7th and 8th Sessions of the Post-2015 Intergovernmental Negotiations
(Intergovernmental Negotiations on the Outcome Document)

Opening Wednesday’s session, Co-Facilitator Macharia Kamau (Kenya) noted that about 16 hours remained in the negotiating schedule. He advised Member States that the document should not favor any one side, as this would leave everyone vulnerable to criticism.

Delegates took up chapter 4 on follow-up and review. Many expressed satisfaction with the language of the revised draft, which, they said, provides specificity without being overly prescriptive.

In response to concern over language on accountability, Kamau explained his understanding that while the question of accountability between countries poses difficulties, the idea of accountability between the state and its citizens has been less fraught, and he pledged to consider how calls for an accountability framework for the review process can be addressed in the next draft.

Delegates also discussed the role of the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) as the apex of a global review process, noting the need for this role to have adequate institutional support and resources. Some favored having common reporting guidelines, rather than a common format.

Developing countries highlighted the need for support to develop baseline data, where none exists, and Benin, for the Least Developed Countries (LDCs), proposed establishing a trust fund to enable LDC participation in the follow-up and review processes. Otherwise, he said, “the game will be played without us.”

In addition to follow-up and review, delegates addressed other issues relating to the text of the declaration, and continued commenting on means of implementation.

The plenary adjourned at 2:00 pm to allow time for the Co-Facilitators to craft a revised draft, to be released on Thursday morning.