30 June 2015: The UN Statistics Division (UNStats) has issued the report of the first meeting of the Inter-agency and Expert Group on the Sustainable Development Goal Indicators (IAEG-SDGs), which took place on 1-2 June 2015. The report notes that the IAEG-SDGs is mandated by the UN Statistical Commission to develop an indicator framework for the monitoring of the goals and targets of the post-2015 development agenda at the global level, and to support its implementation.

In its first meeting, the report recalls, IAEG-SDGS aimed to set up the process for the development of the indicator framework, develop a work plan and agree on the way forward, establish the methods of work of the group, and discuss technical issues, such as interlinkages across targets and data disaggregation.

According to the conclusions of the meeting, the Group agreed that: the number of global indicators should be limited; they should include multi-purpose indicators that address several targets at the same time; some targets might require multiple indicators to measure its different aspects; and the issue of disaggregation must be addressed.

On methods of work, it was agreed that: members’ role should include consultation and coordination within their own national statistical system, and the other countries in their respective region and sub-regions; observers’ and other stakeholders’ contributions should be considered; the Secretariat must provide, “sufficiently ahead” of future meetings, the invitation, agenda, and requests for interventions or presentations; meeting conclusions will be drafted and circulated to all members for review before finalizing; and the Secretariat should set up an electronic collaboration platform to enable all members to participate equally.

The Group also decided to establish two discussion streams on: conceptual frameworks and indicator concepts and definitions; and identifying interlinkages among indicators across goals and targets. All members are encouraged to participate in both streams of work.

The second meeting of the IAEG-SDGs is tentatively scheduled for 26-28 October 2015. The Group said the proposal for a global indicator framework should be finalized by the end of November for a timely submission to the 47th session of the Statistical Commission in March 2016. According to the Group’s Terms of Reference, it will develop a proposal for an indicator framework and a list of indicators for the monitoring of the goals and targets of the post-2015 development agenda at the global level; its proposal will be considered for adoption by the Statistical Commission at its 47th session in March 2016 and later presented to the designated political inter-governmental process for its consideration.

Further details of the meeting’s discussions are provided in sections on: methods of work of the group; indicator framework – global, regional, national, sub-national and thematic indicators; process of selecting indicators; discussion on indicators under specific goals to identify core issues for the work ahead; and statements by Major Groups and other stakeholders.

In addition to the report of the meeting, UNStats – which serves as the Secretariat of the Group, and is a Division of the UN Department for Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) – has provided a compilation of the statements and inputs to the first meeting, and the inputs from agencies and other entities on indicator proposals and metadata. [Publication: Report: First Meeting of the Inter-Agency and Expert Group on the Sustainable Development Goal Indicators] [UN Statistics Division Press Release] [Statements and related inputs submitted in writing] [Inputs from agencies and other entities on indicator proposals and metadata, as of 16 June] [IISD RS Story on First Meeting of IAEG-SDGs] [IISD RS Story on Draft Conclusions]