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Action 2015

Overview I News on Post-2015 I Resources and Think Pieces I FAQs

News on Post-2015 development process

Forum on Women’s Health and Development at UN Headquarters

‘The World Women’s Health and Development Forum is looking at women’s health, beyond reproductive health, and its role in the new development agenda. Providing women and girls with equal access to health care, medicine and disease prevention contributes to fuel sustainable economies and benefits societies at large. The forum will identify challenges and share best practices on several themes, including: Women’s Health and Sustainable Development; Global Policy-Making for Women’s Healthcare and Reform; Policy Imperatives for Women’s Health Research and Development.

High-level Thematic Debate on Means of Implementation for a
Transformative Post-2015 Development Agenda

Mobilizing adequate means of implementation – financial resources, technology development and transfer and capacity-building – will be critical to delivering on and implementing a truly transformative and ambitious post-2015 development agenda. The two-day High-level debate will result in a summary from the President of the General Assembly, which  will be circulated to all Member States and other stakeholders.

Young leaders at the UN to engage on post-2015

‘2015 is a chance to change history,’ UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told the Youth Forum organized by the UN’s Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). “[You are] “the first generation with the potential to end poverty and the last generation to avoid worst effects of climate change,” he added, inviting young people to be fully engage in the post-2015 development agenda. This two-day event serves as a platform for youth representatives to meet with Member States, voice their opinions, and contribute to policy formulation for the future development agenda.

UN Global Launch of Action 2015

On 15 January, there will be a full-day digital communications surge as well as other events around the world to raise awareness of 2015 as a pivotal year for global change. Major decisions will be made at three high-level international meetings during the year that will provide an opportunity to chart a new era of sustainability. Many civil society organisations will join the online conversation on Twitter and other social media platforms, using #action2015, to highlight why 2015 is the time for global action.

 

UN Chief urges world leaders to seize historic opportunity to make strides on sustainable development

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon presented his priorities to 2015 to Member States on 8 January and said that global leaders had a historic opportunity this year to make transformative economic, environmental and social changes that will have a positive and meaningful impact on people’s lives.

 

 

 

 

The Secretary-General’s synthesis report “The Road to Dignity by 2030” is now available in all six UN languages

The Secretary-General’s Synthesis Report, which presents the vision for the post-2015 sustainable development agenda, is now available in all six UN languages. Drawing from the experience of two decades of development practice and from the inputs gathered through an open and inclusive process, the report The Road to Dignity by 2030 charts a road map to achieve dignity in the next 15 years. The Secretary-General will formally present the synthesis report to Member States on 8 January. #action2015

 

Secretary-General’s synthesis report presents vision for post-2015

By 2030 we can end poverty and transform lives while protecting the planet, Secretary-General’s synthesis report, The Road to Dignity by 2030,says. The Secretary-General informally presented an advanced version to UN Member States on 4 December. The official report will be available in all six UN languages by 31 December 2014. In early January 2015, the Secretary-General will formally present the report and further discuss it with Member States. #action2015

New UN group seeks transport solutions for sustainable future

With trillions of dollars expected to be invested in transport infrastructure and air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions rising, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon tasked his High-level Advisory Group on Sustainable Transport with finding viable solutions to promote public health and safety, environmental protection and economic growth through sustainable transport. “The opportunities for sustainable transport are profound and we must take action,” Mr. Ban said as he met with a number of the Group’s members.

 

Data Revolution Report: A World that Counts

The Secretary-General’s Independent Expert Advisory Group on a Data Revolution for Sustainable Development recently launched its report A World That Counts: Mobilising The Data Revolution for Sustainable Development. The report highlights two big global challenges for the current state of data: invisibility and inequality. The report makes specific recommendations on how to address these challenges, calling for a UN-led effort to mobilise the data revolution for sustainable development.

Ban underscores sustainable industrial development as key to planet’s future

Advancing inclusive and sustainable industrial development, both on its own and as part of a broader campaign to protect the planet and all people in the future, is the moral and political responsibility of all governments, the private sector and financial institutions, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon declared at the opening of the UNIDO Forum, and noted that, “2015 is the moment to agree on a new development framework.

