The first meeting of the UN Statistical Commission Inter-Agency and Expert Group on Sustainable Development Goals (IAEG-SDGs) was held from 1-2 June 2015. It comprises 28 Member States from all regions, with a number of countries represented by their missions rather than statistical experts. The agenda before the IAEG was to develop the framework, establish working methods of the group and agree the way forward. Its elected Co-chairs were Mrs Lisa Grace Bersales and Fabiola Riccardini.
During the meeting there was a lack of clarity as to how the IAEG would work and there were divergent approaches coming from those who were statisticians coming from capital and those who were from missions. It was pointed out that this was a technical meeting and as such that it did not have interpretation. This in turn was used by some of those from missions as one of the reasons for inability of their experts to participate. Other reasons included the lack of time and other logistical problems. There were also criticisms at the late circulation of documentation.
Fundamental differences emerged during the meeting between those who were happy for the work to be done by two sub-groups, (later changed to work streams), one on the principles for the overall indicator framework and one to analyze the inter-linkages between targets, and those who wanted everything done by the whole group. While some pointed out that statisticians were used to work through sub-groups, others (particularly from the missions) wanted everything done by everyone. In addition, while the Co-chairs were willing to convene the two groups, the work being done between now and the next meeting in September / October electronically, some wanted facilitators.
There were also questions about the main document and criticisms were made, as it did not include inputs from Member States. Specific comments were also made on various targets during the deliberations, which included contributions from Member States, observers, specialized agencies and civil society.
It was not possible during the meeting to agree the way forward and the proposals for the procedure to be followed will be sent to Member States, being also copied to the Missions in New York.
For report of the meeting see: Detailed notes on UN Statistical Commission IAEG – SDGs, 1-2 June 2015