Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Co-Chairs release the Zero draft for OWG-12

Zero draft  

The Co-Chairs have now released the “zero draft” of goals and targets, in preparation for the 12th Session of the Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals (OWG-12), which takes place 16-20 June at the United Nations in New York.

Accompanying letter from Co-Chairs

In their accompanying letter they refer to the draft chapeau that has now been incorporated into the zero draft. They also reconfirm the dates for the informal-informals (informal discussions), which will take place from Monday to Wednesday, 9-11 June. Their purpose is to “take an initial sounding of delegations’ views on the zero draft” and to provide an opportunity for Member States “to consult on the proposed goals, their targets and means of implementation contained in the zero draft. They also reminded Member States that only 10 days of formal work remain for the OWG process. The full text of the letter is available here.

Introduction and Proposed Goals and Targets on Sustainable Development for the Post2015 Development Agenda – Preliminary comments

In addition to the introduction, the zero draft provides a list of proposed sustainable development goals (SDGs) that are based on and replace the focus areas, as included in the working document that was discussed in OWG-11.  Each proposed goal has a number of proposed targets. The final proposed goal, proposed goal 17, includes suggestions for means of implementation. 

It should be noted that proposed goal 3 is now “Attain health life for all at all ages” with “population dynamics” being dropped from it. Proposed goal 4 is “Provide equitable and inclusive quality education and life-long learning opportunities for all” and proposed goal 5 is “Attain gender equality, empower women and girls everywhere.” 

A preliminary look at the zero draft shows that under proposed goal 3 there is a separate target on reducing the maternal mortality ratio, as well as targets on child mortality and on HIV, tuberculosis, malaria and neglected tropical diseases. There are targets on non-communicable diseases, universal health coverage and healthy life expectancy.  Target 3(f) in the working document has now been become “ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health for all” in target 3.8.

Target 4.7, under proposed goal 4 on education curricula now reads: “…integrate relevant knowledge and skills in education curricula and training programmes…” It refers to “education for sustainable development and awareness raising on cultures contribution to sustainable development.” Comprehensive sexuality education has not been included.  Meanwhile ICT skills have been dropped.

Proposed goal 5 now includes female genital mutilations as well as child, early and forced marriage in target on eliminating all harmful practices. Target 5.9, like target 5(i) in the working document, says “ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights,” however, “in accordance with the Programme of Action of the ICPD” has been added.

While there is no specific reference to population dynamics, issues related to migration can be found in goals including proposed goal 8 “Promote strong, inclusive and sustainable economic growth and decent work for all” and the proposed goal 11 “Build inclusive, safe and sustainable cities and human settlements” addresses issues related to urbanization. It should be noted that issues related to young people and the elderly are still not adequately addressed. 

There are still only limited references to human rights in the goals themselves. The introduction, however, specifically states: “We reaffirm …respect for all human rights…” It then goes on to reaffirm “the importance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, as well as other international instruments relating to human rights and international law.”

Proposed goal 10 “Reduce inequality within and among countries” has been re-introduced and contains two parts – “Reduce inequality among social groups within countries” and “International actions to reduce inequalities among nations.”  The former includes the following targets: 10.1 “eliminate discriminatory laws, policies and practices” and 10.5 “empower and promote the social and economic inclusion of …women, minorities, migrants, persons with disabilities, older persons, children and youth.” 

As we move towards the OWG-12, for which we do not yet have the agenda and programme of work, we will have further comments on the zero draft. Meanwhile we urge you to read through the full zero draft.