Second Committee Debates Priorities for 70th Session

As reported by IISD, the implementation of 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda (AAAA) were major concerns for consideration in the work of the Second Committee during the 70^th session of the General Assembly. There was also general consensus that the Committee should reinforce the need for a strong and meaningful outcome at the 21st session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 21) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), in Paris, France, in December 2015. The General Debate took place from 7-9 October 2015, beginning with a keynote address and group statements.

On means of implementation (MOI), developing countries highlighted the importance of official development assistance (ODA) calling for developed countries to fulfill their ODA commitments; the importance of respecting the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR); and additional financial support and technology transfer on preferential terms for developing countries. They underscored the need to strengthen South-South cooperation and called for fighting corruption and for sovereign debt restructuring, requesting the reform of the international financial system to ensure fair representation. 

The Russian Federation called for a focus on liberalizing trade and easing debt burdens, including by re-regulating the restructuring of sovereign indebtedness. Turkey prioritized scaling-up assistance to the least developed countries (LDCs) and other groups in special situations. Brazil highlighted the Technology Facilitation Mechanism (TFM), with the nomination of the ten-member advisory group to the Mechanism, as the next step.

Some countries emphasized the importance of SDG 8 on economic growth and SDG 9 on industrialization. Guyana identified “core critical” priorities, including taking immediate steps with regard to the MOI of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development; prompt action on the FfD3 deliverables; and refining institutional support structures, both at national and international levels. Norway said moving “from billions to trillions” in development finance will require leadership from the private sector.

Many developed countries, including Israel and Japan, said that the UN should become “fit for purpose” in the context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Australia called for focussing on financing from all sources for implementing the 2030 Agenda. Norway said the UN Development System should focus on continued support to LDCs and low-income countries; stronger efforts in politically fragile countries; high-quality normative and technical assistance to middle-income countries (MICs); and results, effectiveness and partnerships. India said flagged risks in the implementation process, such as "cherry picking” issues, subjective interpretations of the Agenda's mandate, and perpetuating the "silo" mindset.

According to the Republic of Korea, which holds the presidency of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the priorities of the Second Committee should be establishing a robust follow-up and review mechanism through the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF); supporting a strong climate agreement in Paris; addressing rural development and education, especially for girls; and, supported in this view by Afghanistan, paying special attention to Goal 16 on peaceful and inclusive societies. Singapore, on the other hand, said the Committee should discuss operationalizing the specific outcomes contained in the new agenda: the mandate of the HLPF; the dedicated follow-up and review for the AAAA and the MOI of the SDGs, which is integrated with the follow-up and review framework of the 2030 Agenda; and the review of global progress in the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) for 2015-2030.

For Brazil the UNGA should work toward a "transition to an enhanced institutional framework for sustainable development cooperation" for SDG implementation. They looked forward to the Secretariat's report on critical milestones towards follow-up and review, as did many other delegations. Fiji underlined that Goal 14 (oceans), unlike some of the other SDGs lacks a support system. Five triennial conferences will take place before 2030, to assess the gaps and successes in implementing Goal 14, inclusive of all stakeholders. The first will take place in Fiji in June 2017, co-organized with Sweden. Brazil, Turkey and other countries stressed the importance of the SDG indicators currently being developed by the Inter-agency and Expert Group on the SDG indicators (IAEG-SDGs), under the aegis of the UN Statistical Commission.

Member States also referred to gender equality and women's empowerment; ensuring the human rights of migrants; and supporting youth, especially through youth employment.

For further information see: http://sd.iisd.org/news/second-committee-debates-priorities-for-70th-session/