 

Ireland and Kenya to lead on post-2015 negotiations

H.E. Mr. Sam Kutesa, President of the 69th Session of the UN General Assembly, appointed H.E. Mr. David Donoghue, Permanent Representative of Ireland and H.E. Mr. Macharia Kamau, Permanent Representative of Kenya, as Co-Facilitators “to lead open, inclusive, and transparent consultations on the post-2015 development agenda, including the organization and modalities for the intergovernmental negotiations and the remaining issues related to the Summit for the adoption of the post-2015 development agenda.”

High-Level Panel members say stakes are huge for post-2015 with less than one year to summit

One Year On:  An open letter from former members of the UN Secretary-General's High-Level Panel of Eminent Persons on the Post-2015 Agenda. The countdown has begun in earnest. There is now just one year until the summit where – we hope – heads of state and government will agree on a new global agenda for inclusive, sustainable development to build upon the Millennium Declaration and the Millennium Development Goals.

Private sector urged to invest in sustainable development at World Investment Forum

Leading members of the global investment community gathered to meet sustainable development stakeholders at the World Investment Forum 2014. Held from 13 to 16 October in Geneva, the Forum allowed for inclusive dialogue and policy formulation on investment-development needs at the highest level, bringing together investment partners to discuss challenges, opportunities and policy solutions to meet the Sustainable Development Goals.

Post-2015 development agenda takes centre stage as General Assembly's 69th session opens

The United Nations General Assembly opened its 69th annual session today with the body's new President declaring that it would be a historic opportunity to formulate a post-2015 development agenda that is transformative, brings tangible results in fighting poverty, and leads to improving lives of all people. General Assembly President Sam Kahamba Kutesa declared the theme of this year's general debate “Delivering on and implementing a Transformative Post-2015 Development Agenda.”

UN Member States share their views on the post 2015-development agenda

“Our goal is simple but daunting -- prosperity and dignity for all in a world where humankind lives in harmony with nature,” the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said at the opening of the President of the General Assembly’s High-level Stocktaking Event on the Post-2015 Development Agenda. “We have a year to put the final pieces of this complex puzzle in place.”

 

UNCTAD’s Trade and Development Report 2014

Developing countries need sufficient policy space to advance post-2015 development agenda, UNCTAD report says. As the international community sets about defining a new set of development goals, it is vital that countries have sufficient policy space to match the heightened ambitions of any new agenda, UNCTAD insists in its Trade and Development Report, 2014: Global governance and policy space for development.

Secretary-General Appoints Advisory Group on the Data Revolution

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced the establishment of an Independent Expert Advisory Group on the Data Revolution for Sustainable Development. The Group will advise the Secretary-General on measures required to close the data gaps and strengthen national statistical capacities. “The recommendations of the Group will be important inputs to the post-2015 debate and our efforts to shape an ambitious yet achievable vision,” Mr. Ban said.

The 65th Annual UN DPI/NGO Conference opens

The 65th Annual UN DPI/NGO Conference, entitled, “2015 and Beyond: Our Action Agenda” opens 27 August to provide an opportunity for civil society, international networks and activists to develop an “Action Agenda” to mobilize messaging, advocacy strategies, partnerships and accountability frameworks in the lead up to the launch of intergovernmental negotiations at the beginning of the 69th session of the General Assembly for the adoption of the post-2015 development agenda, due to culminate at a summit in September 2015. #UNNGO2014

UN Member States receive report on finance for sustainable development

The Intergovernmental Committee of Experts on Sustainable Development Financing (ICESDF) recently forwarded to the UN General Assembly its report that considers how to finance efforts to improve people’s lives and protect the planet for future generations. The report provides an analytical framework for financing sustainable development, proposes a basket of policy options for countries to choose and suggests areas for advancement of the global partnership for sustainable development.

 

Open Working Group proposes 17 sustainable development goals

The UN General Assembly's Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals forwarded to the Assembly its proposal for a set of 17 Goals that consider economic, social and environmental dimensions to improve people’s lives and protect the planet for future generations at the conclusion of the Group’s thirteenth and final session at UN Headquarters on Saturday, 19 July. #action2015

 

 

First UN Environment Assembly concludes

The First UN Environment Assembly (UNEA) was held in Nairobi, Kenya, from 23 to 27 June 2014. The newly-established UNEA that brought together over 1,200 high-level participants from government, business and civil society was held under the slogan A Life of Dignity for All.

