20 July 2015: Opening the seventh session in the intergovernmental negotiation process on the outcome document of the UN Summit to adopt the post-2015 development agenda, the Co-Facilitators stressed the need to conclude negotiations by 31 July, and expressed confidence in UN Member States’ ability to “do great things.”

Macharia Kamau, Co-Facilitator and Permanent Representative of Kenya, highlighted the importance of the recent conclusion of the Third International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD3). Introducing the revised outcome document issued on 8 July, Kamau said it is final, and that it attempts to accommodate everyone. He asked delegates to refrain from proposing new, long paragraphs or renegotiating principles agreed in the past. Kamau sought the “indulgence” of the Group of 77 and China (G77/China) regarding the inclusion of “tweaks” to the targets under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Kamau asked for delegates’ attention on the chapter on Means of Implementation (MOI), with regard to handling the FfD3 outcome, while indicating an emerging consensus in the area of follow-up and review of the agenda.

David Donoghue, Co-Facilitator and Permanent Representative of Ireland, noted that the UN Statistical Commission and civil society will take part in the negotiation session.

Throughout the day, Member States provided general comments on the draft and specific proposals on the preamble and declaration, as well as the title of the outcome document. Many welcomed the recognition of migrants’ contribution to sustainable development in the text, as was called for during the June session. The EU and others welcomed the references to human rights and gender equality, but underscored that the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR) continues to be problematic. The G77/China argued that CBDR as the overarching principle applying to the entire post-2015 agenda is non-negotiable, and said the reference to “shared responsibility” contradicts its essence.

Delegates debated whether the preamble, which focuses on the five P’s – people, planet, prosperity, peace and partnership – should be retained or rewritten. Brazil argued that “partnership” and “peace” cannot be placed on an equal footing with “people,” “prosperity” and “planet,” which reflect the three dimensions of sustainable development. Others cautioned that the five headings could serve to maintain silos among the indivisible aspects of sustainable development.

The intergovernmental negotiation process is expected to conclude on 31 July 2015. [IISD RS Sources] [IISD RS Meeting Coverage]