Report on the fifth session of the IAEG-SDGs

Starting today we are putting up a series of posts on the fifth session of the Inter-Agency and Expert Group on the Sustainable Development Goals Indicators (IAEG-SDGs) was held in Ottawa, Canada from 28 – 31 March 2017.

Fifth session of IAEG-SDGs held in Ottawa -- opening (1)

The first two days of the IAEG-SDGs were closed, with only the members of the Group participating. The first open session was held on the morning of 30 March, with Anil Arora, Chief Statistician, Statistics Canada, welcoming participants to Ottawa for 5th IAEG-SDGs. He noted that Statistics Canada had been consulting on indicators and examining Canada’s data holding, while looking at data gaps. He highlighted the importance of the draft resolution on the global indicator framework as an important step, insofar as what gets measured, gets monitored and gets done. A short presentation was also given by Vincent Rigby, Assistant Deputy Minister, Global Affairs Canada, who had been Canada’s chief negotiator for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (2030 Agenda). He referred to ‘leave no one behind’, also stressing that with the 2030 Agenda, the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, etc, the SDGs can no longer operate in silos. They are integrated and comprise a universal agenda and their achievement will require collaboration with everyone involved in process. It would be important to measure progress and with comprehensive measureable indicators, progress can be tracked.  

Francesca Perucci, Chief of Statistical Services Branch, UN Statistical Division, commented on the successful outcome of the Statistical Commission (UNSC), While the relevant discussions had been difficult and a challenge for the global community, its successes should be celebrated. These included the acceleration of the work on Tier 3 indicators; work on data disaggregation; work towards the comprehensive review; and agreement on a mandate to develop guidelines. She referred to the draft resolutions and decisions of the Commission, particularly the strong call for capacity building. Data is needed to inform policy in many areas, which will require investments for National Statistical Offices (NSOs). The Cape Town Global Action Plan (CTGAP) is important as a platform on implementation collectively.

Enrique Ordaz, Co-Chair, also referred to the draft resolution and the CTGA, recognizing the contributions of the UN Secretary-General and the Specialized Agencies as well as the role of civil society organizations (CSOs) and other stakeholders. As far as the IAEG-SDGs some of the members would soon rotate off, he expressed his gratitude, noting that many challenges remain and the need to ensure that all targets are addressed properly. He then thanked Canada for hosting the meeting.