Statement on behalf of the TAP Network, 12 May
Thank you very much co-chairs for the opportunity to intervene, and we hope to work with you more closely as this process plays out.
In regards to paragraph 3: We would recommend a two-year cycle for reviewing the full set of SDGs, with potentially 8 SDGs covered each year, and with Goal 17 being covered annually. This would allow for a more in-depth analysis of SDGs each year, while also not overburdening the reporting system. This 2-year cycle could present a fair compromise between reviewing all SDGs each year and a 4-year cycle for reviewing the SDGs, and could even lessen the politicization of discussions around themes, as this approach would allow each SDG to be reviewed in tandem with other SDGs with greater frequency. Accordingly, themes for the HLPF could be determined every two years, which would allow the system to be flexible enough to respond to emerging issues – much more so than if themes were set in stone every four years.
In regards to paragraph 8, we see this lacking in ambition, and call for Member States to consider carrying out at least two voluntary reviews at the HLPF between now and 2030. Reporting once every handful of years is insufficient if we really want the HLPF to be an opportunity for “peer-learning” and partnerships for implementation.
In regards to paragraph 12, we note that the first half of the language extracted from paragraph 14 of Resolution 67/290 – notably around promoting transparency and enhancing the participation of the Major Groups and other stakeholders – is missing, and suggest that is be re-inserted here. This will ensure that the true spirit of Paragraph 14 is captured in this paragraph, noting the ambition to improve transparency and participation modalities, not merely stating the current access rights of these stakeholders at the HLPF.
And finally, we note that the zero draft notably lacks language encouraging contributions to the voluntary trust fund of the HLPF, particularly to support participation of developing countries, LDCs and importantly the Major Groups and other stakeholders. This will be important for us to ensure that we leave no one behind, as lack of resources are a direct barrier to enhancing participation in the HLPF.
