Progress report of the Open Working Group of the General Assembly on Sustainable Development Goals (shortened version)

Chapter I

Introduction

The introduction refers specifically to The Future We Want, the outcome document of the UN Conference on Sustainable Development, particularly paragraph 248, setting up the open working group (OWG) to report to the 68^th session of the General Assembly with a proposal for sustainable development goals. The outcome document of the September 2013 special event, urged that the OWG complete its work by September 2014. This report focuses on the progress made in the deliberations during the first eight meetings of the OWG.

Chapter II

Organizational matters

Chapter II lists the OWG sessions already held, the elected officers, HE Csaba Kőrösi (Hungary) and HE Macharia Kamau (Kenya) as its Co-Chairs, and details of its methods of work. The issues considered during its sessions are listed. (paras 9-11)

Chapter III

Substantive highlights of the work of the Open Working Group to date

The report notes that the first phase up to its eighth meeting in February 2014 focused on stock-taking, collecting views of experts. During the second phase, (February – September 2014), the OWG will prepare its report to the GA.

Meetings with Major Groups and stakeholders and other meetings

It is noted that from the third session onwards the Co-Chairs held daily, morning meetings with representatives of Major Groups and other stakeholders before the official business of the OWG. Major Groups and stakeholders were to express their views and share their experiences, members of the OWG being encouraged to attend. An Intersessional Meeting was held between Major Groups and other stakeholders and the OWG on 22 November focussing on rights-based SDGs that encompass all dimensions of sustainable development, and how the SDGs can eliminate inequalities and poverty. Other meetings were held with the Earth Institute at Columbia University and with members of the statistical community. (para 13-14)

Conceptualizing the SDGs

While initially agreeing that the OWG’s proposal on SDGs should be accompanied by a vision and narrative to frame the selection of the proposed goals, it was later decided to focus on developing SDGs and associated targets. The Rio principles should inform the proposal on SDGs, in accordance with paragraph 246 of “The Future We Want”.

Poverty eradication remains the overarching objective and should be central to a proposal on SDGs and the post-2015 development agenda. The advancement and completion of the most off-track MDGs is the starting point, the sine qua non, of the SDGs. But the SDGs should be more comprehensive, ambitious and transformative, also addressing the challenges ahead. The goals and associated targets and indicators should balance the three dimensions (sustainable, environmental and social) and represent a pathway to sustainable development and the future we want, with the targets being differentiated for countries taking into account their different levels of development. The SDGs and targets should focus on key drivers of sustainable development. The enablers and drivers, strategies and approaches for sustainable development include human rights, rights based approaches, governance, rule of law, and wider participation in decision making. A substantially strengthened global partnership will also be critical to advancing sustainable development. Progress on SDGs will require resources and concerted actions and provision should be made for means of implementation such as financing, technology, and capacity building. Targeted multi-stakeholder partnerships have met with some success in mobilizing international efforts and resources behind specific MDGs. Countries should have the necessary data collection and statistical capacities to support robust indicators of progress. (paras 15-32)

Poverty eradication

Eradicating extreme poverty in a generation is an ambitious but feasible goal. More rapid and sustained progress is needed particularly in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. While income poverty remains the principal target, other dimensions should be addressed in the SDGs, as they were to a degree in the MDGs. Setting universal coverage targets for these essentials of human well-being would address inequalities. It would be important to collect disaggregated data, to ensure that no income or other social group is left behind.

Poverty eradication would be addressed not only as a stand-alone goal but also as a cross-cutting objective in other goals. Many members of the Group stressed the importance of strengthening institutional capacities at all levels to deliver better targeted and higher quality services. (paras 33-40)

Food security and nutrition; sustainable agriculture; desertification, land degradation and drought

The fundamental right of everyone to be free from hunger was stressed. An end to hunger and malnutrition is achievable in a generation or less, and it was broadly agreed in working towards this goal to include adequate nutrition from beginning of pregnancy through a child’s second birthday as well as micronutrient availability and healthy diets.

As many small-scale farmers and landless agricultural labourers and their households number among the poor and the hungry, a lasting solution must include raising smallholder productivity and rural incomes on a sustainable basis. This requires greater investments in agricultural research and rural infrastructure, as well as measures to provide more secure access to land, credit, crop insurance etc, for small holders, especially women farmers. Small farmers should have access to national, regional and international markets. Healthy, productive and sustainable fisheries are critical for food security and livelihoods in many countries.

