February 2014: Ahead of the 2014 Annual Ministerial Review (AMR), the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) and the UN Development Programme (UNDP) are organizing an e-discussion to engage experts, policymakers, practitioners and other stakeholders in a global dialogue on the theme, ‘Addressing ongoing and emerging challenges for meeting the Millennium Development Goals in 2015 and for sustaining development gains in the future.’

The AMR will take place as part of the UN Economic and Social Council’s (ECOSOC) High-level Segment in July, in New York, US. The 2014 AMR is expected to make policy recommendations for sustaining development gains, and highlight areas to monitor and address to ensure sustainability beyond 2015. It will also include National Voluntary Presentations (NVPs) from: Bolivia, Gambia, Georgia, Kuwait, Mexico, Palestine, Qatar, Sudan, Thailand and the UK.

The e-discussion is expected to provide ECOSOC with inputs and policy recommendations on strengthening efforts to achieving the MDGs by 2015 and on sustaining and continuing development gains in the context of the post-2015 development agenda. Input also will contribute to the UN Secretary-General’s report on the AMR theme, regional preparatory meetings and the NVPs.

The e-discussion includes three parts. Part I (3-16 February) will focus on ‘Facilitators of development progress, including in the achievement of MDGs.’ Part II (17 February-2 March) will address ‘Sustaining development gains through inclusive development.’ Part III (3-16 March) will discuss ‘Measuring progress in MDG achievement and beyond.’ A summary of the discussions will be prepared by 28 March 2014.

AMR preparatory events will also be organized at global, regional and national levels. [AMR 2014 Website] [DESA Newsletter] [E-discussion Website] [2014 NVPs]