22 April 2013: Representatives of the UN High-level Panel on the Post-2015 Development Agenda briefed UN Member States on the Panel’s fourth meeting (HLP 4), which focused on global partnerships and means of implementation. Members also provided an update on the forthcoming final report of the Panel, and highlighted priorities to be addressed. HLP 4 took place in Bali, Indonesia, from 25-27 March 2013.

Hasan Klein, HLP envoy from Indonesia, said the Bali meeting consisted of one day dedicated to outreach, the second day to a meeting of Panel members without the co-chairs, and a third day for the full meeting of the Panel with the co-chairs. He said the resulting Bali Communiqué, which serves to inform the public about the Panel’s discussions, highlights five key areas: reshaped and revitalized global governance and partnerships; protection of the global environment; sustainable consumption and production (SCP); strengthened means of implementation; and data availability and better accountability in measuring progress.

Abdoulaye Dukule, HLP envoy from Liberia, observed that the Panel gathered views from all types of stakeholders around the world to make sure “visions come from all over, not only from the Panel members.” He added that the four HLP meetings carried out so far have intended to give space for dialogue, and to identify key challenges as well as priorities to address. He also noted that the next six weeks will be devoted to writing, editing and polishing the HLP report to be submitted to the UN Secretary-General by the end of May 2013.

Michael Anderson, HLP envoy from the UK, commended the Government of Indonesia for organizing an excellent and sustained consultation with hundreds of civil society organizations around the world and for advancing the post-2015 development agenda. He said the exact structure of the HLP report is still being discussed but will include sections on what was learned and priorities for action, and examples of illustrative goals and targets to stimulate the conversation. He noted the importance for the Panel to: sustain the spirit of the Millennium Declaration and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs); focus on poverty reduction as a first priority; ensure relevance of the new framework for the challenges of the post-2015 development agenda; put more emphasis on women’s rights and gender equality; and improve MDG 8 on a global partnership for development. Noting the Panel’s call for a single and coherent post-2015 agenda, he said choices will need to be made and prioritizing will be critical.

HLP member Emilia Pires, Minister of Finance, Timor-Leste, noted ownership and partnerships as key aspects of the post-2015 development agenda. She observed that partnerships are critical, including partnerships between nations, and with the private sector, as well as the need for mutual trust and respect. She also called for cooperation and accountability.

Amina Mohammed, Special Advisor of the Secretary-General on Post-2015 Development Planning, outlined other streams that are working towards the post-2015 development agenda, and noted the recently released UN Development Group (UNDG) report, “The Global Conversation Begins: Emerging Views for a New Development Agenda,” which contains preliminary findings from national and global consultations. She offered support to the various ongoing intergovernmental processes related to the post-2015.

UN General Assembly (UNGA) President Vuk Jeremik concluded the meeting and announced a UNGA briefing on the HLP report by the President of Indonesia, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, on 30 May 2013, in New York, US. He said the UNGA special event to follow up efforts made towards achieving the MDGs on 25 September 2013 probably will be the last opportunity for world leaders to come together in plenary and discuss actions to complete the MDG process. He also stressed the importance of the various ongoing work streams, including the Open Working Group (OWG) on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Intergovernmental Expert Committee on a Sustainable Development Financing Strategy, the high-level political forum (HLPF), and the UNGA special event, and said they should converge into a coherent and cohesive whole. He expressed his intent to conduct consultations with the co-facilitators or co-chairs of these work streams to “start a common work.” [IISD RS Story on HLP 4] [HLP Website] [IISD RS Story on UNDG Report] [IISD RS Sources]