach, using existing structures to respond to these
transformative global challenges, to reflect and meet the inherent
cross-sector coordination requirements, open to the involvement of
all stakeholders.
Institutional coordination took place through two inter-ministerial
commissions, one in charge of overseeing the domestic
implementation and the other of development cooperation, aligning
our strategic cooperation programs with the SDG’s.
Each of the SDGs was allocated to a coordinating ministry
responsible for its implementation, monitoring and review.
In order to ensure a “whole-of-society” approach, we promoted
constant dialogue and consultation between all ministries and
stakeholders, with a view to implement the Agenda in a cohesive
and inclusive manner.
5
* check against delivery*
The country’s baseline analysis on the implementation of the
Agenda began with the collection of data and information in relation
to all 17 SDGs, leading to a mapping of national policies contributing
to its achievement.
In the preparation of the VNR, due consideration was given to the
alignment of national and European strategies and programs with
global commitments.
In this exercise, I would like to underline the crucial role of the
National Statistical Institute and the Agency for Development and
Cohesion, two organisms that have been providing important
technical support to the Commissions and the coordinating
ministries.
Local authorities also play a significant role in this regard, through a
set of initiatives that, in the framework of their own autonomy,
undoubtedly contribute to the implementation at the national level,
supporting cohesion, reinforcing proximity and concrete action on
the ground.
Ladies and Gentleman,
Civil society engagement is paramount if we are to achieve the
Agenda’s ambitious Goals. Aside from the usual “vertical”
6
* check against delivery*
contribution of civil society to the drafting of public policies, we
wanted to make way for “horizontal” cooperation.
With this in mind, aware of the holistic and inclusive nature of this
exercise and seeking to foster partnerships, the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs organized a multi-stakeholder forum, bringing together civil
society representatives. Its chief purpose was to take stock of their
recommendations on the work in progress at the Government level.
In addition, a public consultation took place in 2016, in a process led
by the Portuguese civil society, to collect input on the
implementation, evaluation and monitoring of the Agenda, namely
for the purpose of preparing periodic sectorial “shadow reports”.
Furthermore, I would like to point out the important work being
done by UN Global Compact Network Portugal, not only to
coordinate the multi-stakeholder platform SDG Alliance Portugal, but
also to inform, raise awareness, promote, monitor and evaluate the
contribution of the private sector and other civil society partners.
Recognizing that partnerships are both a necessity and a priority, as
advocated by SDG17, it is my pleasure to give the floor to the UN
Global Compact Network Representative and President of the SDG
Alliance Portugal, for some words on the role that civil society has
been taking on to promote the implementation of the Agenda.
7
* check against delivery*
[Presentation by Mr. Mário Parra da Silva]
1’30’’
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Standing by our national commitment to sustainable development,
Portugal volunteered to present its national efforts to review the
implementation of the Agenda at this Forum.
Our Report reflects Portugal’s aspirational vision on each of the 17
SDGs, identifies challenges, policies and initiatives contributing
towards the achievement of the Agenda.
It also defines priorities which, without prejudice to the holistic
nature of the Agenda, reflect our view of Portugal’s present and
future.
To better illustrate this, we have prepared a video presentation that
we hope you will enjoy:
[CUE VIDEO]
5’30’’
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Much more than just a ritualistic, bureaucratic exercise, the National
Report stands has a testimony of Portugal’s unwavering
8
* check against delivery*
commitment to sustainable development, human rights and
multilateralism.
As a call for hope and as a call for action, the 2030 Agenda inspires
us to achieve a better, safer, more prosperous and sustainable
future for present generations and those to come, leaving no one
behind and reaching the most vulnerable first… and Portugal is
firmly committed to its full and comprehensive accomplishment.
Thank you very much for you attention.
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