December 2015: The UN Secretariat has synthesized comments of Member States, UN agencies, and Major Groups and other stakeholders submitted during a consultation in preparation for the UN Secretary-General’s forthcoming report on follow-up and review.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development requests the UN Secretary-General, in consultation with Member States, to prepare a report for consideration during the UNGA’s 70th session, in preparation for the 2016 meeting of the High-Level Political Forum on sustainable development (HLPF). The report is expected to outline “critical milestones towards coherent efficient, and inclusive follow-up and review at the global level” (paragraph 90).

A questionnaire circulated to Member States and others included 26 questions, addressing: institutional responsibilities for follow-up and review; overarching annual theme of the HLPF versus thematic reviews of progress of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to be carried out by the HLPF; HLPF national reviews of implementation; regional reviews and processes; and the inclusion of the UN system and other stakeholders in global follow-up and review.

According to the synthesis of Member States’ input, States called on the UNGA “to provide high-level political and operational guidance, mobilize action at the highest possible level and generate political ownership on the 2030 Agenda and its implementation.” It notes the need to adjust the working methods and agendas of all the UNGA Committees in line with the 2030 Agenda. It also suggests the following responsibilities for the UN Statistical Commission (UNSC): maintain oversight of SDG indicators and the monitoring process either directly or through the Inter-Agency and Expert Group on SDG Indicators (IAEG-SDGs); help develop appropriate reporting and dissemination tools and support the central role of the national statistical offices (NSOs); review and update indicators to reflect new data or better methodologies; and prepare an annual assessment of the global indicators framework. On participation of Major Groups and other stakeholders, respondents urged the HLPF to be inspired by the inclusiveness of the post-2015 negotiations and the UN Commission for Sustainable Development (CSD).

According to the compilation of UN agencies’ comments, respondents suggested that the UNGA establish general guidelines to steer the division of labor and optimize the work of existing review mechanisms. A majority of UN agencies called for the theme of the HLPF to be determined for a four-year period. It also mentions that the UN Statistics Division (UNSTATS) is responsible for producing the SDG Progress Report, and suggests that it, inter alia, assist in the preparation of the Global Sustainable Development Report (GSDR) and the “Global Thematic Reports” with data and information.

The Major Groups and other stakeholders synthesis highlights broad support to preserve and expand the practice of civil society inclusion that was used during the HLPF, the Open Working Group on the SDGs, and the intergovernmental negotiations on the post-2015 development agenda. According to the synthesis, Major Groups and other stakeholders also propose to: establish funding modalities and a trust fund to allow participation of their constituencies who are not based in New York City; use innovative alternatives and technology tools to engage colleagues remotely; allocate speaking slots to Major Groups and other stakeholders as a regular practice of the HLPF; and ensure participation of marginalized people, including persons with disabilities, in the global review.

An advance unedited version of the UN Secretary-General’s report on follow-up and review is expected to be available on the Sustainable Development Knowledge Platform by mid-January 2016. [Synthesis and Compilation of Responses] [IISD RS Story on Inputs from Major Groups and Other Stakeholders on Questionnaire] [IISD RS Story on Major Groups and Other Stakeholders Consultation] [IISD RS Sources]