Delivering The Post-2015 Development Agenda: Opportunities at The National and Local Levels

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DELIVERING THE POST-2015

DEVELOPMENT AGENDA
OPPORTUNITIES AT THE NATIONAL AND LOCAL LEVELS
© United Nations Development Group 2014.
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DELIVERING THE POST-2015

DEVELOPMENT AGENDA
OPPORTUNITIES AT THE NATIONAL AND LOCAL LEVELS
CONTENTS
Foreword III
Summary V
Cross-cutting messages from the Dialogues 1

Participation 2
Inclusion 3
Capacities 4
Partnerships 5
Next steps 6
I. Strengthening capacities and building effective institutions 8
II. Localizing the agenda 12
III. Participatory monitoring and accountability 16
IV. Partnerships with civil society 20
V. Engaging with the private sector 24
VI. Culture and development 28
Description of Dialogue process 32
DELIVERING THE POST-2015 DEVELOPMENT AGENDA | OPPORTUNITIES AT THE NATIONAL AND LOCAL LEVELS I
FOREWORD
of development finance, trade, and
developing and sharing technologies
to implementation. The UN’s work with
governments at country level is high-
lighting the importance of local oppor-
tunities and challenges to sustainable
human development.
The dialogues recorded in this report

explore the local and national side of
‘how’ the post-2015 agenda can be
implemented. They consider the im-
Closing ceremony of the second round of post-2015 national consultations was held at ADA University portance of capacities and institutions,
in Baku, Azerbaijan (Photo: UNDP Azerbaijan)
monitoring and accountability, localizing
the agenda and making it fit for context,
the role of culture as a mediator of deve
With their clear and simple call to tackle showed how much we have in common lopment processes, and partnerships
poverty, the Millennium Development in our hopes and aspirations. People in all with civil society and the private sector.
Goals (MDGs) have helped to mobilize countries have called for an agenda that As such, they contain important messa
resources and concentrate action around is more consistent with the realization ges for governments to consider in their
the world. Now, the UN development of their human rights, and which reflects continued efforts to reach agreement on
system is helping countries to accelerate the day to day reality of their lives. post-2015.
progress on the MDGs in the time re-
maining to 31 December 2015, while also UN Member States have listened to these The main message of the dialogues
looking ahead to the global develop- voices as they worked on the design of and of this report is that, irrespective of
ment agenda which will succeed them. the Sustainable Development Goals. income status or region, the implemen-
The Open Working Group proposes a tation of the new agenda will depend
Lessons learned from the MDG experi- universal agenda to eradicate poverty on actions taken at national and local
ence are relevant as the new agenda is and shift the world onto a sustainable levels. It is there that attention will need
constructed. One lesson was about the development path. It includes goals on to be focused and investments made, if
need to include a broad range of stake- poverty reduction, education, health, we are to make the transformative shifts
holders in its design. Thus, in the past and tackling the unfinished business of which advancing human and sustainable
two years, the UN development system the MDGs overall. Goals on the environ- development requires.
has facilitated an unprecedented ment, inequalities, and peaceful and
outreach effort to people all over the inclusive societies feature prominently.
world, and reached out to those not
usually consulted in international pro- The Open Working Group has also
cesses. To date, nearly 5 million people emphasized the means of implementa-
have expressed their priorities for the tion, and proposed a stand-alone goal
future. for that and specific targets under each Helen Clark
of the other goals. A global agenda for Chair of the United Nations Development Group
The “Global Conversation” on what the development needs to be implementa-
new agenda should include enabled ble. Over the next year Member States
people to express their priorities, and will continue to discuss the contribution
DELIVERING THE POST-2015 DEVELOPMENT AGENDA | OPPORTUNITIES AT THE NATIONAL AND LOCAL LEVELS III
SUMMARY
One year ago the United Nations Devel-
opment Group (UNDG) released a sum-
mary of a global consultation process on
the world that people want. The report,
‘A Million Voices’, captured the results of
nearly 100 national dialogues on post-
2015, 11 thematic consultations, and a
vibrant e-discussion and global survey,
MY World.
The current report picks up where

‘A Million Voices’ left off, and looks in
more depth at the factors within each
country that will support or impede
implementation. When negotiators
refer to ‘means of implementation’ they
are often pointing to a set of economic
issues such as the availability of financing
and technologies, as well as a conducive
global policy environment on interna-
tional trade and migration.
These important global issues can sup-

port, or through their absence constrain,
the complex process of development.
