Second Drafting Session concludes in New York
Negotiations begin on ways to channel investment to finance ambitious sustainable development agenda
The process is 鈥渕oving towards a conclusion,鈥 said Ambassador George Talbot of Guyana, one of the co-facilitators of the discussions. He called upon UN Member State representatives聽to 鈥渒eep the level of ambition high鈥 to ensure an 鈥渁mbitious outcome鈥 in Addis Ababa this July, when world leaders meet to reach an agreement on how to implement the finance, trade and technology solutions needed to eradicate extreme poverty, promote prosperity and protect the environment.
Every聽country聽will need to 鈥済o beyond their comfort zone鈥 to ensure an a Conference outcome that will support the sustainable development goals to be adopted this September, added Ambassador Geir Pedersen of Norway, the second co-facilitator overseeing the negotiations.
Friday鈥檚 session marked the end of week-long discussions on the of the Addis Ababa Accord, the document to be put before world leaders when they meet at the July conference.
At the heart of the document are strategies to help governments 鈥 developed and developing 鈥 unlock both domestic and international resources to improve the lives of their people and future generations. Also being considered as part of the negotiation process are opportunities to forge partnerships between governments, civil society and businesses to encourage strategic, green investment and align public and private spending for the greatest impact.
Most delegations welcomed the proposed document, and there was general agreement that it would serve as a strong basis for further discussion.
Switzerland, speaking on behalf of more than 30 Member States, spoke out about the importance of integrating the issue of gender equality throughout the agreement, highlighting that this was not only the right thing to do, but also 鈥渟mart economics.鈥
Other topics still requiring clarification include developed countries鈥 Overseas Development Assistance commitments, the need to align the Financing for Development process with the sustainable development negotiations taking place in parallel, and the follow-up process that will monitor the eventual implementation of the Addis Ababa Accord.
Further consultations on the document will be held in May, ahead of the third and final drafting session which will take place in New York between 15 and 19 June.
Source: United Nations 2015 Time for Global Action
Related links: