In order to ensure implementation and universality of the post-2015 development agenda, a ministerial dialogue was held to discuss the ingredients needed to develop coherent and integrated elements of the agenda. Ms. Clark moderated the panel. She mentioned the post-2015 development agenda must tackle the emerging challenges that are applicable to all countries. For instance, climate change has been affecting people’s lives in the past few years and its impacts were obvious. She emphasized the need to reflect the shared aspirations of people and countries so that no one is left behind.

Mr. Potočnik mentioned three important ingredients in the development agenda. First, maintain a good balance among all three dimensions of sustainable development, namely social, economic, and environmental. Next, it is important to maintain a transformative agenda. Hence, a global partnership is vital for every country. Each country should focus on having a coherent, enabling policy environment, and the full mobilization of all its available resources, including private finance and a strong accountability framework.

In addition, Ms. Nana highlighted an effective and efficient coordination mechanism from the global to the local level. She also stressed that gender must be a central pillar to address inequality and poverty. This would ensure all inclusive growth and an equal society. Also, she pointed out the inclusion of civil society, youth, women and the private sector in the planning process.

Mr. Yoon stressed the importance of tackling poverty eradication, ecosystem resilience building, and enhanced gender equality. He mentioned that accountable, transparent and effective governance are the key factors in building an integrated development agenda. Lastly, Ms. Velo outlined a universal and integrated approach, which is capable of capturing the three major dimensions of sustainable development. It is necessary to have an innovative culture of governance with inclusiveness and accountability. She ended by calling for new ways of understanding and measuring the progress of the sustainable development goals.

Meeting Title: HLPF Ministerial Dialogue “A universal integrated policy agenda to implement Rio+20 and realize the future we want”
Speakers: Ms. Clark Helen, Administrator of UNDP; H.E. Mr. Janez Potočnik, European Commissioner for the Environment; H.E. Ms. Lithur, Nana Oye, Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Ghana; H.E. Mr. Yoon Seong-kyu, Minister of Environment, Republic of Korea; H.E. Ms. Silvia Velo, Under Secretary for Environment, Land and Sea, Italy
Location: Trusteeship Council, United Nations HQ, New York
Date: 7 July 2014
Written By WIT representative: Samantha Kong
Edited By WIT Representative: Marli Kasdan