This meeting started with several countries relating their sentiments regarding the post-2015 development agenda. China, Chad, the Russian Federation, and Ecuador all gave similar statements about desiring more transparency, stronger follow-up, and resolutions to implementation issues. Following this, the floor was opened up to major groups and stakeholders. The representative of Freshwater Action Mexico said that though the MDG indicator for clean water had been achieved, “the water did not reach the people.” A representative of indigenous people called for segregated data, land resources, special measures, access to justice, participation, and representation to end marginalization.

The representative of “Regional CSO Engage Mechanism: Asia” called for better integration of SDGs in technology facilitation and capacity building. The representative of the Voice Beyond 2015 stated that no MDG has been achieved until it has been met for all socioeconomic groups, especially the marginalized. The UCLG called for rural and local inclusion and involvement, as outlined at the Rio+20 Conference and by the Secretary-General recently. Helpage International wanted to see data desegregation by age, gender, income, and disability status. Education International wanted to clarify the confusion between decent jobs versus decent work through job creation, workers rights, social protection, and dialogue. The VSO representative discussed that providing grassroots community leaders with access to info, meaningful participation in decision-making, education, training, grassroots infrastructure, healthcare, and other social services would greatly aid in their development. The Arab Network for Environment and Development called for an understanding of extremist ideologies that plague the Middle East as calls to end all forms of occupation. Finally, the Pacific Youth Council mentioned both the unique challenges facing SIDS as well as the idea that Caribbean youth want to become involved in the eradication of gender-based violence, want a spiritual approach when promoting a cultural identity, and desire social inclusion through sports.

Meeting: Informal meetings of the plenary on stocktaking in the process of intergovernmental negotiations on the post-2015 development agenda, pursuant to resolution 69/244 and decision 69/550
Date & Location: Wednesday, January 21, 2015. Conference Room 2, United Nations Headquarters, New York
Speakers: Representatives of Chad, the Russian Federation, China, Ecuador, the Philippines, Austria, and the following major groups and stakeholders: Global Campaign for Education (GCE), Human Rights Caucus, MexFam, World Farmers Organization, International Disability Alliance, Youth Beyond Disasters, International Council of Science, ATD Fourth World, Regional CSO Engagement, Freshwater Act Mexico, Regional CSO Engage Mechanism: Asia, Voice Beyond 2015 Campaign, United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), Helpage International, Education International (Workers and Trade Unions Major Group), VSO, Arab Network for Environment and Development, and the Pacific Youth Council
Written By WIT Representatives: Alis Yoo and Brian Lee
Edited By WIT Representative: Philip Bracey