2 September 2014
African Forum Discusses Post-2015 Accountability Framework
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African stakeholders agreed on key elements for an accountability framework for the post-2015 development agenda, at a consultative forum in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 21-22 August 2014.

Participants at ‘Building an Accountability Framework for the Common African Position on the Post-2015 Development Agenda in Africa' highlighted the need for post-2015 accountability to be based on a set of core principles with bold goals and targets, and a plan for means of implementation (MOI), while also ensuring that the framework is bottom-up and people-centered.

UNECA AU26 August 2014: African stakeholders have identified key elements for an accountability framework for the post-2015 development agenda. Participants at ‘Building an Accountability Framework for the Common African Position on the Post-2015 Development Agenda in Africa’ highlighted the need for post-2015 accountability to be based on a set of core principles with bold goals and targets, and a plan for means of implementation (MOI), while also ensuring that the framework is bottom-up and people-centered.

The forum, which took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 21-22 August 2014, was organized by the African Union Commission and the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), with support from the UN Development Group (UNDG) after African leaders urged the African Union (AU) High-level Committee on the Post-2015 Development Agenda (HLC) to examine the emerging issue of accountability and the data revolution, including how to align these issues with the Common African Position (CAP) on the post-2015 development agenda, at the AU Heads of State Summit in June 2014.

Forum participants highlighted the need for an accountability framework to be implementable across society, and led by a multi-stakeholder partnership. They also emphasized the need to support evidence-based accountability through a strong culture of reporting, based on accurate and timely data, to facilitate measuring progress and enable citizens to hold their governments and others accountable on their commitments.

In remarks at the forum, Amina Mohammed, Special Adviser to the UN Secretary-General on Post-2015 Development Planning, said the accountability framework must be “fit for purpose” for Africa. She emphasized that “without credible accountability mechanisms at global, regional and national levels, there is little hope that promises made will become promises delivered.”

Africa is “not starting from scratch,” on accountability mechanisms, according to Anthony Maruping, AU Commissioner for Economic Affairs. He reminded participants of Africa’s experience with regional, sub-regional and national accountability framework, such as the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM).

Statistics should be a key element of the post-2015 accountability framework, said Marjon Kamara, Permanent Representative of Liberia to the UN, who chaired the meeting. She called for “concerted action, genuine commitment, and empowerment of African society, including youth, women, faith-based organizations as well as the business community.”

The Forum’s recommendations on a post-2015 accountability framework are expected to contribute to the UN Secretary-General’s synthesis report to the UN General Assembly (UNGA) on the post-2015 development agenda. [UNECA Press Release, 26 August] [UNECA Press Release, 19 August] [IISD RS Sources] [UN Social Development Network Press Release]

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