Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals
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| Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals | |
|---|---|
| Name | Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals |
| Formation | January 2013 |
| Dissolved | 2014 (mandate ended) |
| Parent organization | United Nations General Assembly |
| Purpose | Development of proposals for Sustainable Development Goals |
Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals The Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals was an intergovernmental body convened by the United Nations General Assembly to draft a proposal for post-2015 development goals. It operated alongside United Nations processes such as the High-level Panel of Eminent Persons on the Post-2015 Development Agenda, the Rio+20 Conference, and the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, engaging states, civil society, and UN agencies including the United Nations Development Programme, the United Nations Environment Programme, and the Economic and Social Council. The Group’s work informed outcomes adopted by the United Nations General Assembly and influenced negotiations at the United Nations Summit for the Adoption of the Post-2015 Development Agenda.
Background and Mandate
The Group was established following intergovernmental negotiations triggered by the Rio+20 Conference and mandates from the United Nations General Assembly resolution that requested formation of a Member State-led body to elaborate a proposal for Sustainable Development Goals. Its mandate intersected with processes led by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change discussions relevant to climate change targets. The Group’s remit connected to longstanding treaties and agreements such as the Millennium Declaration, the Millennium Development Goals, and the framework of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, while coordinating with agencies like the World Health Organization, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, and the International Labour Organization.
Membership and Structure
Membership comprised representatives from Member States of the United Nations grouped into five regional caucuses: African Union members, Arab States, Asia-Pacific members, Eastern European Group members, and Latin American and Caribbean Group. The Group was co-chaired by representatives nominated by Member States and reported to the United Nations General Assembly through the Economic and Social Council. It engaged with the United Nations Secretariat, the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, and liaison offices from entities such as the World Bank Group, the International Monetary Fund, and the OECD for technical input. Observers included delegations from the European Union, non-governmental organizations like Oxfam, Greenpeace International, and Amnesty International, and indigenous organizations represented via groups such as the International Indian Treaty Council.
Negotiation Process and Meetings
The Group conducted formal sessions in the United Nations Headquarters in New York City and held thematic sessions drawing expertise from commissions and panels including the Sustainable Development Solutions Network, the High-level Panel on Global Sustainability, and the Global Environmental Facility. Negotiations followed rules of procedure derived from the United Nations General Assembly practice and were informed by contributions from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and model proposals by the World Health Assembly. The process included multi-stakeholder hearings with representatives from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, academic institutions like Harvard University and University of Oxford, and regional bodies such as the African Union Commission and the ASEAN. Key meetings featured delegates from permanent missions like the Permanent Mission of the United States to the United Nations, the Permanent Mission of China to the United Nations, and the Permanent Mission of Brazil to the United Nations.
Key Outcomes and Recommendations
The Group produced a proposal that outlined a suite of goals covering dimensions reflected in submissions by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the High-level Panel of Eminent Persons on the Post-2015 Development Agenda, and civil society coalitions such as the Global Call to Action Against Poverty. Recommended areas encompassed health targets promoted by the World Health Organization, education objectives aligned with UNESCO priorities, labor and decent work themes linked to the International Labour Organization, and environmental targets harmonized with the United Nations Environment Programme and the Convention on Biological Diversity. The Group’s text influenced dimensions of sustainable cities highlighted by the UN-Habitat report, energy goals referenced by the International Energy Agency, and finance-related recommendations echoing proposals from the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund.
Impact on the 2030 Agenda and Adoption
Proposals from the Group were instrumental in shaping the final Sustainable Development Goals adopted at the United Nations Summit for the Adoption of the Post-2015 Development Agenda in 2015, integrated into the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals. The Group’s delineation of targets informed negotiations within the General Assembly and the drafting of the Addis Ababa Action Agenda under the auspices of the Third International Conference on Financing for Development. Its influence extended into monitoring frameworks referenced by the Open Working Group’s successor mechanisms and reporting platforms managed by the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development and statistical systems coordinated by the United Nations Statistical Commission.
Criticisms and Controversies
Critiques arose from Member States and civil society regarding perceived politicization and the complexity of the proposed goals, with commentators from think tanks like Chatham House and Brookings Institution debating scope and measurability. Some delegations referenced tensions between the Group’s intergovernmental negotiations and inputs from private actors including foundations and corporations such as Microsoft Corporation in relation to partnerships. Concerns were raised about accountability and differential responsibilities echoed by representatives from the Least Developed Countries group and negotiators from regional blocs like Mercosur and Pacific Islands Forum, while civil society organizations including ActionAid voiced objections on equity and prioritization.