Children pointing at 'Post-2015 Road Show' sign, Zambia (Photo: UNV Zambia)
In the same manner, a host of local and
national factors, such as capacities and
institutions, are also important in the way they relate to each other, and the need to development plans, and efforts should
they shape or influence development invest in capacities and resources at the be made to concretely measure progress
outcomes. Many of these issues were local level for ownership, implementa- using innovations in data sources and
raised by people directly in the consultation, monitoring and accountability. measurement approaches.
tions so far, and so were identified by the
UNDG as themes for further exploration. The Dialogue on capacities and institu Embedding participation as a principle
tions also emphasized the importance in the new agenda will help align it with
As governments gather in New York of national-level actors, signalling that a human rights approaches, but will also
over the next year, seeking to agree a transformative agenda requires trans- improve the quality of policies over time,
new global agenda, they should keep in formed institutions. The implementation thereby strengthening implementa-
mind one of the key lessons we learned of the new agenda is likely to be more tion. Investment in statistics, as well as
from the Millennium Development successful if the full diversity of stake- advances in technology and new forms
Goals (MDGs): namely, the importance of holders is captured (e.g. governments, of ‘big’ data, can be used to strengthen
national and local contexts. The Dialogue civil society, business etc.), with policies participatory monitoring and account
on localizing the agenda emphasized and actions tailored to the specific ability. But mechanisms need to build
the critical role of local governments, the national context. Processes to strengthen on existing initiatives, and from the
diversity of local stakeholders and how capacities should align with national ground up.
DELIVERING THE POST-2015 DEVELOPMENT AGENDA | OPPORTUNITIES AT THE NATIONAL AND LOCAL LEVELS V
Culture plays an important role in companies that are taking account of forts overall. Cross-sectoral partnerships
poverty reduction and sustainable their social and environmental impacts and increased opportunities for civic
devel opment efforts. As a resilient as well as their bottom line, while trans- engagement are needed to add value to
economic sector in its own right, culture parency in monitoring can help to build the implementation of the Sustainable
and related activities provide a myriad trust and strengthen accountability. Development Goals (SDGs).
of livelihood and employment oppor- Localizing the agenda will be important
tunities. Harnessing the cultural sector, for small and medium-sized enterprises The overarching message of all these
as well as cultural values and culturally (SMEs). Dialogues is that ‘softer’ means of imple-
sensitive approaches, can mediate and mentation will also require sufficient in-
improve development outcomes in Civil society, and its inherent diversi- vestment if the new post-2015 develop-
education, gender equality and women’s ty, can also play a fundamental role in ment agenda is to make a real difference
and girls’ empowerment, environmental implementing the new agenda. For this to people’s lives. Whatever the specific
sustainability, durable urbanization and to become reality, an understanding is topic of discussion, several principles
in societies that are recovering from required of the role that civil society can emerge again and again: participation,
instability or conflict. play in policy development. An ena- inclusion, and the need for strengthened
bling environment needs to be created, capacities and partnerships.
The private sector will be a key enabler including through legislation, which
and implementer of the new develop- maximizes that potential. Effort and trust Only an agenda that focuses on effective
ment agenda. Moving beyond financial are needed to align multi-stakeholder implementation, including through these
contributions, the move to poverty eradi- priorities, but doing so will lead to more aspects, will do justice to the aspirations
cation and sustainability will be under- effective policies and programmes. and hopes of the millions of people
pinned by a change in how businesses Stronger accountability mechanisms around the world who have guided
do business. Government policies can – including for the private sector – are governments to this new agenda
reinforce the behaviours of progressive needed to measure implementation ef- — the future they want.
Participants discussing in Buea, Cameroon (Photo: UNDP Cameroon)
VI DELIVERING THE POST-2015 DEVELOPMENT AGENDA | OPPORTUNITIES AT THE NATIONAL AND LOCAL LEVELS
CROSS-CUTTING MESSAGES
FROM THE DIALOGUES
Since 2012 the United Nations has THE UN MY WORLD SURVEY PRIORITIES1
been facilitating the largest ever ‘Global
Conversation’ on the future world that
people want. The first wave of consul-
tations focused on the ‘what’ of the
agenda. National dialogues were held
in nearly 100 countries in all parts of the
world. Alongside face-to-face meetings
in many formats, which targeted those
who often do not engage in develop-
ment policy debates, a vibrant online
platform allowed people to engage in
timely discussions on poverty, health,
education, governance, the environment
and other topics. The largest ever global
survey — MY World — has now collected
votes from over 4,5 million people. The
outcome of this first round of consulta- erations. Equality and non-discrimination — not just of the ‘what’ but also of the
tions is captured in the report ‘A Million also stand out as a key message: people ‘how’ development is done. They asked
Voices: The World We Want’. are demanding justice, participation and not just for a one-off consultation but for
dignity. There is no progress if people are an ongoing conversation. They want not
One of the main messages that has left behind. People want to improve their only to articulate the problems but also
emerged from the UN Global Conver- lives and those of their families and ask to help find solutions and be involved in
sation is that people would like their that governments create opportunities implementing them.3
governments to be more honest and for their full and equal participation in
responsive. People have asked for a decisions that affect them.2 Many of these messages coming from
government that does a better job in the UNDG-supported consultations have
representing them — delivering key The consultations revealed this huge ap- found resonance in other contributions
services, encouraging growth while petite and demand for engagement, not to the post-2015 process, such as the re-
regulating markets, and preventing only in the design of the development ports of the High-level Panel on the Post-
insecurities linked to compromising the agenda but also in its future implemen- 2015 Development Agenda and that of
planet and the well-being of future gen- tation. People asked for transformation the Sustainable Development Solutions
Network. Most importantly, many of
the messages are reflected in the report
of the government-led Open Working
Group on Sustainable Development
“Participate in what if you don’t know about it?” Goals. Echoing the demand from people
Deputy Director of National Planning in the Ministry of Finance, Zambia for real action, the Open Working Group’s
proposal clearly acknowledges the
importance of issues around implemen-
tation by including ‘means of implemen-
1) Screen capture taken on 4 September 2014. (data.myworld2015.org)
2) United Nations Development Group, ‘A Million Voices: The World We Want’, United Nations, New York, 2013.
