On Tuesday, 21 July, delegates continued to discuss the preamble and declaration of the agenda. Several Member States reiterated calls for a concise text that does not attempt to prioritize the SDGs and targets nor summarize the content of the post-2015 agenda, warning that such attempts could undermine both the declaration and the SDGs.
Delegates aired opposing views regarding the proper place of the CBDR principle. Several countries, including the US, Canada and Australia, argued that the principle was formulated in a specific environmental and historical context, and preferred the notion of shared responsibility. The Group of 77 and China (G-77/China) and many of its members preferred to maintain CBDR, and some expressed disappointment over the outcome of the recently concluded third International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD3). Brazil said the principle of CBDR should not be taken as supporting inaction on the part of developing countries, and India noted that while developing countries may under-promise, they also tend to over-deliver.
Other points of divergence included paragraph 38 on family, which some wished to delete or qualify with a reference to all forms of family. While some Member States opposed taking on commitments that contradict religious or traditional values, others stated that the agenda must still respect the rights of women.
Many delegates supported inclusion of text on strengthening the UN Development System (UNDS) to ensure it is “fit for purpose.”
Discussions adjourned at 5:15 pm, after reaching the end of the speakers’ list on the declaration. The session will resume on Wednesday morning to discuss the SDGs and targets.
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