 

Ministers and international leaders gathered to address two key sustainable development and environment topics of current international concern.

UNCTAD Report: Investing in the SDGs: An Action Plan

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are currently being formulated by the United Nations and a wide range of stakeholders, will require a step-change in both public and private investment in developing countries, if an estimated annual $2.5 trillion funding gap is to be filled, UNCTAD's World Investment Report 2014 argues.

 

Private sector contributions will be critical to the realization of the SDGs, the report says.

Zero draft on SDGs has 17 Goals

The Co-Chairs of the General Assembly’s Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals shared their “zero draft” of goals and targets ahead of the Group’s next session to take place 16-20 June.

 

The list of 17 proposed Sustainable Development Goals to be attained by 2030 is accompanied by targets that will be further elaborated through indicators focused on measurable outcomes.

More than 70 per cent of the world population lacks proper social protection: ILO

A new report by the International Labour Organization (ILO) presents the latest social security trends and finds that most people are without adequate social protection. “The case for social protection is even more compelling in these times of economic uncertainty, low growth and increased inequality.

 

It is also an issue that the international community should embrace prominently in the post-2015 development agenda,” said ILO Deputy Director-General Sandra Polaski.

Young people unite at UN forum to shape future development agenda

Young people from more than 1,000 youth organizations have gathered to add their voices to the ongoing discussion about a new global agenda that will succeed the MDGs. “We must invest in youth and ensure that Member States make youth a top priority of the next development agenda, ” UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth Ahmad Alhendawi said. See video. #youth2015

UN convenes major event on sustainable cities

With 6.3 billion people expected to live in urban areas by 2050, ECOSOC kicked off a three-day event to look at challenges and opportunities for the sustainable future of cities.

 

Sustainable urbanization is the focus of the event, which is the first-ever meeting of ECOSOC’s integration segment – a new annual segment on the economic, social and environmental pillars of sustainable development.

 

World Health Assembly considers on post-2015

Health must be part of the future global development agenda, WHO Director-General Margaret Chan underscored as she outlined a host of issues afflicting millions globally and which impact on efforts to reduce poverty and advance overall well-being.

 

“Better health is a good way to track the world’s true progress in poverty elimination, inclusive growth and equity,” Chan said at the opening of the World Health Assembly in Geneva.

 

Indigenous Forum considers post-2015

ndigenous peoples must be a part of the ongoing process to define a global development agenda beyond 2015, United Nations officials said today, calling for explicit assertion of their collective rights as well as the promotion of traditional knowledge to tackle issues such as climate change, as the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues opened its 2014 session.

MY World Global Week of Action (5-11 May)

The Global Week of Action from 5-11 May is a mobilization effort to gather 500,000 additional votes for MY World–the the United Nations vote for a better world and the only vehicle for citizens to directly have their say on the next global development agenda. Download the toolkit for action at this link and start sharing with your community today.

 

#globalvote

 

World Press Freedom Day focuses on post-2015

With the theme, “Media Freedom for a Better Future: Shaping the post-2015 Development Agenda,” World Press Freedom Day was celebrated on 3 May. Free media, traditional and new, are indispensable for development, democracy and good governance, United Nations officials said at UN Headquarters. Other events celebrated the day around the world, including at UNESCO.

For more follow #pressfreedom

 

Accountability vital to post-2015

With Member States in the midst of determining the post-2015 development agenda, UN officials stressed that all actors be held accountable and honour their commitments. “Accountability is essential to assess progress and achieve results. This should happen at the national, regional and global levels. All actors, including governments, the UN system, civil society and the private sector, should be accountable for honouring their commitments,” Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said.

 

Happy #MotherEarthDay!

“Our global strategy must promote sound environmental ethics, and continually emphasize humanity’s interconnectedness with nature,” said UN General Assembly President John Ashe. To commemorate the International Day, the General Assembly is convening an interactive dialogue on “Harmony with Nature”. This year’s Mother Earth Day—observed annually on 22 April—focuses on green cities. Find out how you can participate. 

