December 2013: The UN Division for Sustainable Development (DSD) has posted stakeholder input on the issues for discussion at the upcoming meetings of the UN General Assembly’s Open Working Group (OWG) on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Major Groups and other stakeholders were invited to share information through the online Sustainable Development Knowledge Platform, including regarding the civil society steering committees and panelists for each topic.

OWG 7, taking place on 6-10 January 2014, will focus on: sustainable cities and human settlements; sustainable transport; sustainable consumption and production (SCP), including chemicals and waste; climate change; and disaster risk reduction (DRR). One respondent described disaster as a “key blocker to development, driving people into poverty” and said including DRR in the SDGs is critical. Another respondent highlighted the need to address road safety in the post-2015 development agenda, emphasizing linkages between safe and sustainable mobility and transport.

OWG 8, taking place on 3-7 February, will discuss: oceans and seas; forests and biodiversity; promoting equality, including social equity, gender equality and women’s empowerment; conflict prevention, post-conflict peacebuilding and the promotion of durable peace; and rule of law and governance. On conflict prevention, respondents recommended the inclusion of women and the disabled on the steering committee and panels, with one noting “women’s participation in peace processes is essential for a durable peace.”

The stakeholder input area continues to accept submissions. Respondents can submit information related to their area of interest, suggest facilitators to lead the steering committee and propose panelists for each discussion topic. [Website on OWG] [Responses on OWG 7] [Responses on OWG 8]