Sexual and reproductive health included in the Communiqué from the Meeting of the High-level Panel of Eminent Persons on the Post-2015 Development Agenda on 1 February 2013 in Monrovia, Liberia

Following their meeting in Monrovia, Liberia on 1 February 2013, the Secretary General’s High-level Panel on the Post-2015 Development Agenda issued statement, which includes an explicit reference to sexual and reproductive health.

The Communiqué states “All members of the panel share a passion for finding the right framework for sustainable development to combat poverty and enable people to fulfill their potential. This is – first and last – about people; the lives they are able to lead, the education they can benefit from, the families they can raise, the health they can enjoy and the prospects they can look forward to as they live their lives and look to the future.”

It confirms their agreement to “make every effort to achieve the Millennium Development Goals by 2015, while also framing a single and cohesive post 2015 development agenda that integrates economic growth, social inclusion and environmental protection.” 

According to the members of the HLP, sustainable growth with equity, creating wealth through sustainable and transparent management of natural resources and partnership will be necessary for achieving structural transformations through a global development agenda. 

Under Sustainable growth with equity HLP members “…recognize the indispensability of economic and social justice, individual choice and opportunity for all. This includes the empowerment of women and girls; investments in young people’s development and expanding social protection schemes; and ensuring universal learning and access to health care — including sexual and reproductive health. 

This is a major achievement for CSOs and NGOs working on sexual and reproductive health and rights and clearly builds on the strong outcome document from the CSO consultation. 
For full communiqué see http://www.worldwewant2015.org/node/305724