3) Ibid.
DELIVERING THE POST-2015 DEVELOPMENT AGENDA | OPPORTUNITIES AT THE NATIONAL AND LOCAL LEVELS 1
tation’ targets under each goal, as well as ners in the implementation of an agenda engaged business sector is critical for
dedicating a full stand-alone goal to it. In that directly affects their lives. They are innovation, technological advancement
addition, the report includes dedicated not passive recipients but active agents and sustainable economic growth.
goals on reducing inequalities within of change. This message came strongly
and between countries and promoting from the Global Conversation in almost Through this process, we see that gov-
peaceful and inclusive societies. 100 countries and is coming out strongly ernments and civil society already have
again from the Dialogues on Implemen- working models to tap into people’s
To help people the world over contribute tation. Moreover, the Dialogues have desire and capacities for engagement;
to the debate on the ‘how’ of the agenda, underlined that while there is an intrinsic but these examples are too few and not
the United Nations is facilitating a second value to people being empowered and yet fully institutionalized into how public
round of dialogues. The Dialogues on claiming their right to be heard, their par- policy is delivered. Many have said that
Implementation, in which people are ticipation and ownership is also essential while consultations are a good start, they
expressing their views on a number to achieve successful and sustainable should not be one-off events but, rather,
of implementation topics, will provide development outcomes. mechanisms that provide for a contin-
valuable input into the last stretch of the ued dialogue with feedback loops that
design process, as well as into preparing For example, the Dialogue on localizing inspire ownership from various stake-
the ground for immediate implementa- the agenda pointed to the need for holders. The participatory monitoring
tion. stronger engagement of local stakehold- and accountability Dialogue emphasized
ers in the definition, implementation and placing local actors as co-creators in the
While each of the Dialogue streams will monitoring of the post-2015 develop- development process, as opposed to be-
have its own set of findings — the pre- ment agenda, as the achievement of ing consulted as outsiders. The Dialogue
liminary of which are detailed later in this many of the MDGs depended on the on capacities and institutions underlines
report — there are a number of messag- work of local governments and stake- this principle with its call for conferring
es that are pertinent to all. holders. In addition, the Dialogue on cul- greater voice in decision-making to peo-
ture and development emphasized that ple living in poverty and marginalized
community participation and ownership, communities, as well as opportunities
PARTICIPATION — MAKING THE rooted in local culture, are instrumental for recourse when rights are violated or
WORLD A BETTER PLACE REQUIRES in development programmes, including discrimination is encountered.
PEOPLE’S ENGAGEMENT for environmental protection, for sustain-
able urban development and for gender The Dialogues call for governments to
Possibly the most important message equality and women’s empowerment. create spaces and mechanisms for en-
that people are sending is their desire to Finally, the Dialogue on partnerships gagement, not only as a way to strength-
be engaged. People want to be full part- with the private sector stressed that an en people’s basic political rights but also
“It was my first experience to be given a chance to debate

the development priorities, and based on the documents
on the voices of young people to be included.
After listening to it and the participation, I thought, young
people can change the world if they are given a chance.
We have to fight for that chance.”