Food wastage at the retail and consumer end of the value chain is a major problem. Traditional farmer knowledge can support productive food systems. Halting and reversing land degradation will be critical for future food needs. (paras 41-55)

Water and sanitation

Water and sanitation are central to the achievement of many development goals, including agriculture, health and education and although the world has met the target of halving the proportion of people without access to safe drinking water five years ahead of schedule, the task of providing universal, reliable access is far from complete. Extending improved sanitation facilities in rural areas and poor urban communities is a major challenge, with insufficient progress on the MDG 7 target. We can continue to link sanitation with safe drinking water, as they are linked health determinants.

An integrated approach to water resources management has value. Meanwhile water scarcity is becoming more serious concerns with climate change and water use needs to become far more efficient, especially in agriculture and industry. Technologies, infrastructure improvements and incentives are needed to reduce water pollution. Sustainable management of ecosystems for enhanced water regulation, quality and availability should be reinforced.

Broad support exists for a dedicated water SDG. Targets could cover aspects, such as equitable, universal and sustained access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene; sustainable development; reduction of water pollution and collection and treatment of used water etc. (paras 56-67)

Employment and decent work; social protection; education and culture; youth

The creation of sufficient productive jobs to employ all those seeking work at decent pay is a major challenge for developed and developing countries, while the dominance of low-productivity employment, mostly in the informal sector in low income countries is of immediate concern. Building dynamic, resilient, sustainable, and diversified economies is critical for the employment challenge in developing countries. Africa, for example, with its large “youth bulge”, could reap a sizeable demographic dividend, if economies can generate enough decent jobs. Private investment and entrepreneurship is critical for job creation and youth unemployment is a global priority. A variety of proposals have been made on employment and decent work, including as stand-alone goal and target in line with goal 8 of the annex to the High-Level Panel Report.

Social protection programmes are important anti-poverty measures, as well as protecting children from extreme deprivation. Social protection should include access to basic health services, income support, school and other supplemental nutrition, which could also be addressed through food security and health goals. Unemployment insurance and old-age pensions are important and a basic, country-specific social protection floor is affordable and feasible even in low-income countries.

Education is central to any sustainable development agenda and the post-2015 development agenda must achieve the MDG goal of primary education for all. Quality education should be addressed as well as gender equality in education. Greater emphasis is needed on secondary school and even tertiary attainment to ensure productive employment. Raising adult literacy and access in all countries to lifelong learning will facilitate adjustment to changing labour market conditions. While culture and cultural diversity can be important to societies’ creativity, cohesion and resilience, it is unclear whether culture per se is “goalable”. (paras 68-83)

Health, population dynamics

Health is a right and a goal in its own right and a means of measuring success across the whole sustainable development agenda.

While the health priorities captured in the health-related MDGs continue to require focus, they could be integrated as targets along with other health targets under a single, overarching health goal. This could be maximizing health at all stages of life or maximizing healthy life expectancy (addressing also the quality of life of those with disabilities); accessing services more than outcomes – universal health coverage, which encompasses equitable access to quality basic health services; or health promotion, prevention, treatment, and financial risk protection from illness and disability. Achieving an outcome like “maximize healthy lives” would also require a range of social and environmental determinants of health from poverty and malnutrition to pollution.

Diseases that primarily afflict the poor must remain central to the post-2015 global health efforts and sustained progress is needed on vaccination against common childhood diseases, on prevention and treatment of communicable diseases such as gastro-intestinal disorders, malaria, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, etc. Reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) has become a high priority in many countries.

As costs of realizing the same outcome in health (life expectancy or disability-adjusted life years) can vary enormously, governments should look at cost-effective approaches, especially where ageing populations are expected to strain health care systems. (paras 84-92)

“The importance was highlighted of respecting and promoting sexual and reproductive health, and protecting and fulfilling reproductive rights in accordance with the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development, the Beijing Platform for Action and the outcome documents of their review conferences. Also stressed was the need to end violence against women and girls, including sexual violence and abuse.” (para 93)

SDGs and related targets should take population dynamics into account, including the challenges of eradicating poverty in the context of high fertility rates and rapid population growth, or providing adequate health care for all in the face of rapid population ageing. Population dynamics also have important implications for the economy and environment, with population increase and rapid growth of urban middle classes both having implications for resource use, consumption and production patterns, and environmental pressures.

