21 October 2016
IAEG Receives Comments on 10 SDG Indicators
Photo by IISD/ENB | Kiara Worth
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The UN Inter-agency and Expert Group on Sustainable Development Goals Indicators (IAEG-SDGs) released the comments received on 10 SDG indicators, regarding possible "refinements".

The IAEG's fourth meeting will convene in Geneva, Switzerland, from 15-18 November 2016, and is expected to finalize the initial "tier" system and set a work plan to make progress on the Tier III indicators.

October 2016: The UN Inter-agency and Expert Group on Sustainable Development Goal Indicators (IAEG-SDGs) has compiled the results of an online consultation aiming to refine ten selected indicators in the proposed global indicator framework for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Commenters considered possible refinements to indicators under SDGs 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, and 16.

On SDG 1 (End poverty in all its forms everywhere), the consultation invited feedback on revising Indicator 1.a.1 from the current indicator, ‘Proportion of resources allocated by the government directly to poverty reduction programmes,’ to ‘Sum of total grants and FDI and non-debt creating inflows.’ A total of 74 respondents from national statistical offices (NSOs), international organizations, regional organizations, major groups, the private sector and academia provided feedback. Comments expressed a range of views, including support for the revision, and a recommendation to include capacity building and other aspects beyond financial resources. Respondents also suggested: capturing broader measures of poverty reduction; ensuring funds target rural poverty; and providing more details on methodology, among other views.

On SDG 5 (Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls), the IAEG-SDGs suggested revising Indicator 5.6.2 from ‘Number of countries with laws and regulations that guarantee women aged 15-49 years access to sexual and reproductive health care, information and education’ to ‘Number of countries with laws and regulations that guarantee women and men aged 15-49 access to sexual and reproductive health care, information and education.’ Comments from 94 respondents indicated a range of views, with many supporting the refinement but recommending removing the age restriction. Respondents also recommended: increasing the focus on implementation; aligning the indicator with 2030 Agenda language by replacing health “care” with health “services”; inserting the words “all” prior to women, and “accessible” prior to information; including a focus on women’s ongoing health needs in later life; and other changes.

On SDG 7 (Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all), the IAEG-SDGs sought feedback on revising Indicator 7.a.1 from ‘Mobilized amount of US$ per year starting in 2020 accountable towards the $100 billion commitment’ to ‘Amount of public and private funds invested in clean energy infrastructure and clean energy technology.’ Among the 58 respondents, some supported the proposed change while others provided suggestions for further revision, such as defining sustainable and clean energy as renewables only, and focusing on the number of people with access to clean energy. Respondents also suggested: focusing on public funds, rather than private funds; clarifying the indicator’s time frames; including a measure for enhanced cooperation; and making methodological clarifications, among other recommendations.

On SDG 16 (Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels), the consultation requested comments on revising Indicator 16.4.2 from ‘Proportion of seized small arms and light weapons that are recorded and traced, in accordance with international standards and legal instruments’ to ‘Proportion of seized, surrendered or found small arms and light weapons that are marked, recorded or destroyed in accordance with relevant international legal instruments, agreements and standards.’ The 53 respondents variously supported and opposed aspects of the revised indicator, suggesting changes in wording and proposing alternative measures. Recommendations included further refinements to measure: legislation in place to criminalize illicit flow of arms; efforts to combat organized crime; and arms entering the black market.

On SDG 16, recommendations included further refinements to measure: legislation in place to criminalize illicit flow of arms; efforts to combat organized crime; and arms entering the black market.

During the comment period of 19-28 September 2016, views were invited also on Target 2.b (prevention of trade restriction and distortion); Target 3.8 (universal health coverage); Target 3.b (access to medicines); Target 8.8 (labor rights, including for migrant workers); Target 8.9 (sustainable tourism); and Target 8.b (youth employment).

The IAEG-SDGs compiled and released the comments received ahead of its fourth meeting, which will take place in Geneva, Switzerland, from 15-18 November 2016. At the meeting, the IAEG-SDGs is expected to discuss and finalize the initial tier system for indicators and establish an ongoing process for further refining the indicators, including work plans for Tier III indicators. The meeting will also discuss options for indicators without a proposed custodian agency and review data flows from national to regional and global levels. [UNSD Press Release] [Consultation Website] [SDG Knowledge Hub Story on Consultation]


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