Mukonga Parkens, a third-year student at Mukuba University, Zambia
Security guard voting for MY World survey in San
Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago (Photo: A. Warner)
2 DELIVERING THE POST-2015 DEVELOPMENT AGENDA | OPPORTUNITIES AT THE NATIONAL AND LOCAL LEVELS
Young man bringing ideas to paper at UN Youth Consultation, Cambodia (Photo: UN Cambodia)
because it helps to create better policies all stakeholders, recognizing the heter- should be at the centre and the owners
and generate better development ogeneity that exists at all levels: among of their own development processes,
outcomes. As the participants in the people, civil society, local governments with all other relevant actors accountable
Dialogue on monitoring and account- and the private sector. to them. The Dialogue on capacities and
ability recommended: “Participatory institutions suggested that there is a
approaches are about people, working The inclusion of the full diversity of stake- particular need to ensure inclusion as a
together in an organized way, to identify holders means paying specific attention procedural mechanism to both safeguard
and track the priority issues that affect to the inclusion of all voices, including inclusive outcomes and foster account-
their own communities, so that barriers women and girls, with a particular focus ability, ownership and trust in the policy
to development and poverty eradication on marginalized groups and individuals. process.
can be addressed and solved, with sup- People living in poverty, indigenous
port as necessary from the public sector, communities and other minorities, per- To ensure the inclusion of all stakehold-
private entities and other accountable sons with disabilities, forcibly displaced ers, many of the Dialogues highlighted
institutions.” and stateless persons, children and the need to bring the global post-2015
young people, migrants and the Lesbian, development agenda to the local level.
Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Localization of the agenda can help to
INCLUSION — A UNIVERSAL AGENDA community are some of the groups ensure that different parts of society are
MEANS ENGAGING ALL PEOPLE AT and individuals who are not necessarily included and that diversity is embraced.
THE LOCAL LEVEL included in policy- and decision-making By adapting to and embracing a society’s
processes. Participants in the partici- cultural characteristics, development
The thirst for continued participation and patory monitoring and accountability approaches can lead to more successful
engagement is closely linked to a second Dialogue emphasized that marginalized outcomes. Civil society can play a par-
message on the importance of including persons and/or people living in poverty ticular role in helping to include actors
overwhelming need to strengthen
capacities at all levels. The emerging
“Fighting for equality and gender balance must not be con- development agenda looks set to
encompass a set of goals that are more
sidered a women’s activity. Everyone in the society, men and
complex, transformative, interdepend-
women, has to cooperate to have fruitful results in this field. ent and universally applicable than the
Working with families on avoiding further gender-related MDGs. If the implementation of this kind
of agenda is to be successful, capaci-
issues, and setting rules to create gender balance must be
ties are at the core. Participants in the
the actions taken during our future development goals.” Dialogue on capacities and institutions
Sahib Namazov (male, 30 years), deputy director of a school in Khachmaz, found that strong public institutions
national consultation in Azerbaijan can be enablers, but that the opposite
is also true: weak public institutions can
become obstacles for implementation.
who would otherwise be left out. It is growth. The Dialogue on culture and They emphasized that a transformative
also at the local level that SMEs operate, development highlighted that cultural development agenda requires upgraded,
representing a large segment of business initiatives that engage men and boys coordinated and integrated institutions
and jobs. to advance women’s empowerment are and capacities. Similarly, participants in
particularly effective. the Dialogue on localizing the agenda
This diversity also applies to the role also emphasized that strong efforts need
different stakeholders can play. Partic- to be made to improve local leadership,
ipants in the Dialogue on partnerships CAPACITIES — THE FUEL FOR human resources and the technical and
with the private sector, for example, IMPLEMENTATION management capacities of local gov-
emphasized that the private sector is not ernments. Civil society also called for
only a source of financing but can also As the report from the Open Working investments in building the capacity of
be an actor in development and a driver Group also recognizes, a third common civil society organizations (CSOs) to be
of sustainable and inclusive economic thread in the various Dialogues is an able to play their role, while in turn sug-
Young people with disabilities discuss their participation in the decision-making process, Niksic, Montenegro (Photo: UN Montenegro, Milos Vujovic)
gesting that public servants need skills
to nurture and engage non-state actors
in policy development. In the Dialogue
on partnerships with the private sector
the need for capacity-building of SMEs
was highlighted, particularly if they
are to comply with new sustainability
frameworks and standards. The culture
and development Dialogue highlighted
that culture, and in particular approaches
building on cultural diversity, can play a
particular role in building capacities for
facing the challenges of a multicultural
and globalized society.
It is clear that upgraded capacities for

monitoring and accountability for the
new development agenda, including for
better data and statistics, are essential.