Migration is an aspect of population dynamics that brings important social and economic benefits to destination countries, and through remittance flows to sending ones, with the returning migrants increasing investment potential to their countries of origin. (para 94-96)

Sustained and inclusive economic growth, macroeconomic policy questions (including international trade, international financial system and external debt sustainability), infrastructure development and industrialization

Sustained and inclusive economic growth is essential for poverty eradication. In recent decades and especially since 2000, many developing countries have enjoyed relatively rapid and sustained growth. Inclusive growth also remains a priority in developed countries, where unemployment has remained high and income inequalities have been widening. While industrialization is a key driver of productivity growth and job creation, structural transformation and industrial development have been cited as priorities for many developing countries, particularly in Africa and LDCs. Many countries have also highlighted the need for economic diversification, which requires the strengthening of productive capacities and technological capabilities. The decoupling of growth from negative environmental impacts has also been highlighted, with a number of delegations stressing green growth strategies that aim to transform resource and carbon constraints into innovation, growth and employment opportunities.

Infrastructure underpins both rural and urban development as well as industrial development and access to reliable and affordable electricity, water, transport and communications infrastructure is essential for social equity and economic productivity. Meanwhile sustained, inclusive and sustainable growth and development requires gender equality, access to financial services etc. The importance of small- and medium-enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs was noted and external debt sustainability remains a concern for some countries, despite progress with debt relief. (paras 97-105)

Energy

Energy is an enabler for development and is linked to all dimensions of sustainable development and access to safe, affordable and reliable energy is a pre-requisite for growth and poverty eradication. There is no significant trade-off between providing modern energy access to the poor and greenhouse gas mitigation.

Global energy demand will continue to grow with economic development and an accessible pool of affordable technologies can support the energy transition and address the challenge of climate change. Renewable energy was recognized as becoming an integral part of the energy system in a growing number of countries. Energy efficiency and conservation are critical components of sustainable energy and the Sustainable Energy for All initiative was noted as containing ambitious but feasible targets. (paras 106-113)

Means of implementation (science and technology, knowledge-sharing and capacity building); Global partnership for achieving sustainable development

Sustainable development is a global endeavour in which all will need to cooperate. Multi-stakeholder partnerships should, moreover, be built in support of the different goals.

Means of implementation include financing, science and technology, knowledge-sharing and capacity building and a number of member States noted the changes since 2000 in the international financing landscape with official flows dwarfed by private flows, including foreign direct investment and remittances. Still, ODA remains a key source of financing, especially for LDCs and the importance of the target of 0.7 per cent of GNI (.15-.20 for LDCs), was emphasized. Domestic resource mobilization is critical and increasingly important source of public financing, including for infrastructure investment. Illicit financial flows, tax evasion and transfer mis-pricing should be combatted.

South-South and triangular cooperation was emphasized as well as science, technology and innovation as drivers of social and economic development that are fundamental for all countries’ efforts to achieve sustainable development. There is a need to facilitate international technology and enhance international public access to scientific research supported by public funding, at the same time encouraging innovation and building supportive R&D.

A rules-based, equitable, multilateral trade system is important as is a continued enhancement of international market access for LDCs and LLDCs. Migration can contribute to the economic development of receiving countries, as well as sending countrie. A strengthened Global Partnership involving governments and multi-stakeholder partners will be needed for the implementation of the SDGs. There were calls, but not consensus, that such a partnership should be based on the Rio principles, including that of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities.

Business, which should be part of the solution can rally more easily behind specific, measurable and achievable goals and targets and there is considerable potential to expand multi-stakeholder partnerships, including in support of specific goals. (paras 114-132)

Needs of countries in special situations, African countries, LDCs, LLDCs, and SIDS as well as specific challenges facing the middle-income countries

The SDGs and the post-2015 development agenda should take into account the situation and needs of countries in special situations and address key vulnerabilities and build resilience, while integrating internationally agreed priorities pertaining to such countries into the SDG framework. These countries need continued international support to overcome structural impediments to sustainable development and poverty eradication. Their priorities include economic diversification and structural transformation; strengthened human resources; and health and social protection. Some countries are highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and SIDS in particular place a high priority on conservation and sustainable use of oceans and seas. Meanwhile middle-income countries face other challenges including inequality. (paras 133-138)

Human rights, the right to development, global governance

“Human rights and fundamental freedoms are essential for equitable and sustainable development…human rights are universal and interdependent, encompassing civil, political, social, economic, environmental and cultural rights Human rights are cross-cutting and must be mainstreamed rather than being the subject of a stand-alone goal. The rights of women are centrally important in all domains.” The post-2015 framework should ensure a rights-based approach encompassing all human rights and it must clearly and centrally reflect the right to development. The human rights of the most vulnerable and marginalized, including indigenous peoples, migrants and persons with disabilities must be upheld, as well as to eliminate all forms of discrimination, including against women and girls, and to promote economic and legal empowerment of the poor, of vulnerable groups and of women.

