Post-2015 development agenda intergovernmental negotiations, 22-25 June No 8: 4th and 5th meetings on goals and targets

On the afternoon of Tuesday 23 June, following the conclusion of the discussion on the preamble and declaration, the intergovernmental negotiations moved on to the goals and targets, although some delegations had already referred to them. The main areas for discussion included: suggestions in the Annex from the Co-facilitators for the ‘tweaking’ of 21 targets, vis-à-vis the ‘Xs’ and the targets that do not meet internationally agreed standards; chapeau and reservations; and indicators and work of the inter-agency and expert group (IAEG) of the UN Statistical Commission...

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Post-2015 development agenda intergovernmental negotiations, 22-25 June No 7: 3rd and 4th meetings – conclusion of the discussion on the declaration

Co-facilitator (Kamau) opened the meeting, saying that they have heard general comments and some on the declaration. The previous day he had extended a warm welcome to many groups but failed to mention a “trusted ally” of the membership and of the Co-facilitators, namely the UN organizations, and looks forward to their interventions on technical matters to make sure that the process will consistent with other international agreements. The discussion then continued on the preamble and declaration in the zero draft of the outcome document...

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WSIS+10 interactive consultations Thursday, 2 July in ECOSOC Chamber

We have received the following from NGLS

Dear Colleagues,

Please find here the programme for the 2 July informal interactive consultations with stakeholders on the review of implementation of the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), hosted by the President of the General Assembly in the ECOSOC Chamber at UN Headquarters in New York. The meeting will take place from 10:00am-1:00pm and 3:00-6:00pm. 

The meeting will be web cast live at http://webtv.un.org/

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Post-2015 development agenda intergovernmental negotiations, 22-25 June No 6: 1st and 2nd meetings – Key points from statements by Member States

The statements of Member States are summarized below focussing predominantly on issues related to gender equality, youth, health, sexual and reproductive health and rights, migration and related issues. The interventions, which were predominantly on the introductory part of the outcome document and on the  declaration, provide information as to the positions and priorities of the various countries, which could be useful for the negotiations moving forward. 

On a lighter note, the Indian delegate in his statement, quoted the musical composer Leonard Bernstein as saying that “to achieve greatness, two things are needed - a plan and not enough time. Conditions are therefore just right. We clearly do not have the time, and we are sure you [the Co-facilitators] have a plan! In other words, stars are truly aligned for us to achieve greatness, to achieve a great agenda that all of us want. So, let's work together and let’s get this done by 31st of July!”...

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Post-2015 development agenda intergovernmental negotiations, 22-25 June No 5: 1st meeting – introduction by Co-facilitators and Group positions

The 1st meeting of the fifth session of the intergovernmental negotiations, which began on 22 June, was opened by Ambassador Macharia Kamau, Co-facilitator, who welcomed everyone to the meeting on the zero draft document, referring specifically to those who are new to the process as well as the civil society who were present “in full force”. The zero draft had been circulated to facilitate conversation to ensure that there would be the kind of post-2015 agenda that they will wish to have and that we will be proud to put before Heads of State and Government (HOSG). He referred to the Financing for Development (FfD) process, which signals a very important outcome that can hopefully be incorporated into the document later on. There seems to be real progress, and that a document acceptable to all members is on the verge of being adopted in time for the Addis conference...

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High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, statement by Frances Zainoeddin of the Gray Panthers NY

Statement At The Opening Of The High-Level Political Forum On Sustainable Development - Strengthening integration, implementation and review – the HLPF after 2015 Friday, 26 June 2015 as presented by Frances Zainoeddin of the Gray Panthers NY

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High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development begins its work

The High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), with the theme  Strengthening integration, implementation and review – the HLPF after 2015  began its work today and will continue until 8 July.

As set out in the Integrated Programme speakers in the opening plenary included Martin Sajdik, President of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC); Rudolf Hundstorfer, Federal Ministry for Labour, Social Affairs and Consumer Protection, Austria and Thomas Gass, on behalf of the UN Under-Secretary-General for Policy Coordination and Inter-Agency Affairs. Representatives from Major Groups and other Stakeholders, Kadir Topbaş, Mayor of Istanbul and President of UCLG;...

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Post-2015 development agenda intergovernmental negotiations, 22-25 June No 3: Civil society statements

The statements below were among those given during the meeting with Major Groups and other Stakeholders:

• Marianne Haslegrave, Commonwealth Medical Trust, on behalf of members of the Post-2015 Health Coalition
• Hendrica Okondo from Kenya, speaking on behalf of civil society organizations from all regions
• Marisa Viana, Women’s Major Group and Realizing Sexual and Reproductive Justice (RESURJ)
• Micah Grzywnowicz speaking on behalf of a Post-2015 SOGI constituency 

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Civil society speakers selected for United Nations President of General Assembly's 29 June 2015 High-level Event on Climate Change

At the request of the Office of the President of the UN General Assembly, UN-NGLS facilitated a nomination process to identify 3 civil society speakers for the President's High-level Event on Climate Change. The event will take place on 29 June 2015 at United Nations Headquarters in New York. 

The President of the General Assembly, H.E. Mr. Sam Kahamba Kutesa, has now selected the following civil society speakers:...

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Mogens Lykketoft of Denmark is elected President of the upcoming 70th session of the UN General Assembly

The United Nations General Assembly has elected Mogens Lykketoft of Denmark, as President of its upcoming 70th session by acclamation. 

Mr. Lykketoft, who has served both as Denmark’s Foreign and Finance Ministers, declared in addressing the Assembly that his Presidency would be marked by a “commitment to action” towards building “a more fair and stable world” in line with the objectives set out by the UN Millennium Development Goals. The three priorities that, he said, would define his mandate, including a commitment to action, a surge in UN efforts to cement international peace and security, and a clear effort to support further progress for human rights...

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