Monitoring the MDGs has already posed
huge challenges and data gaps. With
a broader and more transformative
Participant at 'Partnerships with Civil Society and the Private Sector' workshop in Phnom Pen, Cambodia
post-2015 agenda the challenges will (Photo: UN Cambodia)
only grow in scale. For example, the
Dialogue on localizing the agenda found
that local-level data are often not readily MULTI-STAKEHOLDER PARTNERSHIPS magic bullets. The participants in the Di-
available but are vital to support local — THE GLUE FOR IMPLEMENTATION alogues highlighted a number of criteria
planning and monitoring of develop- for a multi-stakeholder partnership to
ment. The need for quality data manifests A fourth message apparent across the be effective and add value. For example,
itself first as a supply issue: open data are various Dialogues is about the impor- several of the Dialogues emphasized the
required for people to assess how well tance of creating multi-stakeholder need for a clear delineation of respon-
their governments are doing and hold partnerships for the implementation of sibilities between the various partners,
them to account. The other side of the the post-2015 agenda. This was recog- and for dialogue and transparency of
coin is the need for public institutions nized by the Open Working Group, which decision-making processes. The Dialogue
to recognize the validity of new forms of in its proposal for the SDGs included two on localizing the agenda also indicated
data collected and produced by citizens, targets on multi-stakeholder partner- that a clear division of labour is needed
civil society and business. Meanwhile, the ships under Goal 17 (“strengthen the between different levels of government,
Dialogue on partnerships with civil soci- means of implementation and revitalize taking into account the comparative
ety recommends that existing account- the global partnership for sustainable advantage of each level and accompa-
ability mechanisms should be strength- development”). If constructed careful-
4
nied by coordination mechanisms that
ened, while also building capacities and ly, multi-stakeholder partnerships can harmonize efforts.
infrastructure for real-time monitoring. facilitate participation and voluntary
Transparent multi-stakeholder mech- engagement and draw on the assets and Many also emphasized the need for
anisms for engagement can provide strengths of different actors. accountability mechanisms within a
concrete reviews of the challenges and partnership, including mandatory social
setbacks of implementing the post-2015 In the Dialogues it was recognized that and environmental safeguards. Both the
development agenda. partnerships come in a wide variety of private sector and localization Dialogues
sizes and shapes and are not necessarily highlighted the need for enabling legisla-
4) United Nations, ‘Proposal of the Open Working Group for Sustainable Development Goals’, United Nations, New York, 2014.
Two boys shaking hands at post-2015 workshop in Azuay, Ecuador (Photo: UNDP Ecuador)
tion and legal frameworks as a basis NEXT STEPS — EMBEDDING continue until April 2015 — have includ-
for accountability. Participants in the ACCOUNTABILITY, PARTNERSHIPS ed public meetings, online discussions
private sector Dialogue also stressed AND CAPACITIES INTO MEANS OF and literature reviews coordinated by the
the importance of building trust for IMPLEMENTATION FOR THE POST- UNDG. The thoughts, ideas and activities
constructing successful partnerships. 2015 AGENDA of the Dialogue participants will continue
Access to information, decentralized to sharpen our understanding of what it
governance and an enabling environ- This report presents the results of multi- will take to implement the new develop-
ment for the independent operation of ple Dialogues with a range of stakehold- ment agenda.
CSOs were cited as prerequisites in the ers: primarily, policy planners, civil socie-
Dialogue on participatory monitoring ty representatives, academics, volunteer The appetite for keeping the channels
and accountability. groups, communities and private-sector of consultation open continues to grow.
leaders. These activities — which will Inspired by preliminary results, more
countries have requested to be involved
in these Dialogues, including several
Small Island Developing States in the “The Government of Lesotho is very good at signing
Pacific and the Caribbean. The inclusion international treaties, conventions and action plans.
of Portugal in these Dialogues is a telling
example of the growing commitment
But we are not doing anything to make sure that
to a universal sustainable development government follows up and implements.
agenda, one where all countries need The consequence is that the public is not aware
to begin putting in place the delivery
mechanisms that will bring life to the
of all these international agreements.”
commitments made at the global level. Participant in the national Dialogue in Lesotho
As this process unfolds, the partners of

the UNDG remain committed to sustain-
ing this unprecedented engagement in Conversation have increased their aware- As the MDGs have rallied — and contin-
shaping the global development agenda. ness of the emerging agenda, and all ue to rally — governments, non-state
This approach, together with the MY stakeholders are readying themselves for actors and international development
World global survey, has demonstrated implementation. agencies around a set of clear, simply
proof of concept for connecting people formulated goals and time-bound
around the world to global policy As the Dialogues and intergovernmen- targets to address poverty, so too will the
developments at the United Nations. tal processes continue, synergies are forthcoming global framework serve as
This connection must continue during starting to emerge. It is encouraging a guiding light for sustainable develop-
the transition from design to the imple- to already see many of the themes ment. The global post-2015 and SDG
mentation of the new global agenda. reflected in the proposal of the Open framework will signal commitment and
Working Group on Sustainable Develop- ambition, while also providing a way to
In some countries the Dialogues have ment Goals. Means of Implementation measure progress across countries.
