United Kingdom
The UK of course aligns itself with the statement given on behalf of the European Union.
Co-chairs, on the question of how we integrate SDG goals and targets into the post-2015 agenda, I wanted to start by re-iterating some of the points I made yesterday.
First, the proposal from the Open Working Group should serve as our main basis, with other inputs being considered. We have established the breadth and delicate balance of the agenda. But to get us to a truly actionable, inspiring and strategic outcome there is more work to be done.
Second, we agree that a technical proofing of targets, leveraging the full expertise of the UN system and beyond, as raised by many in the room, is critical to ensuring the agenda as a whole is measurable, implementable and action-oriented, that we are not backtracking on existing commitments and norms, and that we reflect the peak of internationally-agreed ambition. That advice will need to come back to member states for consideration at our March meeting.
Third, we need to address the communications challenge. Our ambitious agenda will only be successful if it is actually implemented. That will depend on it being taken up by political leaders, parliaments, civic society, the private sector and others. We should worry about communication because we care about implementation and impact. So we need to seize the attention of the world outside this negotiating room. We have a suggestion from the Secretary General on 6 essential elements, which might help with this task of bringing clarity and inspiration. Co-facilitators: we request that you ensure that there is space for us to reflect on how we can build on this suggestion provided by the Secretary General as we go forward.
Turning to the Declaration, let me highlight five considerations.
First, our declaration should be based on both of our guiding documents, the Rio +20 declaration and the Millennium Declaration. These provide the two foundations for the post-2015 development agenda.
Second, the declaration should set out the vision of the post-2015 development agenda: the world we want to see by 2030. Eradicating extreme poverty and achieving sustainable development must be our guiding ambition.
Third, the declaration should also be clear that avoiding dangerous climate change is a prerequisite for poverty eradication and therefore explicit on the critical importance of meeting the target of limiting global average temperature rise to 2 degrees.
Fourth, we must be clear on our determination, as emphasised by South Africa speaking on behalf of the G77 yesterday, to meet the needs of the poorest and most marginalised. Specifically the declaration should set out our intention that no target should be considered met unless it is met by all relevant income and social groups – the only way to ensure that we leave no one behind.
And finally, to support that ambition, the declaration should support a data revolution that will enable the necessary disaggregation of data in all countries.
Co-chairs, it is essential that the Declaration sets an inspiring vision for the post-2015 development agenda. It must be concise and clear and communicate the fundamental purpose of the post-2015 development agenda in a way that leaves people in no doubt about what we intend to achieve and the spirit in which we intend to achieve it.
Co-chairs, on the question of how we integrate SDG goals and targets into the post-2015 agenda, I wanted to start by re-iterating some of the points I made yesterday.
First, the proposal from the Open Working Group should serve as our main basis, with other inputs being considered. We have established the breadth and delicate balance of the agenda. But to get us to a truly actionable, inspiring and strategic outcome there is more work to be done.
Second, we agree that a technical proofing of targets, leveraging the full expertise of the UN system and beyond, as raised by many in the room, is critical to ensuring the agenda as a whole is measurable, implementable and action-oriented, that we are not backtracking on existing commitments and norms, and that we reflect the peak of internationally-agreed ambition. That advice will need to come back to member states for consideration at our March meeting.
Third, we need to address the communications challenge. Our ambitious agenda will only be successful if it is actually implemented. That will depend on it being taken up by political leaders, parliaments, civic society, the private sector and others. We should worry about communication because we care about implementation and impact. So we need to seize the attention of the world outside this negotiating room. We have a suggestion from the Secretary General on 6 essential elements, which might help with this task of bringing clarity and inspiration. Co-facilitators: we request that you ensure that there is space for us to reflect on how we can build on this suggestion provided by the Secretary General as we go forward.
Turning to the Declaration, let me highlight five considerations.
First, our declaration should be based on both of our guiding documents, the Rio +20 declaration and the Millennium Declaration. These provide the two foundations for the post-2015 development agenda.
Second, the declaration should set out the vision of the post-2015 development agenda: the world we want to see by 2030. Eradicating extreme poverty and achieving sustainable development must be our guiding ambition.
Third, the declaration should also be clear that avoiding dangerous climate change is a prerequisite for poverty eradication and therefore explicit on the critical importance of meeting the target of limiting global average temperature rise to 2 degrees.
Fourth, we must be clear on our determination, as emphasised by South Africa speaking on behalf of the G77 yesterday, to meet the needs of the poorest and most marginalised. Specifically the declaration should set out our intention that no target should be considered met unless it is met by all relevant income and social groups – the only way to ensure that we leave no one behind.
And finally, to support that ambition, the declaration should support a data revolution that will enable the necessary disaggregation of data in all countries.
Co-chairs, it is essential that the Declaration sets an inspiring vision for the post-2015 development agenda. It must be concise and clear and communicate the fundamental purpose of the post-2015 development agenda in a way that leaves people in no doubt about what we intend to achieve and the spirit in which we intend to achieve it.
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