Good governance at all levels based on human rights, rule of law, democracy etc is an enabler of sustainable development. Policy coherence should be strengthened between development policies and human rights and business globally should respect fundamental human rights. A rules-based, non-discriminatory and democratic, effective government framework is also required. The reform of the international financial and economic architecture should continue to promote inclusiveness and adequate voice and representation of developing countries. Furthermore, the role of United Nations in global governance, while remaining central, should be strengthened, recognizing the system’s key role for monitoring and accountability in the SDGs. (paras 139-149)

Sustainable cities and human settlements, sustainable transport

Cities pose both challenges and opportunities for sustainable development. They are organically linked with surrounding peri-urban and rural areas, etc. Many supported an urbanization-related goal while others preferred it to be at target level or under a sustainable infrastructure development. The cross-cutting nature of sustainable cities and human settlements was also stressed.

Key factors include forward-looking, integrated urban planning; adequate provision of affordable housing; infrastructure development; sound finances to support provision of affordable and accessible public services and to provide social protection; policies for economic dynamism, small-business formation and formal sector job creation. Social inclusion was emphasized as an integral part of sustainable urbanization, while the rapid growth of slum populations remains a major challenge in many developing countries. Sustainable transport is crucial for all three dimensions of sustainable development. Many called for the SDGs to ensure access to safe, predictable, affordable and environmentally friendly forms of transportation for all. There is also a pressing need to reduce negative impacts of transportation, such as adverse health effects. (paras 150-157)

Sustainable consumption and production (including chemicals and waste)

Many called for the implementation of the Rio+20 decision on the 10-year framework of programmes on sustainable consumption and production (10YFP). Existing agreements call on developed countries to lead the shift towards sustainable consumption and production patterns and some developing countries are already among the leaders in areas like renewable energy and sustainable transport. Improving efficiency of energy and resource use in production and changes in consumption patterns are crucial to achieve sustainable development. The cross-cutting nature of SCP was well recognized and it was suggested that a resource productivity target could distinguish between absolute decoupling in developed countries and relative decoupling in developing ones.

Many emphasized the need to change consumption patterns through a combination of measures including awareness raising, consumer information, and appropriate pricing and regulation. On sustainable production, actions that could potentially lend themselves to targets include increasing the numbers of products and services with sustainability standards and labelling and increasing company reporting on sustainability performance. Sustainability of products and services should also start at the design phase using a life-cycle approach.

Many delegations noted that the poor and the vulnerable are the first victims of harmful chemicals and many developing countries, including LDCs and SIDS, need capacity building and technology transfer to manage chemicals and waste sustainably. Reference was made to the need to reaffirm commitments to relevant Conventions relating to chemicals and waste. (paras 158-168)

Climate change and disaster risk reduction

The urgency of action on climate change and disaster risk reduction was widely acknowledged. It poses a threat to human life, health and well-being through impacts on extreme weather patterns, food security, water availability and management etc. The exposure of SIDS, LDCs and Africa, as well as other countries, to the impacts of climate change was highlighted. Many delegations stated that climate change, one of the biggest challenges of our time, has to be addressed centrally in the SDGs.

At the same time several supported targets that reflect the challenges of addressing climate change in terms of building resilient infrastructure and human settlements, protecting forests, sustainable energy, food security, water management, SCP, and promoting low carbon and climate resilient development. Inclusion of the below 2°C warming target as a guardrail was recommended.

It was noted that the poorest are most at risk from climate change and natural disasters of all kinds, including slow-onset events like desertification and drought. Women represent a disproportionate number of the poor and often suffer the consequences of climate change the most. Women in rural areas in developing countries are often highly dependent on local natural resources for their livelihood and therefore more vulnerable to droughts, floods and land degradation. The risks posed by climate change and disasters are also inter-connected.

Proposals were made for targets on disaster risk reduction. Tools are available to address disasters and countries should think and act in terms of managing systems to reduce disaster risks and build resilience. In this context, there are three interrelated tasks: risk prevention; risk reduction; and fostering resilience. There is a need for a range of solutions, including access to technology and information systems for early warning and disaster management, The role of good governance, responsibility to future generations etc were also recognized. (paras 169-178)

Oceans and seas, forests, biodiversity

The role of oceans and seas, forests and biodiversity as Earth’s life-support systems was widely recognized. They are crucial for poverty eradication, global food security, human health, and the creation of sustainable livelihoods and decent jobs. Some proposed a comprehensive goal to enhance the benefits of ecosystems and biodiversity for all. Others advocated stand-alone goals on oceans and seas, and biodiversity, respectively. In addition, relevant targets and indicators could be integrated into other goal areas such as food security and nutrition, water, and sustainable livelihoods.