already triggered partnerships and targets are included under each goal
implementation mechanisms, forming and in a stand-alone goal. Institutions As the Dialogues on the implementation
the foundations for delivery of the new and capacities are mentioned several of the post-2015 agenda have highlight-
agenda. For example, Thailand has intro- times, and there are two specific targets ed, however, the global vision is not
duced a prototype of a new application on multi-stakeholder partnerships. The enough. We can only expect the new
that allows people, particularly those preamble of the Open Working Group’s agenda to succeed if attention is also
living with HIV, to monitor and evalu- proposal also cites the need for engage- paid to the ‘softer’ side of the means of
ate public HIV services. In Montenegro ment by civil society and the private implementation: the national and local
the process has allowed for a thorough sector, and the report calls attention to factors. Implementation will need to be
‘accountability check’ on existing forums the fundamental role of data in monitor- participatory and inclusive, with account-
for citizen participation to improve their ing progress and capacity development ability, capacities and partnerships at
usage. In El Salvador the Dialogues have at all levels. To deepen global discussions the heart. Not only will implementation
created important links between the on accountability for the new agenda, be more effective, it will also be more
local economic development agencies UN Regional Commissions are organizing legitimate. The litmus test of success will
and national planning processes. Youth dialogues on the shape and form of ac- be the extent to which these important
Connekt, a platform for young people in countability mechanisms at the regional elements are built into the agenda.
Rwanda, was created to respond to the level, with support from the full United
predominance of young people’s issues Nations development system. All of these
that arose during the national post-2015 inputs are focusing attention on the
debates and the results of the Social importance of crafting an agenda that is
Good Summit in 2013. At a broader both ambitious and achievable, and for
level, all countries engaged in the Global which progress can be measured.
I. STRENGTHENING
CAPACITIES AND
BUILDING EFFECTIVE
INSTITUTIONS
KEY MESSAGES
"Institutions need legitimacy. Institutions should be able
A transformative development to conceptualize the relevant issues, foster communication
agenda requires upgraded,
coordinated and integrated
between disadvantaged groups, and identify actions that
institutions and capacities. can be carried out for development."
Inclusion should be the corner-
Alioune Sall, African Futures Institute
stone of all capacity-strength-
ening and institution-building
efforts.
Capacity development and
institution-building efforts and about how inclusion and equity are It also entails a long-term continual and
should be aligned with on- ensured to ultimately achieve sustaina- incremental process involving many
going national development. bility. While institutional reforms alone actors (i.e. line ministries, national and
Measuring progress in capacity cannot drive a transformative develop- subnational authorities, non-governmen-
development and institutional ment agenda without other essential tal organizations, data collectors, the
improvement is feasible and inputs (i.e. resources, infrastructure, private sector, trade unions, community
important. appropriate leadership, human capi- activists, academics and more).
Strategies, policies and solu- tal, political checks and balances etc.),
tions must be locally derived states need the capacity to recognize
and issue-oriented without the concerns of vulnerable people and A TRANSFORMATIVE DEVELOPMENT
merely transplanting best to respond to them through coherent AGENDA REQUIRES UPGRADED,
practices across countries interventions. This requires, among COORDINATED AND INTEGRATED
— no ‘one size fits all’. other things, ensuring greater voice in INSTITUTIONS AND CAPACITIES
decision-making for people living in
poverty and marginalized communities, As the emerging development agenda
recognizing freedom of association and is expected to encapsulate a set of
Institutions are clearly critical to policy the right to negotiate collectively, as well development goals that are more inter-
implementation. Strengthening capac- as affording opportunities for recourse dependent, transformative and univer-
ities and building effective institutions when rights are violated or discrimina- sally applicable than the MDGs, it will re-
are not mentioned explicitly in the MDGs tion is encountered. Beyond voice, it quire greater capacities, more responsive
but cannot be neglected in the new necessitates paying greater attention to institutions and stronger political will for
SDGs. Institutions are primarily about the the role of stakeholders in shaping, moni- successful implementation. This is par-
mechanism of effective service delivery toring and implementing policies. ticularly important, as institutions tend to
Schoolchildren participating in an essay contest on their vision of well-being by 2030, Turkmenistan (Photo: UNFPA Turkmenistan)
be conservative and resistant to change.

Hence, incentives for ‘self-improvement’
or transformation must be put in place "The role of government needs to be re-imagined.
to help overcome documented limits
Government needs to see itself as having a different
to institutional reform. In short, institu-
tions themselves have to be designed
purpose in the 21st century, and that is one of system
to legitimately respond to the needs of stewardship rather than just deliverer of public services
everyone, not just the dominant or elite
and guarantor of security."
