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Intergovernmental Negotiations on the
Post-2015 Development Agenda
Sixth Session
New York, 23 June 2015
Goals & Targets
Statement by Switzerland
Co-facilitators,
Regarding the chapter on SDGs and targets, we strongly support your approach to reflect
the 17 goals as proposed by the Open Working Group on SDGs.
First, on indicators, we welcome the reaffirmation in paragraph 3 of the mandate for the
Inter Agency and Expert Group on SDG Indicators to develop a global indicator framework
by March 2016. This should be the first version that will be developed and improved over the
years under the leadership of the UN Statistical Commission. We understand an indicator
framework as being composed of two things: i) a conceptual framework based on common
principles and ii) a list of indicators. We would welcome that the next version of the draft
reflects these aspects.
Concerning your proposed changes to targets as reflected in Annex I: We consider that the
amendments cannot change the substance of the OWG proposal, but could be useful if they
improve clarity and coherence for more effective implementation of the goal framework,
consistent with international agreements. During the last meeting, we therefore outlined the
following conditions and criteria for any changes to the OWG proposal so that we avoid a
renegotiation. Firstly, we see merit in specifying the “x” values and secondly, targets should
be in line with higher levels of ambition in existing international agreements.
This position leads us to fully support for example the amendments that specify the “x”
values proposed for goal 4 on education or the proposed amendments to target 6.3 or 9.5.
We also support all changes to bring targets in line with international agreements such as the
Sendai Framework proposed for 11 b).
However, with regard to target 6.6 we would prefer to stick to the timeline 2020. The
discussions on this last year were challenging and thorough and we consider we should keep
the level of ambition as agreed then.
I would like to reiterate again that in any case the fallback option would be the Open Working
Group proposal. Changes should not re-open the discussion on substance.
Finally, co-facilitators, we would just like to repeat that Switzerland does not consider that the
reservations made to the OWG proposal should be reflected in the Agenda since we cannot
expect our Heads of State to adopt reservations by other member states.
Thank you.
