Switzerland
1
Speaking Points
Discussion Document for Declaration
- We would like to thank you for the good discussion document. In our view, it reflects
very well the discussions we have had in the last two days.
3 aspects we appreciate very much, and 3 aspects for which we still see room for
improvement.
What is good:
- We welcome in particular that the discussion document is concise but at the same time
reflects the most important key elements, including poverty eradication and the need to
achieve sustainable development, the role of peaceful and inclusive societies, rule of
law and good governance for sustainable development and the commitment to the
principle of “leaving no one behind”.
- We also welcome that the Discussion Document makes important reference to climate
change, since the SDGs cannot be achieved if we do not efficiently tackle the climate
challenge.
- We also welcome the given reference to follow-up and review of progress and the role
of the HLPF. We should stipulate the Member States’ commitment to monitor and review
progress in the declaration.
What should be strengthened (3 aspects):
- Environmental dimension: can still be strengthened, as the protection of our planet, the
only one we have, is a precondition to ensure poverty eradication and sustainable
development for current and future generations within planetary boundaries.
- Inequality, including gender inequality: We welcome that the document recognizes the
need for equality as a fundamental element and part of the vision. However, we believe
that the aspect of gender inequalities can still be strengthened, while recognizing that
women are drivers of Sustainable Development.
- The Reference to Addis Ababa is important. We believe that Addis will deliver on the
new Global Partnership and the set of means of implementation. We expect the
declaration to explicitly recognize the Addis Ababa outcome in this sense. This is all the
more needed if we are serious in striving for an ambitious outcome in Addis.
Quick remark on the Form
- We fully support your endeavor to have a short declaration that does not exceed three
pages.
- To make sure that the declaration speaks to everybody, including 13 years old Dutch girls,
we have to pack the elements in the discussion paper into a respective narrative and
language. 2
6 elements:
- We are of the opinion that the six elements of the Secretary General’s Synthesis Report
capture the different aspects of our vision and of the universal nature of the agenda. It
therefore provides an easily comprehensible basis to frame the declaration.
- Perhaps we could phrase the six elements as actions. This would mean, for example,
that instead of “people”, the element could be named: “put people at the center and leave
no one behind”. And the element “planet” could be phrased as “protect the planet”.
- And finally would like to ensure that, if we speak of a reduction of the Secretary General’s
“elements”, not to give up on the important element of “justice”.
Speaking Points
Discussion Document for Declaration
- We would like to thank you for the good discussion document. In our view, it reflects
very well the discussions we have had in the last two days.
3 aspects we appreciate very much, and 3 aspects for which we still see room for
improvement.
What is good:
- We welcome in particular that the discussion document is concise but at the same time
reflects the most important key elements, including poverty eradication and the need to
achieve sustainable development, the role of peaceful and inclusive societies, rule of
law and good governance for sustainable development and the commitment to the
principle of “leaving no one behind”.
- We also welcome that the Discussion Document makes important reference to climate
change, since the SDGs cannot be achieved if we do not efficiently tackle the climate
challenge.
- We also welcome the given reference to follow-up and review of progress and the role
of the HLPF. We should stipulate the Member States’ commitment to monitor and review
progress in the declaration.
What should be strengthened (3 aspects):
- Environmental dimension: can still be strengthened, as the protection of our planet, the
only one we have, is a precondition to ensure poverty eradication and sustainable
development for current and future generations within planetary boundaries.
- Inequality, including gender inequality: We welcome that the document recognizes the
need for equality as a fundamental element and part of the vision. However, we believe
that the aspect of gender inequalities can still be strengthened, while recognizing that
women are drivers of Sustainable Development.
- The Reference to Addis Ababa is important. We believe that Addis will deliver on the
new Global Partnership and the set of means of implementation. We expect the
declaration to explicitly recognize the Addis Ababa outcome in this sense. This is all the
more needed if we are serious in striving for an ambitious outcome in Addis.
Quick remark on the Form
- We fully support your endeavor to have a short declaration that does not exceed three
pages.
- To make sure that the declaration speaks to everybody, including 13 years old Dutch girls,
we have to pack the elements in the discussion paper into a respective narrative and
language. 2
6 elements:
- We are of the opinion that the six elements of the Secretary General’s Synthesis Report
capture the different aspects of our vision and of the universal nature of the agenda. It
therefore provides an easily comprehensible basis to frame the declaration.
- Perhaps we could phrase the six elements as actions. This would mean, for example,
that instead of “people”, the element could be named: “put people at the center and leave
no one behind”. And the element “planet” could be phrased as “protect the planet”.
- And finally would like to ensure that, if we speak of a reduction of the Secretary General’s
“elements”, not to give up on the important element of “justice”.
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