of society. Responsive institutions at the
national level should be mirrored by an Catarina Tully, School of International Futures (SOIF)
effort at the international level to support
and reinforce them. Conversely, raising
capacities to ‘localize’ recommendations nomic, social and environmental policy justice or enjoy their rights due to the
made by international agreements must areas to leverage synergies. dissonance between legislation and poli-
also be prioritized (Dialogue in Djibouti). cies, and between actual implementation
Moreover, coordination and cooperation and enforcement. An effective capacity-
between agencies at the national level INCLUSION SHOULD BE THE CORNER- building process must encourage the
are required for institutions to be more STONE OF ALL CAPACITY-STRENGTH- participation and ownership of those
responsive to the needs and priorities ENING AND INSTITUTION-BUILDING involved and provide a non-partisan and
of citizens (Malaysia). This necessitates EFFORTS genuinely inclusive space for stakeholder
well-designed, integrated and coherent engagement. There is a particular need
policies and effective coordination across There are significant numbers of people to ensure inclusion to both safeguard
different line agencies and between eco- and groups who are unable to access inclusive outcomes and foster account-
Focus group discussion with ethnic minorities, Osh city, Kyrgyzstan (Photo: Ibragimov Hasan)
ability, ownership and trust in the policy achieving sustainability. It will, therefore, strategies (Dialogues in Pakistan and
process. This necessitates strengthening be fruitful to integrate capacity-strength- Kyrgyzstan). Ensuring that communities
mechanisms of inclusion and paying par- ening efforts with existing initiatives on are in a position to develop their resour
ticular attention to the situation of peo- public administration reform to enhance ces and their capacities to respond to
ple living in poverty, older persons, the effectiveness and transparency (Dia- local problems has an important role to
private sector, youth, women, persons logues in Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan) and play in addressing the many challenges
with disabilities, indigenous peoples, to promote an integrated system-wide that they confront.
forcibly displaced and stateless persons, approach (Moldova). It may also be
and others, including people marginal- included as part of efforts to craft a new
ized from society and development. national development plan (Malaysia, MEASURING PROGRESS IN CAPACITY
Turkmenistan) or a national employment DEVELOPMENT AND INSTITUTIONAL
strategy (Costa Rica). IMPROVEMENT IS FEASIBLE AND
CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT AND INSTI- IMPORTANT
TUTION-BUILDING EFFORTS SHOULD Furthermore, subnational capacity-build-
BE ALIGNED WITH ONGOING NATION- ing, including introducing modern man- There is a need to upgrade and strength-
AL DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING agement and planning technologies in en statistics and data collection capac-
PROCESSES AT BOTH THE NATIONAL public administration and local self-gov- ities, including the alignment of survey
AND SUBNATIONAL LEVELS ernment, state and municipal employee tools to collect, analyse and report data
effectiveness evaluations and a system related to SDGs (Dialogue in Malaysia).
Forging a long-term vision for national for assessing the quality of govern- Complementary to this is the creation of
development entails coordinating the ment and municipal services, has been independent, transparent and non-parti-
initiatives and priorities of different recognized as an important strategy for san bodies and mechanisms for monitor-
stakeholders to manage short- and long- stimulating community involvement ing, providing feedback and evaluating
term trade-offs which are at the core of and participation in local development the capacities and delivery of services by
government institutions (Togo). Fur STRATEGIES, POLICIES AND SOLU- behaviours. Solutions to problems
ther to this, some Dialogue participants TIONS MUST BE LOCALLY DERIVED must fit the local context. For instance,
discussed the potential development of AND ISSUE-ORIENTED WITHOUT in Moldova, participants in the national
new quantitative and qualitative perfor- MERELY TRANSPLANTING BEST Dialogue pointed out the need to impro
mance indicators related to measuring PRACTICES ACROSS COUNTRIES ve personnel, research and analytical
progress in particular sectors such as — NO ‘ONE SIZE FITS ALL’ capacities as main areas of work to
health care and education (Turkmeni- strengthen the capacity of their insti-
stan, Kyrgyzstan). There are a variety of The country and local contexts are tutions. In Pakistan the focus was on
ways to stimulate and measure incre- extremely important for the functioning strengthening subnational authorities,
mental change, including by collecting of institutions. They are often shaped while in Malaysia it was on the coor-
disaggregated data and providing quick by the economic and social situation, dination function between state and
feedback on policy impact, as well as by ethnic make-up, colonial history, poli- subnational levels.
creating specific policy incentives. tical realities and social norms and
Young people in post-2015 consultation, Upala, Costa Rica (Photo: UNFPA Costa Rica, G. Rodriguez)
II.
LOCALIZING
THE AGENDA
KEY MESSAGES
"Local strategic planning would allow a greater integration
Local and Regional Govern-
of the three pillars of development: social, economic and
ments (LRGs) are critical for
promoting inclusive sustaina-
environmental. Likewise, further integration between urban
ble development within their and rural areas needs to be promoted, in order to foster
territories, and as such for the
greater territorial cohesion."
implementation of the post-
2015 agenda. Ms. Milagro Navas, Mayor of the Municipality of Antiguo Cuscatlán and President
of FLACMA, El Salvador, EU Policy Forum Lima, 2014
Effective local governance
can ensure the inclusion of a
diversity of local stakeholders,
thereby creating broad-based tive of a global agenda more efficiently and used as a modality to support the
ownership, commitment and to all actors, and also underlined the implementation of the post-2015 agenda
accountability. need for stronger engagement of local at the local level.
