16 December 2016: The UN Department of Social and Economic Affairs (DESA) and the UN Industrial Organization (UNIDO) co-hosted an expert meeting to explore what institutions and mechanisms are necessary to develop integrated plans and policies for implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The meeting focused on six Goals that will be addressed in the thematic review during the 2017 session of the UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF).
The expert meeting, titled ‘Readying institutions and policies for integrated approaches to implement the 2030 Agenda,’ convened at UNIDO headquarters in Vienna, Austria, from 14-16 December 2016. The meeting began with a session on overall linkages, followed by a separate panel session on each SDG.
In the session on SDG interactions, panelists presented approaches for modelling interactions, noting the need to evaluate the relevance of interactions in specific contexts. They also discussed challenges in raising awareness among agencies, developing integrated baselines and coherent information, and finding approaches adapted to the characteristics of different political systems. Stressing coherence beyond the SDGs, one panelist reported that most countries have aligned their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement on climate change with relevant SDGs. In the ensuing discussion, participants highlighted the need to identify lead coordinating institutions or stakeholders. They also noted the need for a stronger knowledge base on negative interactions.
The panel on SDG 1 (no poverty) focused on poverty eradication as the foremost objective of SDG implementation. Panelists underlined a multi-dimensional approach to understanding and addressing poverty, including the Multi-dimensional Poverty Index (MPI), social protection programmes, a life-cycle approach to poverty reduction, and opportunities to address poverty through targeted programmes on health care, education and industrial development. Participants discussed the divergence between macroeconomic policies such as trade liberalization, and microeconomic objectives on poverty reduction. They stressed the need for better data on the impact of violence and other factors, to improve the MPI.
The session on SDG 2 (zero hunger) explored how lessons learned on interlinkages can support progress on food security. Panelists argued for holistic approaches addressing all causes of malnutrition, including health or poor sanitation, discussed emerging issues of food safety, such as increasing pesticide and toxic residue levels in food, considered the consumer’s role in malnutrition, and noted the danger of exaggerated expectations towards new technologies. The discussion also touched on the need to develop technologies for climate change adaptation, the role of infrastructure investments for reducing food waste, and linkages between rural poverty and urbanization.
The panel on SDG 3 (good health and well-being) addressed determinants of health in the context of SDG linkages. One panelist suggested that linkages can be interpreted as a web of causation, co-determining health outcomes. Panelists also suggested a shift in policies towards providing public goods, and called for better coordination with areas with potential adverse influences, such as international trade and patent regulation. In the discussion, participants underlined the link with poverty and stressed the importance of universal health care coverage for leaving no one behind. They also supported multi-sectoral approaches and improved coordination, in particular for challenges such as avoiding a global obesity epidemic.
Speakers on SDG 5 noted that after two decades of developing global commitments and plans on gender equality, focus must shift to implementation.
Speakers on SDG 5 (gender equality) discussed whether the SDGs can accelerate progress towards gender equality. They noted that after two decades of developing global commitments and plans, focus must shift to implementation. Speakers also highlighted unseen dimensions of gender inequity including women’s economic contributions through unpaid care work, domestic and workplace violence against women, and legislative systems that prevent women form accumulating productive assets. Participants considered possible solutions such as targeted support to women’s entrepreneurship, the trend towards increasing female leadership at the communal level, and removing barriers to gender inequality. On challenges, they stressed the lack of funding for women’s groups, in particular for independent shadow reporting in international fora.
The panel on SDG 9 (industry, innovation and infrastructure) discussed ways to maximize the impact of infrastructure and industry development on other SDGs. One speaker highlighted the fundamental role of infrastructure as a determinant of progress on all SDGs. Others called for better definitions of “green growth” and “green industrialization,” noting challenges in addressing trade-offs and in including the informal sector. Participants discussed the need to consider intergenerational equity and impacts on the global commons when evaluating benefits and costs of industrialization, and stressed the usefulness of “customizable partnerships” such as UNIDO’s Programme for Country Partnership (PCP).
The panel on SDG 14 (life below water) discussed prospects for integrated action on the ocean, with speakers noting that ocean governance has expanded from coastal zones to exclusive economic zones (EEZs), while governance of areas beyond national jurisdiction hinges on ongoing negotiations and faces a lack of international leadership. On regional collaboration, one speaker outlined progress in governance of the Coral Reef Triangle area in Southeast Asia, whereas Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) lack resources for implementation. Using ocean governance in the US as an example, one speaker proposed that accounting agencies support policy integration through policy performance audits. Participants highlighted: the role of the ocean for food security; the need for indicators; and the opportunity provided by the UN Conference to Support the Implementation of SDG 14 (UN Ocean Conference), to be held in June 2017.
According to the summary by the meeting chairs, main messages from the discussion will be forwarded to the HLPF. These include the need for: straightforward messages on linkages beyond mapping and modelling; coordination structures for institutional effectiveness; engaging budget and finance committees; whole-of-government approaches; international, sectoral and sub-national leadership; strengthening the role of parliaments; mobilizing local authorities; and international tax cooperation. The chairs said participants had recommended that the HLPF consider: interactions between SDGs and NDCs; tools and measures for integrated policies; pragmatic ways to monitor impact; and addressing the messages of the UN Ocean Conference. [Meeting Website] [Concept Note] [Meeting Agenda] [Meeting Summary] [IISD Sources]