15 November 2013: The Annual Parliamentary Hearing between UN officials and ministers of parliament discussed the role of parliaments in shaping and implementing the post-2015 development agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The meeting, which took place from 14-15 November 2013, in New York, US, convened under the theme ‘Rethinking sustainable development: the quest for a “transformational” global agenda in 2015.’

In an opening address, UN General Assembly (UNGA) President John Ashe recognized parliamentarians’ unique ability to provide insights into their constituencies’ priorities. He told ministers their efforts in engaging citizens and the private sector and in formulating and implementing policy are pivotal in crafting a post-2015 agenda that includes common global elements and reflects national priorities. Noting that the “development model that each country employs must have its own peculiar DNA,” Ashe emphasized that the UN needs parliamentarians to bring national circumstances and experiences “into the process of defining new goals, as well as translating the future development agenda into your own national perspectives.” He said ministers can support progress on sustainable energy, human rights and the participation of civil society, youth and women, among other issues.

The meeting included panel sessions on four themes: human well-being, economic transformation and poverty eradication through sustainable development; gender equality and women’s empowerment; democratic governance; and parliamentary roles in implementing the post-2015 agenda. Participants discussed, inter alia: a stand-alone goal on gender and mainstreaming gender throughout the SDGs; accountability, participation and transparency; and potential parliamentary challenges in implementing the post-2015 agenda, including monitoring and reporting on national sustainable development strategies (NSDS). Participants also highlighted parliaments’ roles in accelerating progress on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) is the international organization of parliaments. It was established in 1889 to foster coordination and exchange of experiences among parliaments. In a 2012 resolution, the UNGA welcomed coordination with the IPU on topics such as development, human rights and peace and security (A/66/L.45). [UN Press Release] [Website for Annual Hearing] [Meeting Summary on UNGA Resolution] [IPU Statement to Open Working Group on the SDGs]