2015-03-25 17:30:00

Permanent Observer on post-2015 development goals


(Vatican Radio) The Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations in New York, Archbishop Bernardito Auza, addressed the UN Intergovernmental Negotiations on the Post-2015 Development Agenda earlier this week. Below, please find the full text of his remarks.

*****************************************

Intervention of H.E. Archbishop Bernardito Auza

Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nation

Intergovernmental Negotiations on the Post-2015 Development Agenda

New York 24 March 2015

 

Mr. Co-facilitators,

Thank  you  for convening  this  session. My  delegation  is supportive  of this transparent  and  inclusive  IGN  process,  and  we  commend  both  of  you  on  your leadership throughout the process. My delegation would also like to thank the Chair of the UN Statistical Commission for his presentation on the preliminary indicators.

Regarding the topic of this session, my delegation would like to  make  a few initial comments.

First, my delegation appreciates the ambitious and compelling nature of the SDGs. At the same time,  we are convinced of the need of having a transformative and  action-oriented  post-2015  agenda.  Moreover,  the  SDGs  must  integrate  in  a balanced manner the three pillars of sustainable development  –  economic, social, and environmental development  –  with  an overarching  focus on the eradication of poverty and the achievement of a life of dignity for all. It is imperative that the SDGs focus more on  the needs  of  the most vulnerable countries, notably  the  LDCs, LLDCs, and SIDS, with particular attention to the sectors of their populations where povertyis most pervasive,  to those regions where armed conflicts continue to block even the realization  of  the  MDGs  –  and,  indeed,  cause  further  regression  towards underdevelopment – and to those areas most affected by natural disasters.

Second,  my  delegation  is  fully  aware  that  the  SDGs  are  a  carefully  and purposefully crafted package  to respond to the desires of the stakeholders. For this reason,  my  delegation  does  not  support  the  technical  proofing  of  the  goals  and targets,  as  it  may  lead  to  the  re-opening  and  re-negotiating  of  what  is  already  a politically balanced agreement acceptable to the great majority of the stakeholders.

Third,  we  expect  to  see  significant  results  and  progress  if  the  SDGs  are implemented.  Such  results  and  progress  would  have  to  be  assessed  and  verified against indicators agreed by the stakeholders themselves.

Therefore,  my  delegation  takes  note  of  the  work  of  the  UN  Statistical Commission in providing a preliminary list of indicators for the SDGs and targets. We  further  emphasize  that  the  development  of  evidence-based  indicators  should continue to be carried out in an open and transparent manner and guided by Member States.  These  indicators  should  not  upset  the  political  balance  of  t he  SDGs,  nor should it serve to impose ideas or ideologies that do not find consensus under the outcome of the OWGs.

In this regard, my delegation would like to point out that certain goals and targets are understood differently in different cultural and religious contexts and will translate  differently  into  their  national  policies  and  legislation.  We  believe  the indicators must take these differences into consideration and be drafted in a way that allows countries to assess their results in a way that both  reflect and respect their national values, as well as is consistent with their national policies and legislation.

Lastly, my delegation strongly believes that the indicators should be global, while  taking  into  consideration  the  national  and  regional  specificities,  especially different capacities. Indicators cannot be unrealistic figures  that only, or not even, developed countries can achieve.

Thank you.








All the contents on this site are copyrighted ©.