Statement by Turkey
Intergovernmental Negotiations on Post 2015 Development Agenda
(24 June 2015, New York)
Follow-up and Review Session
Distinguished Co-facilitators,
We would like to thank you for the comprehensive follow-up and review component of the Zero Draft and look forward to further contributing to the design of an effective mechanism for the implementation of the Agenda. We believe that the key component of the follow up and review is a transparent, participatory and accountable monitoring system that is designed coherently at all levels.
First of all, we would like to share our observations on follow-up and review part of the Declaration component.
In this framework, we would like to emphasize the role of data and capacity for an effective follow-up and review process. Data or information gaps and capacity building needs are critical at all levels.
Therefore, we would like to suggest a new wording for para 39 which reads as follows:
“We agree to support implementation process with relevant, accessible, reliable and quality data and indicators. We fully support the efforts to strengthen the follow up and review capacity at all levels with the help of ICT.”
Regarding the third component of the zero draft on follow-up and review, Turkey supports the principles indicated in para 3. Having said that, we also consider that the language in this paragraph could be more ambitious in describing a more functional process.
In light of this, we would like to present the following comments and proposals for different levels of follow up and review:
At national level, we believe that a government-led, data driven, voluntary follow-up and review process that is built on existing reporting and planning instruments is vital for achieving sustainable development goals. So, we support the current design of national level follow-up and review mechanism in the Zero Draft.
At regional level, with regard to discussing progress in establishing regional reviews of the Agenda in HLPF meeting, we think that year 2016 might be too early for discussing any progress. The purpose of this meeting might be to discuss the options for regional level mechanisms that are provided by the UN.
At global level, concerning para 10 on thematic reviews, we would like to change the sentence as follows:
“Thematic reviews of progress may also take place at the HLPF and in other inter-governmental forums, including the ECOSOC functional commissions and other relevant subsidiary bodies and mechanisms. These reviews in relation to the Agenda will be reported to HLPF and be aligned with the cycle and work of the HLPF, where possible.”
Para 11 states that the scope and methodology of the global sustainable development report will be agreed as soon as possible. Taking into account that the first meeting of the HLPF will take place in 2016, we would be interested in learning two particular issues: First, who will decide on the scope and methodology? Second, will there be sufficient time for doing that before the meeting in 2016?
On the other hand, we think that para 14 could be combined with para 9, as both of them are related and underline the critical role of civil society, major groups and private sector.
Finally on para 16, we would like to propose to insert the word “voluntary” in front of the phrase “national reports”. For the second part of this para which makes a request from the Secretary General, we believe that on organizational arrangements, we should avoid creating new mechanisms and try to increase the effectiveness of the existing ones. Additionally, we think that UN has a crucial role in supporting the participation of countries as well as strengthening the capacity for voluntary national reporting.
I thank you.
