Sri Lanka
Intervention by Sri Lanka at the stocktaking session of the intergovernmental negotiations on the post-2015 development agenda
19-21 January 2015
Distinguished co-facilitators,
First of all let me thank the co-facilitators for convening this stocktaking session. We believe that it is extremely important to look back on our journey so far, as we commence negotiations on an inclusive global development agenda beyond 2015. – An agenda which is designed to make the world a better place for all.
We associate ourselves with the statement made by the Republic of South Africa on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. The following statement is in our national capacity. We thank Dr. Nancy Birdsall, President of the Center for Global Development for her keynote address.
Distinguished co-facilitators,
In a context where the business of the MDGs remains unfinished, outcome of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20), the outcome of the negotiations of the Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals, the Report of the Intergovernmental Committee of Experts on Sustainable Development Financing, Structured Dialogues on Technology Transfer Facilitation and the Synthesis Report of the Secretary-General have provided useful inputs for us to formulate the new agenda. We are now designing a structure for a better world for all of us.
While the significant role played by the MDGs in bettering the lives of millions of people on earth, cannot be ignored, we must not forget the unfinished business of the MDGs when formulating the post-2015 development agenda. Some countries achieved the MDGs. Others were only partially successful.
Poverty alleviation must remain at the centre of our discussions. It is an embarrassment that so many continue to live below 2 dollars per day. Any excuses that only divert attention from the core challenge would be inexcusable.
Finance and technology transfer are critical elements that will play a pivotal role in the realization of the new Agenda. These will be central in our efforts to address poverty. We should not have to agonise over hundreds of millions living on less than $2 a day in 15 years’ time. It must be noted that these two areas were seriously unrealized in the context of the MDGs. Learning from experience, ensuring adequate financing and the transfer of new and innovative technology to implement the new agenda will be critical. Where necessary mechanisms will need to be developed to facilitate such transfers effectively.
Equitable trade flows must be ensured. Trade has been a valuable lever in the case of some in reducing the debilitating dependency on aid. Restrictions on trade must be reduced expeditiously. Agriculture subsidies, especially the unconscionable subsidies provided by developed countries, must be addressed with vigour.
Distinguished co-facilitators,
It is encouraging to note that the proposal of the Open Working Group has been adopted as the basis for developing the sustainable development goals for the post- 2015 agenda. The proposal is an outcome produced after a lengthy and arduous process of intergovernmental negotiations. Therefore it must rightly constitute the core of the global development agenda beyond 2015.
We recognise that other sources could provide useful inputs to the process. As far as the declaration that would constitute the new development agenda is concerned, we believe that it must be based on the outcome document of the Rio+20 Conference The Future We Want and the outcome of the Open Working Group on Sustainable Development.
Distinguished co-facilitators,
We have been reiterating the importance of participation of experts from the capitals in the negotiations and supported the participation from capitals of developing countries in the negotiation process. We are happy to note that this is happening. Member States must also have the opportunity, especially the time, to digest developments and formulate their positions with care.
Thank you.
19-21 January 2015
Distinguished co-facilitators,
First of all let me thank the co-facilitators for convening this stocktaking session. We believe that it is extremely important to look back on our journey so far, as we commence negotiations on an inclusive global development agenda beyond 2015. – An agenda which is designed to make the world a better place for all.
We associate ourselves with the statement made by the Republic of South Africa on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. The following statement is in our national capacity. We thank Dr. Nancy Birdsall, President of the Center for Global Development for her keynote address.
Distinguished co-facilitators,
In a context where the business of the MDGs remains unfinished, outcome of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20), the outcome of the negotiations of the Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals, the Report of the Intergovernmental Committee of Experts on Sustainable Development Financing, Structured Dialogues on Technology Transfer Facilitation and the Synthesis Report of the Secretary-General have provided useful inputs for us to formulate the new agenda. We are now designing a structure for a better world for all of us.
While the significant role played by the MDGs in bettering the lives of millions of people on earth, cannot be ignored, we must not forget the unfinished business of the MDGs when formulating the post-2015 development agenda. Some countries achieved the MDGs. Others were only partially successful.
Poverty alleviation must remain at the centre of our discussions. It is an embarrassment that so many continue to live below 2 dollars per day. Any excuses that only divert attention from the core challenge would be inexcusable.
Finance and technology transfer are critical elements that will play a pivotal role in the realization of the new Agenda. These will be central in our efforts to address poverty. We should not have to agonise over hundreds of millions living on less than $2 a day in 15 years’ time. It must be noted that these two areas were seriously unrealized in the context of the MDGs. Learning from experience, ensuring adequate financing and the transfer of new and innovative technology to implement the new agenda will be critical. Where necessary mechanisms will need to be developed to facilitate such transfers effectively.
Equitable trade flows must be ensured. Trade has been a valuable lever in the case of some in reducing the debilitating dependency on aid. Restrictions on trade must be reduced expeditiously. Agriculture subsidies, especially the unconscionable subsidies provided by developed countries, must be addressed with vigour.
Distinguished co-facilitators,
It is encouraging to note that the proposal of the Open Working Group has been adopted as the basis for developing the sustainable development goals for the post- 2015 agenda. The proposal is an outcome produced after a lengthy and arduous process of intergovernmental negotiations. Therefore it must rightly constitute the core of the global development agenda beyond 2015.
We recognise that other sources could provide useful inputs to the process. As far as the declaration that would constitute the new development agenda is concerned, we believe that it must be based on the outcome document of the Rio+20 Conference The Future We Want and the outcome of the Open Working Group on Sustainable Development.
Distinguished co-facilitators,
We have been reiterating the importance of participation of experts from the capitals in the negotiations and supported the participation from capitals of developing countries in the negotiation process. We are happy to note that this is happening. Member States must also have the opportunity, especially the time, to digest developments and formulate their positions with care.
Thank you.
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