 

Continuing the global conversation

The United Nations Development Group is launching a second round of global dialogues devoted to the means of implementation of the post-2015 development agenda. Close to 50 Member States expressed interest in participating in these multi-stakeholder dialogues.  The dialogues will bolster the UN-led global conversation in which nearly 2 million people have participated.  Get involved today!

 

 

 

Building global partnerships

At a joint-event of the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council, Member States took steps towards identifying solutions for mobilizing new and existing development partnerships in the implementation of the post-2015 development agenda. UN leaders stressed the importance of reaching out to all stakeholders among the governmental and non-governmental communities. Official statements and videos of the meetings are available here. Follow updates online using #PGApost2015.

The 2015 Post: Issue #5

Not up to date on the latest post-2015 happenings? The United Nations Non-Governmental Liaison Service (UN-NGLS) released its latest issue of ‘The 2015 Post’. In this month’s issue, find updates on the Open Working Group (OWG) on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Intergovernmental Committee of Experts on Sustainable Development Financing (ICESDF), and an expanded list of upcoming post-2015 events.

Gender equality reaches new ‘milestone’

The 58th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women concluded with many UN Member States calling for: increased investment towards education and health for women and girls; the acceleration of progress for achieving the Millennium Development Goals for women and girls; and a stand-alone sustainable development goal on gender equality in the post-2015 development agenda.

 

 

Indigenous women and post-2015

In addition to supporting acceleration of the MDGs, this year’s Commission on the Status of Women (#CSW58) also aims to give more visibility to women’s rights, empowerment and gender equality in the post-2015 development agenda. In an interview with UN Radio, a representative for an indigenous women’s group in Asia shares important insights on the role of indigenous communities in the post-2015 development agenda.

 

Powering a global conversation

To build on the success of the Millennium Development Goals beyond the 2015 target date, the United Nations and its partners are employing innovative approaches to facilitate an inclusive global conversation. Learn how in this new video.

 

 

 

Share your voice!

 

The Open Working Group (OWG) on the Sustainable Development Goals identified 19 focus-areas for sustainable development that could help the international community build on the progress of the MDGs, beyond 2015. From now through 14 March, the World We Want platform invites you to share feedback on the OWG’s focus-areas document. Submissions in the online conversation will be made available to the OWG Co-chairs.

Sustainable development financing

The Intergovernmental Committee of Experts on Sustainable Development Financing is responsible for proposing ways to help mobilize the financial resources needed for achieving sustainable development objectives. The Committee is holding its Third Session from 3-7 March, which includes an interactive multi-stakeholder dialogue with NGOs, the private sector and Major Groups. The Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals is holding its Ninth Session from 3-5 March.  

OWG: Building consensus on sustainable development

Guided by the principle of establishing an inclusive intergovernmental process open to all stakeholders, the Open Working Group (OWG) on Sustainable Development Goals have successfully identified key focus-areas for building on the progress of the anti-poverty targets known as the Millennium Development Goals, and for addressing emerging global challenges in the post-2015 development agenda. (Note: OWG focus-areas)  

 

Setting the Stage: Water, sanitation and energy

The President of the UN General Assembly opened the first of his thematic debates on the post-2015 development agenda, focusing on water, sanitation and energy. “Eradicating extreme poverty is our most urgent priority, sustainable development our guide. Universal access to safe water, sanitation and energy will be critical”, the UN Secretary-General said. The two-day event brings together government officials, civil society and UN leadership.  

 

Global partnership for youth

The UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth helped launch a new crowdsourcing initiative for youth to participate in the post-2015 development process. Developed in partnership with UN entities, youth groups and NGOs, ‘The Global Partnership for Youth’ will work to identify youth perspectives and advocate for these to be reflected in the post-2015 development agenda.

 

 

Supporting an historic opportunity

The UN Special Advisor on Post-2015 Development Planning, Amina J. Mohammed, addressed a special event for the Fifty-Second Session of the Commission for Social Development. In discussing the post-2015 development process, Amina Mohammed said, “Ours is the first generation with the resources and know-how to end extreme poverty and put our planet on a sustainable development course before it is too late.”

