17 December 2014: UN Member States have informally agreed on a draft decision on the modalities for the intergovernmental negotiations on the post-2015 development agenda.The decision is expected to be adopted by the UN General Assembly (UNGA). Consultations on the modalities began in November and concluded on 17 December 2014, co-facilitated by David Donoghue (Ireland) and Macharia Kamau (Kenya).

The draft decision notes that the process of intergovernmental negotiations on the post-2015 development agenda will be in accordance with UNGA rules of procedure and established practices, and open, transparent and inclusive, while the co-facilitators will ensure engagement of relevant stakeholders including Major Groups, civil society, scientific and knowledge institutions, parliaments, local authorities and the private sector, and seek their views, building upon the practices of the Open Working Group (OWG) on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in accordance with the informally agreed resolution on the organization of the UN Summit for the adoption of the post 2015 development agenda. The resolution on the Summit’s organization and modalities was informally agreed on 15 December.

Also by the draft decision, the outcome document for adoption at the Summit “may include” as main components: Declaration; SDGs and targets; Means of Implementation and Global Partnership for Sustainable Development; and follow-up and review. The “initial draft” of the outcome document shall be prepared by the co-facilitators “on the basis of views provided by Member States,” as well as “taking into account substantive discussions in the process of intergovernmental negotiations,” and issued by May 2015.

The decision also provides a provisional “indicative road map,” outlining negotiating sessions on: Stocktaking (19-21 January); Declaration (17-20 February); SDGs and targets (23-27 March); Means of Implementation and Global Partnership for Sustainable Development (20-24 April); Follow up and review (18-22 May); and intergovernmental negotiations on the outcome document (22-25 June, 20-24 July, and 27-31 July). The text also states that “these modalities will be flexible and reviewed as necessary.”

Taking the floor after reaching agreement on the decision, both the EU and the Group of 77 and China highlighted that the road map is only indicative and must be flexible and allow adjustment. G77/China stressed that, according to UNGA Resolution 68/309, the SDGs and targets proposed by the OWG will be integrated in the post-2015 development agenda, and not renegotiated. EU said it still would like to see a clear reference to “monitoring” and stronger language on civil society’s participation.

Kamau noted his understanding that Member States are not opposed to undertaking the development of global indicators, assisted by the UN Statistical Commission. The co-facilitators will ask the Commission to look at the targets and match indicators, he said, but the process will be driven by governments. [IISD RS Sources] [IISD RS Story on Modalities Consultations] [Draft Decision] [IISD RS Story on Summit Organization]