SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
(SDGs)
PRESENTATION OUTLINE
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Rio+20 Outcome
MDGs
Open Working Group on SDGs
UNGA Decision on SDGs
UNSG Synthesis Report
Intergovernmental Negotiations
National Engagement
Principles of South Africa’s Position
Recommendations
RIO+20 OUTCOMES
• One of the main outcomes of Rio+20 held in Rio de Janeiro in
June 2012, was the agreement by Member States to launch a
process to develop a set of sustainable development goals
(SDGs).
• Rio+20 did not elaborate specific goals but stated that the
SDGs should be limited in number, aspirational and easy to
communicate.
RIO+20 OUTCOMES
• Rio+20 provided the basis for the conceptualization of the
SDGs and gave the mandate that the SDGs should be coherent
with and integrated into the UN development agenda beyond
2015.
• The goals should address in a balanced way all three
dimensions of sustainable development and be coherent with
and integrated into the UN development agenda beyond
2015.
MDGs
• The 8 Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) adopted in
2000, set bold targets for development and were key in
forging a global cooperation framework for development.
• The MDGs target date for completion is September 2015
thereby allowing for a new set of goals beyond 2015.
• South Africa is currently in the drafting stages of the final
review report on MDGs, which will seek to provide an account
of progress or otherwise made on the targets set out in the
goals.
OWG on SDGs
• The Open Working Group (OWG) on SDGs forwarded to the
69th session (September 2014) of the United Nations General
Assembly its proposal.
• The proposal included 17 goals with 169 targets on economic,
social and environmental dimensions to improve the people‘s
lives and protect the planet for future generations covering a
broad range of sustainable development issues including
ending poverty and hunger, improving health and education,
and combating climate change.
UNGA DECISION ON SDGS
• The General Assembly decided that the OWG on SDGs
proposed goals would be the “main basis” of the post-2015
development agenda intergovernmental negotiations.
• From a developing country perspective the SDG proposal is
pro-development focused and has been fully supported by
developing countries, which clearly expresses an agenda
aimed at ending poverty, achieving shared prosperity,
protecting the planet and leaving no one behind.
UNSG SYNTHESIS REPORT
• Synthesis Report entitled: “The Road to Dignity by 2030: Ending
Poverty, Transforming All Lives and Protecting the Planet”,
incorporates the findings of all the various UN-driven processes,
consultations and initiatives on the post-2015 development
agenda.
• The synthesis report aims to support member states in discussions
going forward, taking stock of the negotiations on the post-2015
agenda and reviewing lessons from the MDGs.
• The report stresses the need to “finish the job” – both to help
people now and as a catalyst for the new agenda.
UNSG SYNTHESIS REPORT
Six essential
elements for
delivering the
SDGs
INTERGOVERNMENTAL NEGOTIATIONS
• Intergovernmental began in January 2015 to negotiate the
post-2015 development agenda.
• Co-facilitated process (Kenya & Ireland).
• Series of monthly negotiations leading to the Summit in
September.
• Facilitators have divided the process into 4 elements (political
declaration; goals and targets; means of implementation and
monitoring and implementation).
NATIONAL ENGAGEMENT
• DIRCO has established SDG Clusters, namely Social, Economic,
Environmental, Means of Implementation, Peace and Security.
• DEA co-facilitates the Environment Cluster along with DIRCO,
and has thus far held two inter-departmental consultations.
• The multi-stakeholder consultation for the environment
sector has been scheduled for April 2015.
• DEA has also worked with the youth through the South
African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) to gain their
perspective on the SDGs.
PRINCIPLES OF SOUTH AFRICAN POSITION
1. It is imperative that the post-2015 development agenda
builds on the unfinished business of the MDGs and on the
development gains achieved.
2. The global development agenda should compliment national
and regional priorities, including the NDP, NEPAD and
Agenda 2063.
3. The eradication of poverty and hunger, as well as combating
inequality at all levels, has to be the overarching objective.
PRINCIPLES OF SOUTH AFRICAN POSITION
4. It should be acknowledged that countries have different
starting points, national priorities and regional
circumstances. The principles of Common But Differentiated
Responsibilities, along with Equity and the Right to
Development should be affirmed.
5. The importance of integrating the three dimensions of
sustainable development, in a balanced manner should be
emphasised.
PRINCIPLES OF SOUTH AFRICAN POSITION
6. The development agenda beyond 2015 has to emphasise the
importance of the means of implementation, including
financial assistance through continued Official Development
Assistance (ODA).
Developed countries must honour their historic obligations
and responsibilities, as part of the commitments made in the
context of the global partnership for development, which
itself also needs to be expanded and strengthened.
RECOMMENDATIONS
• Portfolio Committee to note the SDGs development nationally
• Portfolio Committee to note the global negotiation processes
on SDGs