 

Final Open Working Group session

During the eighth Open Working Group (OWG) session at the United Nations, Member States and stakeholders discussed ways to promote such issues as gender equality, biodiversity and governance in the future sustainable development goals. “Almost one productive year has passed in which we have done some deep reflection together, and now we begin crafting a proposal on sustainable development goals,” said the OWG co-chairs.

 

UN briefing with civil society

At an interactive briefing about the post-2015 development agenda, General Assembly President John Ashe and UN Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson listened to the concerns of a diverse group of global civil society representatives. “You are important contributors to the multilateral system tasked with ensuring that the marginalized and vulnerable of this world are not forgotten,” President Ashe said.

 

Second round of global consultations

The global consultations for the post-2015 development agenda continue to provide voices and evidence to the post-2015 intergovernmental process.

 

In a special interview, UNDP shares news about the next round of global consultations facilitated by the UN Development Group (UNDG), the added value of their focus on means of implementation, and how civil society will be able to engage.

 

UNDP report confronts inequality

UNDP’s new report, Humanity Divided: Confronting Inequality in Developing Countries, reveals that income inequality increased by 11 per cent in 15 countries over the two decades between 1990 and 2010.

 

 

Open Working Group concludes seventh session

Member States at the seventh session of the Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) discussed the role of sustainable cities, sustainable consumption and climate change mitigation within the context of the next international development framework  following the Millennium Development Goals.

Open Working Group concludes sixth session

The sixth session of the Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) carefully considered how a new set of ambitious development goals are to be achieved in terms of political will, financing, technology, capacity building and partnerships, policies and institutions. Member States also discussed how to improve MDG 8, on the global partnership for development.

Open Working Group concludes fifth session

The most recent session of the Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) focused on sustained and inclusive growth, industrialization and infrastructure development. As part of its task with preparing a proposal on the SDGs, the 30-member Open Working Group (OWG) of the General Assembly is holding inclusive meetings with major groups and stakeholders on the post-2015 development agenda.  

UN-NGLS Post-2015 Primer Series: Issue #2

UN-NGLS is pleased to launch the second issue of its Post-2015 Primer Series, focusing on the Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

 

Water and sanitation for all needed in post-2015

In a joint statement, United Nations entities urged countries to ensure that the post-2015 development agenda addresses inequalities in access to basic services, such as water and sanitation.

 

 

 

 

The Post-2015 Development Agenda: Setting the Stage!

The President of the General Assembly and Government leaders weighed in at the General Debate on how to shape the world’s development strategy for the period after the 2015 target date of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Learn more.

 

 

 

 

Leaving No One Behind: Towards a Post-2015 Development Agenda

In a new article, the UN Special Adviser on Post-2015 Development Planning shares how the MDGs Special Event on 25 September 2013 provides the opportunity to set a course for the post-2015 development agenda. Read more.

 

 

 

 

 

A million voices: The world we want

For almost one year, over one million people have engaged in 88 national consultations, 11 thematic dialogues and the MY World global survey.

 

A new report by the UN Development Group presents the findings from the global conversation and outlines some of the ways the UN is engaging with global citizens.

 

The Global Youth Summit: BYND 2015

Thousands of young people from all over the world have participated in the 'Global Youth Summit: BYND 2015’ in Costa Rica.

 

Youth groups highlighted their priorities to help shape the post-2015 development agenda. Learn more.

Asia-Pacific declaration on development beyond 2015

Ministers and high-level representatives from Asia and the Pacific have adopted the ‘Bangkok Declaration of the Asia-Pacific region on the United Nations Development Agenda beyond 2015’. The Declaration will be shared as a key regional input to the Open Working Group (OWG) on Sustainable Development Goals at the General Assembly in September 2013.

A conversation on post-2015 processes

In an interview with UN Radio, the UN Secretary-General's Special Advisor on Post-2015 Development Planning, Ms. Amina Mohamed, summarizes key findings from the latest report of the Secretary-General, titled “A Life of Dignity for All”. Listen here.

 

Ms. Mohamed discusses how governments and societies must dig deeper to achieve sustainable development and dignity for all.  

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