Closing of Sixth Session of the UNGA Open Working Group (OWG)

The discussion on Friday, 13 December 2013, at the sixth session of the Open Working Group (OWG-6) on Sustainable Development Goals discussed “Human rights, the right to development, global governance.”

At the conclusion of the meeting, Co-Chair Körösi presented the Co-Chairs’ summary of the session. As reported by the iisd Reporting Services he highlighted that:

“…we cannot set ambitious goals without specifying how they will be achieved and the need for political will, financing, technology, capacity building, policies and institutions. He noted that the Rio+20 outcome identified means of implementation by creating the Intergovernmental Committee of Experts on Sustainable Development Financing and leaving the rest for the OWG to consider, and said the two tracks are interlinked, and that it may be difficult to draw the line between the two and to avoid duplication. He also noted the need to discuss the potential sources of finance to implement the SDGs and going beyond government-to-government cooperation, since there are limited resources available in the ODA framework.

“Other areas he highlighted include: the need for a strengthened partnership for implementation of the SDGs that is equitable and inclusive and with mutual accountability and a fair sharing of responsibilities; the need for public-private partnerships; recognition of the role of large corporations in developing new sustainable business models; the importance of science, technology and innovation; and strengthening data and statistical capabilities in developing countries.

“With regard to countries in special situations, he noted the need to: build resilience; address vulnerabilities; and invest in education and skills. He said Africa has focused on eradication of poverty and hunger and finishing the MDGs; small island developing States (SIDS) want stronger action on climate change and the sustainable management and use of oceans; landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) want to alleviate the high costs of market access through a trade facilitation agreement; and middle-income countries are concerned with inequality. On human rights, development and global governance, he highlighted: the importance of human rights and fundamental freedoms; the right to development; and an effective UN institution as the cornerstone of sustainable development governance.”

Future sessions of the OWG after OWG-8

The Co-Chair also announced future OWG dates after the eighth session in February 2014. These are 3-7 March, 31 March-4 April, 5-9 May, 2-6 June, 14-18 July.