26 May 2016: The co-facilitators for consultations on the follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at the global level issued a “final draft” UN General Assembly (UNGA) resolution for discussion by Member States, beginning with informal-informal consultations on 27 May 2016. The latest text was circulated in a letter from co-facilitators Lois Young, Permanent Representative of Belize, and Ib Petersen, Permanent Representative of Denmark, who note that it takes into account views expressed by delegations during informal-informal consultations held from 24-25 May 2016.
In consultations on 24-25 May, delegates considered the 18 May 2016 version of the draft resolution. At these sessions, the Group of 77 and China (G-77/China), supported by the Russian Federation, proposed to delete language related to accountability, while the EU, Japan, Canada and other countries did not support this proposal. China proposed to delete paragraphs related to participation, noting the language in these paragraphs is already included in the 2030 Agenda. Several developed countries stressed the need to avoid discussing Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17 (Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development) in a manner that duplicates discussions in the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Forum on Financing for Development follow-up (FfD Forum).
On selecting Goals for review at the HLPF sessions held under ECOSOC auspices, the Russian Federation proposed to discuss SDG 1 (End poverty in all its forms everywhere) on an annual basis at the HLPF. Mexico, supported by Australia and others, called for clarity on the methodology used to select the set of themes and SDGs to discuss during the remainder of the current cycle (2017-2019). Several countries (including the US, the Russian Federation, Japan, New Zealand and Australia) stated their objection to holding two sessions of the HLPF in 2019 (one under ECOSOC auspices and one under UNGA auspices).
Some countries, including the EU and the Republic of Korea, asked to reintroduce in the text a paragraph that encourages Member States to consider carrying out “two voluntary national reviews” at the HLPF by 2030. Japan and others called for deleting a paragraph on identifying the most suitable regional or sub-regional forum or format as a further means to contribute to the follow-up and review at the global level. On “reviewing” the organization of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), the EU and others called for more specific language, such as “streamlining” the Department.
Many questioned language on “merging” the three-day ministerial segment of the HLPF with the high-level segment of ECOSOC, cautioning against “diluting” either segment. Divergences remained on the need for an ECOSOC President’s summary of the HLPF, in addition to the HLPF ministerial declaration.
The 26 May “final draft” does not call for promoting accountability, but retains language on supporting “effective, broad and balanced participation.” It states that Goal 17 will be reviewed annually “based on the outcome” of the FfD Forum.
The text includes co-facilitators’ proposals on themes to be considered and Goals to be reviewed during the remainder of the current cycle of the HLPF. The proposed themes are: in 2017, Eradicating poverty and promoting prosperity in a changing world (instead of ‘Ensuring food security on a safe planet by 2030′); in 2018, Transformation toward sustainable and resilient societies (instead of ‘Making cities sustainable and building productive capacities’); and in 2019, Empowering people and ensuring inclusiveness (as proposed in earlier versions of the resolution).
The set of SDGs proposed by the co-facilitators for review are: in 2017, SDGs 1, 2, 3, 5, 9, 14, and 17 (instead of 1, 2, 6, 13, 14, 15 and 17); in 2018, SDGs 6, 7, 11, 12, 15 and 17 (instead of 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, and 17); and in 2019, SDGs 4, 8, 10, 13, 16 and 17 (instead of 3, 4, 5, 10, 16 and 17).
Regarding voluntary national reviews at the HLPF, the 26 May text does not specify how many reviews should be conducted by each Member State during the 15-year period until 2030. It encourages Member States to identify the most suitable regional or sub-regional forum or format, where appropriate, as a further means to contribute to the follow-up and review. The text also requests ECOSOC to “streamline” the organization of DESA.
The draft requests ECOSOC to closely coordinate organizational arrangements and agendas of the three-day ministerial segment of the HLPF under the auspices of the ECOSOC and the high-level segment of ECOSOC “to ensure that there is only one thematic debate and one outcome document adopted once for both meetings, except as otherwise provided.” Finally, it reaffirms the decision to have a negotiated ministerial declaration for inclusion in the report of ECOSOC to the UNGA, “except as otherwise provided,” and invites the ECOSOC President to prepare a factual summary of the meeting. [Co-facilitators’ Letter and Final Draft Resolution] [IISD RS Story on Revised Draft of 18 May 2016] [IISD RS Sources] [CSOs’ Reaction to 18 May Draft]