Transparency, Accountability and Participation (TAP) Network
Thank you
Introduction to the TAP Network
The Transparency, Accountability and Participation (TAP) Network is an informal coalition of over 100 civil society organizations working on “TAP” and governance issues around the Post-2015 agenda.
TAP Network position paper on Accountability and Review of Post-2015 Agenda: www.tapnetwork2015.org
Key points on follow-up and review-
“Follow up” and “review” are not static words, and are active words. Therefore, simple reports are not sufficient, and active participation is vital.
“Follow-up and Review” or “monitoring” are not the same as “accountability” - although these are all important components in realizing accountability
Value of state-led review processes, but the Post-2015 follow-up and implementation must be “state-led; people driven”
In order to ensure true accountability for the Post-2015 agenda, the follow-up and review processes must facilitate responsibility, answerability and enforceability.
o Won’t elaborate on these points, as its outlined in TAP Network accountability position paper
We’ve heard many member states recognise the importance of an open, participatory and inclusive approach, and as a network of organisations focused on Transparency, Accountability and Participation, we ask for the Zero Draft to specifically embed these principles in the very core of the approach to the follow up and review. This affirmation will open up a pathway through which civil society can play an active role in the implementation and follow-up of the Post-2015 agenda over the coming 15 years.
We always talk about “incentivizing” the participation of Member States in these follow-up and review processes. To us, there is no greater incentive for Member States to engage in this process than to actually have the opportunity to engage in a robust conversation and consultation with civil society, local communities and people on the ground in these countries. Truly transformative sustainable development is only possible if it is inclusive and representative of the needs and priorities of the people. Progress on implementation of Goal 16 can go a long way to achieving these ends.
Member States also cite a lack of “capacity” to undertake follow-up and reviewing efforts
Civil society can help fill these capacity gaps in data and statistics as well used for implementation gaps and gaps in following up and monitoring progress on the post-2015 agenda. This partnership with civil society is yet another incentive for Member States to engage in this process.
We recognise that the creation of the post-2015 sustainable development agenda has been transformative in its openness, inclusivity and innovation. And while the engagement of civil society through OWG and in the discussions on the goals and targets/vision for the agenda was important, it can be argued that civil society is even more important in the implementation and accountability for this agenda. It is critical for the global level of follow-up and review processes must set a “gold standard” for participation of all stakeholders for governments to aspire to.
Key points on Indicators:
Importance of measuring Goal 16 – it has been done in countries all over the world; it can be done.
Work of IAEG must be open to participation and inputs from all stakeholders
Furthermore, the work of developing nationally relevant indicators by national governments must be inclusive of national and local-level stakeholders
Any indicator framework should draw on both official as well as third party data sources - including data produced by the UN and other multilateral institutions, civil society organizations, research institutions, academia and the private sector - and should use a wide range of data types, including administrative data, experiential, factual and perception based surveys, and expert assessments.
This all will be critical for us to truly have a complete snapshot of progress at all levels
We must collectively use the Post-2015 process as an opportunity to significantly improve, widen and deepen data availability over the next fifteen years through increased capacity support, innovation and partnerships between national statistics systems and third parties – and I can assure you that civil society and all non-governmental stakeholders stand ready to support this very important work going forward.
Introduction to the TAP Network
The Transparency, Accountability and Participation (TAP) Network is an informal coalition of over 100 civil society organizations working on “TAP” and governance issues around the Post-2015 agenda.
TAP Network position paper on Accountability and Review of Post-2015 Agenda: www.tapnetwork2015.org
Key points on follow-up and review-
“Follow up” and “review” are not static words, and are active words. Therefore, simple reports are not sufficient, and active participation is vital.
“Follow-up and Review” or “monitoring” are not the same as “accountability” - although these are all important components in realizing accountability
Value of state-led review processes, but the Post-2015 follow-up and implementation must be “state-led; people driven”
In order to ensure true accountability for the Post-2015 agenda, the follow-up and review processes must facilitate responsibility, answerability and enforceability.
o Won’t elaborate on these points, as its outlined in TAP Network accountability position paper
We’ve heard many member states recognise the importance of an open, participatory and inclusive approach, and as a network of organisations focused on Transparency, Accountability and Participation, we ask for the Zero Draft to specifically embed these principles in the very core of the approach to the follow up and review. This affirmation will open up a pathway through which civil society can play an active role in the implementation and follow-up of the Post-2015 agenda over the coming 15 years.
We always talk about “incentivizing” the participation of Member States in these follow-up and review processes. To us, there is no greater incentive for Member States to engage in this process than to actually have the opportunity to engage in a robust conversation and consultation with civil society, local communities and people on the ground in these countries. Truly transformative sustainable development is only possible if it is inclusive and representative of the needs and priorities of the people. Progress on implementation of Goal 16 can go a long way to achieving these ends.
Member States also cite a lack of “capacity” to undertake follow-up and reviewing efforts
Civil society can help fill these capacity gaps in data and statistics as well used for implementation gaps and gaps in following up and monitoring progress on the post-2015 agenda. This partnership with civil society is yet another incentive for Member States to engage in this process.
We recognise that the creation of the post-2015 sustainable development agenda has been transformative in its openness, inclusivity and innovation. And while the engagement of civil society through OWG and in the discussions on the goals and targets/vision for the agenda was important, it can be argued that civil society is even more important in the implementation and accountability for this agenda. It is critical for the global level of follow-up and review processes must set a “gold standard” for participation of all stakeholders for governments to aspire to.
Key points on Indicators:
Importance of measuring Goal 16 – it has been done in countries all over the world; it can be done.
Work of IAEG must be open to participation and inputs from all stakeholders
Furthermore, the work of developing nationally relevant indicators by national governments must be inclusive of national and local-level stakeholders
Any indicator framework should draw on both official as well as third party data sources - including data produced by the UN and other multilateral institutions, civil society organizations, research institutions, academia and the private sector - and should use a wide range of data types, including administrative data, experiential, factual and perception based surveys, and expert assessments.
This all will be critical for us to truly have a complete snapshot of progress at all levels
We must collectively use the Post-2015 process as an opportunity to significantly improve, widen and deepen data availability over the next fifteen years through increased capacity support, innovation and partnerships between national statistics systems and third parties – and I can assure you that civil society and all non-governmental stakeholders stand ready to support this very important work going forward.