Accountability and the post-2015 development agenda – No 1

As called for by the UN Secretary-General’s High-Level Panel of Eminent Persons, the post-2015 development agenda, in forming a new global partnership, should be underpinned by “a new spirit of solidarity, cooperation, and mutual accountability.” Data, monitoring and accountability, moreover, has been included under proposed Goal 17: Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development, as included in the report of the UN General Assembly Open Working Group (OWG) on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It has also been the topic of one of the World We Want 2015 Thematic Consultations.

Most recently a series of Regional Consultations are taking place. These will feed into the Secretary-General’s Synthesis Report that will guide the deliberations in the General Assembly. During the coming days we will posting reports and information on the se consultations on the website.

High-level Stock-taking event on the Post-2015 Development Agenda

Accountability was an important topic during the President of the General Assembly’s High-level Stock-taking event on the Post-2015 Development Agenda: Contributions to the Secretary-General’s Synthesis Report.

Opening statement by HE John W Ashe, President of the 68^th Session of the General Assembly

In welcoming Member States and other Stakeholders to the High-level Stocktaking Event, HE John W Ashe emphasized that the meeting would provide a unique opportunity to identify inputs for the Secretary General’s Synthesis Report, which will provide “the launching pad” for negotiations on the post-2015 Development Agenda during the 69th session.

Member States and other stakeholders should be “bold and pragmatic in their thinking about what could constitute a truly participatory, inclusive, people-centered post-2015 Development Agenda that has the eradication of extreme poverty as its overarching objective.” It should have “a concise set of goals that are specific, measurable, time-bound, implementable” and the “appropriate accountability mechanisms built in so as to enable monitoring progress in implementation.” The agenda should be transformation and reshape global development, hopefully benefitting generations to come. Institutions, moreover, must be “open and transparent, effective, responsive, and accountable.”

According to Mr Ashe, existing intergovernmental bodies, in particular the High-level Political Forum on sustainable development, could provide “governance and accountability for partnerships.” However, “public oversight should not stifle private initiative.” He also called for a “more robust accountability framework, which is guided by national ownership and leadership, and involves all stakeholders at all levels.” Possible options might be peer reviews among countries in sub-regions and regions as well as the “oversight capabilities” of the High-level Political Forum and the UN Environment Assembly. The full statement is available.