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

Co-Facilitators Amb. Macharia Kamau (Kenya) and David Donoghue (Ireland) worked on revising the text Wednesday afternoon and evening and all day Thursday in consultation with Member States. Plenary was scheduled for 3:00 pm, then postponed to 7:00 pm, once the revised draft outcome document was circulated at 3:30 pm.

Delegates finally reconvened at 8:40 pm to discuss the new version of the draft. The revised draft offers, among other changes: an alternative, shortened preamble; a revised formulation of target 14.c on UNCLOS; and a revised introduction to chapter 2 on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and targets, which recognizes the different approaches, visions, models and tools available to each country, and reaffirms “Mother Earth” as a common expression in some countries and regions. The Co-Facilitators expressed optimism in the possibility of completing the process on time, and invited comments from representative groups.

Delegates welcomed the progress made in the new draft. However, differences were expressed as to whether or not to retain the preamble, and over references to climate change, the relationship of the post-2015 development agenda with the Addis Ababa Agenda for Action (AAAA), and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR). Zambia, for landlocked developing countries (LLDCs), regretted the lack of mention of LLDCs, especially in relation to trade matters.

Following the regional and representative groups, several countries offered comments on the draft and suggested additional amendments and changes.

Concluding the plenary, Co-Facilitator Kamau thanked everyone for their inputs and added that the meeting will resume on Friday at 10:00 am. He adjourned the meeting at 10:35 pm.