September 2013: A report coordinated by the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the UN Development Programme (UNDP) discusses the development experiences of high, middle, and low-income countries in Europe and Central Asia. ‘Building more inclusive, sustainable and prosperous societies in Europe and Central Asia: A common United Nations vision for the post-2015 development agenda’ includes 14 short issue briefs and a summary advocacy paper.

The 14 issues discussed in regard to the Europe and Central Asian region are: lessons from the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs); population dynamics; migration; gender equality and women’s empowerment; decent jobs; social protection; quality health and well-being; quality education; production patterns; consumption patterns; sustainable agriculture and rural development; managing Earth’s ecosystems; governance for sustainable development; and partnerships for the post-2015 development agenda.

The advocacy paper describes the history of development in the region, and looks at ways countries could increase growth and social inclusion, while reducing their ecological footprint.

Arguing for an ‘agenda of structural and transformational change,’ the report calls for the post-2015 development goals to focus on inclusion and equality, and invites diverse partners and actors to work together. It also states that social and economic development must be integrated with environmental sustainability and security to move beyond ‘business as usual’ behaviors. [UNECE Report Summary] [Publication: Building more inclusive, sustainable and prosperous societies in Europe and Central Asia]