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Overarching Principles For A Post-2015 Framework
Overarching Principles For A Post-2015 Framework
Overarching Principles For A Post-2015 Framework
May 2013
InterActions Post-2015 Task Force, which developed this document, believes that certain core elements must be part of the framework that will follow the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) once they expire in 2015. InterAction is an alliance organization in Washington, D.C., of U.S.-based international organizations. InterAction has more than 180 nongovernmental organization (NGO) members that work around the world. The following principles are intended as a roadmap to what needs to be achieved across a new framework, regardless of sector. The new framework should build on these 10 principles and strive for more sustainable and equitable impact through greater coordination of stakeholders, the application of effective practices with innovative tools and approaches, and greater responsiveness to the development needs of countries and their citizens, particularly the poorest and most marginalized. The principles complement frameworks that are already in place and serve as a strong foundation for the next set of goals. These frameworks include: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development; the International Conference on Population and Development Programme of Action; the Beijing Platform for Action; the Busan Aid Effectiveness Outcome; the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child; the Monterrey Consensus on Financing for Development; and the Millennium Declaration. By utilizing these pieces we will sustain the momentum of the MDGs and provide a more integrated framework for key elements that are critical to achieving development and equality. Maximizing the energy of women and young people is critical to the new framework. From combating extreme poverty to removing barriers to education and employment, women and youth must be at the forefront of how we confront these issues for sustainable solutions. The task force believes that if the global community can start from the precepts listed, we will eradicate extreme poverty, create sustainable development solutions and broaden the community of actors who feel responsibility for achieving the next goals.
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shelter, environmental degradation, violence and conflict, among other factors are better addressed. We must also tackle social barriers such as gender inequality and other forms of discrimination, which prevent the most vulnerable from accessing basic services. The next development agenda should accelerate the momentum of the MDGs and strive for a more integrated framework for key elements that were not originally reflected in the MDGs but are critical to ending extreme poverty and reducing inequalities.
Reducing Inequalities
There is overwhelming global consensus that one failing of the MDGs was that they did not consistently confront growing inequalities across the world. The MDGs' aggregate targets (e.g., halve global poverty, reduce child mortality by two-thirds) allowed many countries to focus on the easiest to reach, further opening the gap between those on the poverty line and the very poorest and most marginalized populations. Inequalities of both opportunities and outcomes must be tackled in the post-2015 framework since both impact the most vulnerable and discriminated-against groups in society (e.g., children, women, lower caste groups, persons with disabilities, indigenous populations). Gender discrimination remains the most egregious inequality and systematic violation of human rights in our world today, and the post-2015 agenda must include explicit goals for gender equality and female empowerment. Inequality should be addressed consistently across the goal framework by setting absolute, or zero, goals, which implicitly tackle inequality in that they strive for 100% coverage or attainment; disaggregating all targets and indicators by income and gender; and including a specific target or indicator to reduce income inequality. In addition, major demographic shifts need to be taken into account. Rapid urban growth is mainly occurring in countries least able to cope with the demand for decent jobs, adequate housing and urban basic services, which can further exacerbate inequalities. By ensuring a strong focus on social protection, decent work and inclusive growth in the next set of goals, we can address inequalities.
Universality
To uphold human dignity, a diversity of voices from the most marginalized to the most influential must assert the universality of post-2015 development goals. These goals constitute a shared agenda to meet the basic needs of all people and should incorporate responsibilities for both Northern and Southern governments, as well as other
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stakeholders. A truly universal framework would set global goals applicable to all countries, to ensure a strong social and economic foundation for all people, and then allow countries to create national targets that are appropriate to each country context. Through creative, deliberative and inclusive partnerships and individual efforts, we can achieve these critical goals and deliver a sustainable development agenda in each country across the world.
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pate in data design, collection and analysis ensures that resources are being spent as planned so that gains in health, education, and poverty reduction can be attained. This greater complexity of what needs to be measured and by whom will require increased investments in the quality, transparency and availability of data and overall national statistical capacity.
This statement has been endorsed by InterActions leadership. It was composed with input from members of the Post-2015 Task Force, whose full membership is listed below.
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The Millennium Development Goals Report 2012, UN. http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/pdf/MDG%20Report%202012.pdf. World Development Report 2013, The World Bank. http://go.worldbank.org/TM7GTEB8U0. World Development Report 2011, The World Bank. http://go.worldbank.org/QLKJWJB8X0.
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