GFDD/FUNGLODE Co-Signs the NGO Major Group Position Paper for the 2017 High-Level Political Forum

In its capacity as a member of the Non-Governmental Organization Major Group (NGO MG) of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, GFDD/Funglode has co-signed, together with 148 other NGOs, the official NGO MG Position Paper for the 2017 High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development
(HLPF) which will take place from July 10 to 19, 2017. This paper expresses the common views of civil society regarding this year’s HLPF theme: “Eradicating poverty and promoting prosperity in a changing world.” By releasing the paper two months before the actual HLPF, the NGO Major Group hopes to make its position known among the Member States, and
bolster the collective advocacy of civil society. Aligned with the work of the HLPF this year, the NGO Major Group expressed its opinion in relation to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1, 2, 3, 5, 9 and 14 of the 2030 United Nations Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The NGO Major Group underscores three priorities to fully achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. First, it calls for “a new development paradigm which
furthers the well-being of humans, nature and animals, and which sees as its aim the achievement of equity and justice, to leave no one behind." In this regard, the NGO Major Group is convinced that neoliberal macroeconomic policy constitutes a key obstacle for sustainable development. Furthermore, it reaffirms the need for increased participation of civil society, by soliciting more extensive input from Major Groups and other stakeholders, and allowing more time for civil society
engagement. Finally, it reminds the international community that every country is responsible for achieving the SDGs in consultation with its people. The document concludes by urging everyone, from local individuals to local and national authorities, including also UN agencies, to take ownership of the SDGs.

Turning to SDG1: “End poverty in all its form everywhere,"  the NGO Major Group states that addressing the causes and manifestations of
structural poverty requires context-specific solutions interlinked with all other goals. Governments should then report on their efforts to increase opportunities, well-being and resilience among all sectors of society.

The group then argues that achieving SDG2, to “end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture," will only be possible through a new agricultural production system, implying a transition from
industrial exploitation towards systems that support smallholders’ livelihoods and preserve culture and biodiversity.

Moreover, the paper insists on the need for governments to implement a multi-sectoral and multi-stakeholder approach, as to align with SDG3: “Ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing for all at all ages." This approach is fundamental to ensuring affordable physical and mental health service access for all, and to take action
at all levels, ranging from promotion and prevention to treatment, rehabilitation and palliation.

To promote SDG5: “Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls," the Major Group calls on the international community to implement laws and policies that prohibit discrimination, redistribute unpaid care work, promote equality in access to resources, education, and decision-making.

Furthermore, the group calls on all
governments to promote inclusive, ecologically-sound industrialization and the provision of basic infrastructure that incorporates the protection of nature and participatory decision-making, with the aim of underpinning SDG9: “Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation."

The Position Paper also reminds everyone that the SDG14: “Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and
marine resources for sustainable development” should be a keystone in protecting the oceans as a unique ecosystem, an integral part of human civilization a major food provider and a common good with equal and fair access rights.

Finally, the document highlights the vital importance of SDG17: “Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development." The paper notes that achieving the 2030 Agenda
will require a paradigm shift from competition to cooperation, including redistributing wealth and resources to eradicate inequalities.

About the High-Level Political Forum
The HLPF 2013 held its first meeting on Tuesday, 24 September, 2013, under the theme: “The future we want: from Rio+20 to the post-2015 development agenda." Replacing the Commission on Sustainable Development, the HLPF hosted the main discussions prior
to the creation of the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Taking place every year, the HLPF is now the United Nations’ central platform for follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda.

Related Links:
https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/index.php?menu=1556
http://nebula.wsimg.com/47b20fccb88656e5a802c7936cc567cd?AccessKeyId=E3A2183630CD52C7534E&disposition=0&alloworigin=1