27 March 2014: UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has released a note, titled ‘Coherence, coordination and cooperation in the context of financing for sustainable development and the post-2015 development agenda’ (E/2014/53), which addresses: the world economic situation and prospects for 2014; mobilization and use of financial resources for sustainable development; and the global partnership for sustainable development.

On mobilization and use of financial resources for sustainable development, the note describes the establishment and preliminary conclusions of the Intergovernmental Committee of Experts on Sustainable Development Financing (ICESDF). Stressing “very great” financing needs, the note recommends a global financial system that incentivizes investors and other stakeholders to act in the interest of sustainable development. It further discusses: building on the Monterrey Consensus; domestic resource mobilization, including tackling illicit financial flows out of Africa; foreign direct investment (FDI) and other private flows; official development assistance (ODA) and innovative financing; and international trade and external debt.

According to the note, the financial landscape for sustainable development is fragmented and complex, resulting in reduced opportunities for harnessing synergies. It explains that climate finance and biodiversity conservation funds evolved on a “separate track” from conventional development finance. The note recommends, inter alia, ensuring adequate capitalization of existing funds, and supporting enabling environments for private participation, including predictable, robust regulatory frameworks, standards and carbon pricing.

On the global partnership for sustainable development in the post-2015 development agenda, the note addresses: origins of the partnership and financing for development; progress in implementation; and steps toward a new partnership. It argues that a new global partnership for sustainable development should be based on equity, human rights and solidarity, and address emerging challenges, including: additional adaptation and mitigation costs; changes to the development landscape; and the impact of the financial crisis. It says the partnership will require a strengthened, inclusive monitoring and accountability mechanism. Finally, it highlights Every Woman Every Child, Global Education First, Sustainable Energy for All (SE4ALL) and the Zero Hunger Challenge as multi-stakeholder partnerships that can play a key role in implementing the post-2015 agenda.

The note suggests questions for discussion on all of the above topics. It was issued ahead of the Special high-level meeting of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) with the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), which convened on 14-15 April 2014. [Note by the Secretary-General] [IISD RS Story on Special Meeting]