31 May 2016
ECLAC Calls for New Development Pattern, Establishes LAC Forum on Sustainable Development
Photo by Peter Berko
story highlights

The UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) contends that the current development model is unsustainable and that the region requires progressive structural change and a new development pattern, in order to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

The proposal for such a pattern is detailed in a document titled ‘Horizons 2030: Equality at the Centre of Sustainable Development,' which was released during the 36th session of ECLAC.

ECLAC27 May 2016: The UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) contends that the current development model is unsustainable and that the region requires progressive structural change and a new development pattern, in order to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. The proposal for such a pattern is detailed in a document titled ‘Horizons 2030: Equality at the Centre of Sustainable Development,’ which was released during the 36th session of ECLAC.

ECLAC XXXVI convened in Mexico City, Mexico, from 23-27 May 2016. Presenting the document during a high-level seminar, ECLAC Executive Secretary Alicia Bárcena said economic growth must be based on a low-carbon path that enables the decoupling of growth and emissions.

The document: defends the role of the State in generating public policies and in guarding against market failures, as well as in encouraging alliances with the private sector; proposes a “big environmental push” that promotes development based on equality and sustainability for the year 2030; and includes coordinated public and private investments in areas that generate new energy and production patterns, a renewed design for sustainable cities, and less-polluting consumption trends.

During the ECLAC session’s high-level segment, participants emphasized the region’s potential to implement and provide follow-up to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the SDGs. Bárcena outlined ECLAC’s proposals for accompanying implementation and follow-up, including: integrating the SDGs in national development plans and budgets; strengthening statistical capacities for measuring the SDGs; and bolstering the regional architecture for integration. These actions were approved during the session, and will become a platform between the global and national levels to continue implementing the 2030 Agenda and debating regional priorities.

The ECLAC session also established the Forum of the Countries of Latin America and the Caribbean on Sustainable Development. The Forum will serve as a regional mechanism to follow-up and review implementation of the 2030 Agenda, and will report to the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF). The Forum’s establishment was negotiated in ECLAC discussions culminating in April 2016. [Horizons 2030: Equality at the Centre of Sustainable Development] [ECLAC XXXVI] [ECLAC Press Release, 27 May] [ECLAC Press Release, 26 May] [ECLAC Press Release, Forum of LAC Countries for Sustainable Development] [Horizons 2030 Presentation] [IISD RS Story on Forum Discussions]


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