The majority of ocean and sea ecosystems are on the brink of collapse, with serious threats including marine pollution; disposal of waste and tailings at sea and along coasts; unsustainable extraction of marine resources, such as overfishing, etc.

Forests are key sources of wood and other forest products, water supplies, medicines, livelihoods, ecosystem stability, carbon storage and other vital services. Action was called for to make forests more valuable standing than cut. Poor and vulnerable groups are often disproportionately affected by the consequences of unsustainable management of natural resources.

On biodiversity, many referred to its contributions directly and indirectly to the well-being of both current and future generations. A number of drivers of its loss were mentioned, such as climate change, CO₂ emissions, land use change, and overexploitation of resources. Deforestation is a major source of land-based biodiversity loss. There is a need to recognize the living value of species beyond their commodity values.

Many referred to extant international legislation and voluntary instruments that govern oceans and seas, forests and biodiversity, suggesting that goals and targets in the SDGs should be supportive of such agreements.The governance of the high seas and the management of biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction were raised by some. Many mentioned the importance of education, capacity building, technology transfer and financing in the context of sustainable use and management of natural resources. (paras 178-189)

Promoting equality, including social equity, gender equality and women’s empowerment

On promoting equality, including social equity, gender equality and women’s empowerment, concerns were voiced by many about the wide and widening inequalities among social groups as well as between countries. Some of the relevant actions to reduce income and other type of inequalities include: anti-discrimination laws and policies; affordable access to quality education; social protection; health care; and productive and remunerative employment opportunities. The SDGs should give particular attention to marginalized and vulnerable groups, noting that persons with disabilities tend to be in many societies among themost marginalized. Inequalities between countries are the major form of income inequality in the world, even if the gaps have been narrowing.(paras 190-193)

“Gender inequality was recognized as a pervasive form of inequality. Promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment is not only a matter of human rights; it is also a fundamental condition for sustainable social and economic development. There was widespread support for a two-track approach: a stand-alone goal on gender equality, supplemented by cross-cutting targets under other goals.

“Women’s economic empowerment should be based on addressing the structural causes of inequality by, inter alia, enhancing their voice in decision making in households, communities and political life; ensuring their access to resources and assets such as land, finance and inheritance; as well as ending violence against women. More equal distribution of unpaid work within households frees girls’ and women’s time to pursue education and paid employment opportunities as appropriate. Similarly, women’s empowerment can have major benefits for their families’ and children’s health, nutrition, and education.” (paras 194-195)

“Many referred to the need to respect and fulfil the sexual and reproductive health and rights of all individuals, including access to sexual and reproductive health information, education, and services. Others did not agree and stressed that the SDG framework should be based on what has previously been agreed upon on this front, and referred to the need to be consistent in this regard with the ICPD agreement and the Rio+20 Outcome document.” (para 196)

Conflict prevention, post-conflict peacebuilding and the promotion of durable peace, rule of law and governance

Many highlighted that peace, rule of law, and governance are both ends in themselves and enablers for poverty eradication and sustainable development.Some called for peace, rule of law, and governance to be reflected in goal form, as well as in a cross-cutting manner, while others wished to see them reflected as enablers in the overall post-2015 development agenda. Conflict is development in reverse. Severe inequalities of power, voice, opportunity and wealth among different income groups as well as ethnic and other identity groups are among the sources of conflict, while citizens’ need for personal security is universal. Many referred to rule of law and development as inter-related and mutually reinforcing.

Governance, including open and effective and accountable institutions, participatory decision making and transparency were identified as key enablers of sustainable development. Promoting participatory governance, including inclusive economic governance and equity, can contribute to the emergence of peaceful and resilient societies, conflict prevention and dispute resolution. Many countries highlighted the international dimension of the rule of law, including through reforms of international organizations

Tools and indicators for measuring progress in this cluster have advanced greatly in recent years and, even though capacity-building and assistance would be required, measurability is not an insurmountable obstacle to its inclusion in the SDG framework. (paras 197-204)

Chapter IV

The Way Forward

At the conclusion of its stocktaking phase, the ideas and proposals of Member States, other stakeholders and invited experts can serve as a solid basis for commencing the consensus building phase of the work of the OWG with a view to agreeing a proposal on SDGs and targets for submission to the General Assembly according to the agreed schedule. (para 205)