An integrated multi-level and stakeholders in the definition, implemen-
multi-stakeholder approach is tation and monitoring of the post-2015 To ensure ownership, a bottom-up ap-
needed to promote transforma- development agenda. proach should be adopted for the post-
tive agendas at the local level. 2015 agenda, starting at the local level.
Strong national commitment LRGs play a crucial role in linking key Emphasis should be placed on communi-
to provide adequate legal local stakeholders in territorial develop- cating the SDGs and raising awareness of
frameworks and institutional ment. They are a key part of the State and the universality of the agenda, to ensure
and financial capacity to local draw their mandate from their local dem- full understanding and ownership by all
governments is required. ocratic accountability and from working types of governments and stakeholders.
on the front line, close to citizens and At the same time, the emerging global
communities. development agenda should be translat-
ed into national and local development
LRGS ARE CRITICAL FOR PROMOTING The active role of LRGs in international plans, and linkages and partnerships
INCLUSIVE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOP- development cooperation is crucial to with other development actors should
MENT WITHIN THEIR TERRITORIES, achieving development results, demo- be fostered to harmonize local develop-
AND AS SUCH THE IMPLEMENTATION cratizing the aid effectiveness agenda ment activities, avoid duplications and
OF THE POST-2015 AGENDA and promoting inclusive ownership. promote effectiveness.
Decentralized development cooperation,
The review of the MDGs demonstrated as well as the territorial approach to The proposed SDG to ‘Make cities and
the need to communicate the objec- development, should be acknowledged human settlements inclusive, safe,
resilient and sustainable’ will contrib-
ute to mobilizing local authorities and
stakeholders and focus the attention of
national governments and other inter-
national partners on the potential of ur-
banization as a key driver for sustainable
development. In concert with national
governments and other local stakehold-
ers, local governments can properly plan
and manage a local response to the chal-
lenges of urbanization, work to upgrade
slums and enhance resilience at the local
and territorial levels.
EFFECTIVE LOCAL GOVERNANCE

CAN ENSURE THE INCLUSION OF A DI-
VERSITY OF LOCAL STAKEHOLDERS,
THEREBY CREATING BROAD-BASED
Participants presenting at Dialogue on 'Localizing the Post-2015 Agenda', El Salvador
OWNERSHIP, COMMITMENT AND (Photo: UNDP El Salvador)
ACCOUNTABILITY
A bottom-up approach to development ticipation of citizens and relevant local which development policies can draw
will help to ensure ownership of the stakeholders. knowledge, legitimacy, participation and
post-2015 development agenda at the enhanced effectiveness. Localization will
local level. As the level of government Local stakeholders play a crucial role help to ensure that diversity is embraced.
closest to the people, LRGs are in a in the promotion of the key values of
unique position to identify and respond culture (heritage, diversity, creativity Women’s political and social leadership
to development needs and gaps and be and the transmission of knowledge) and equal participation are essential for
responsible for a wide range of func- as drivers and enablers of sustainable territorial development and the imple-
tional responsibilities that go beyond and inclusive development. Distinctive mentation of the post-2015 agenda.
service provision. Local governments local cultures, including of indigenous Electing more women at the local level
can address development challenges peoples, migrants and minorities, as well will strongly contribute to ensuring
through planned public policies defined, as traditional institutions and authorities, women’s full and effective participation
executed and monitored with the par- should be seen as a rich resource from in decision-making in political, economic
and social development. Youth partici-
pation in development should also be a
strong pillar for the future development
"The success of the post-2015 localization requires the par- agenda, taking into account their ethnic,
cultural, religious, gender, political and
ticipation of the community at all levels of implementation. socio-economic diversities.
Continuous dialogues, meaningful consultations, and other
forms of constructive engagements are effective mecha- National governments and the interna-
tional development community should
nisms in establishing accountability, transparency and trust recognize that local governments are
between local governments and their constituents." well placed to convene the diversity of
development stakeholders at the local
Participant in the Dialogues on the localization of the agenda in the Philippines
level (civil society, migrants, the private
ing local stakeholders to own the SDGs.
Public–private partnerships (PPPs) can
support development at the local level.
However, enabling legislation and local
accountability mechanisms are essential
to their effective implementation. It is
recommended to launch initiatives at
the national level for the creation of a
framework to build corporate sustaina-
bility policies to better fit local realities
and processes.
Territorial and urban planning, access to

basic services for all, including water, san-
itation, health and housing, social safety
Young woman speaking at Dialogue on 'Localizing the Post-2015 Agenda' in Buea, Cameroon nets and promotion of economic oppor-
(Photo: UNDP Cameroon)
tunities for men, women and youth were
highlighted as priority areas for local
sector, academia, national bodies and in- National governments and international governments in their quest to build more
ternational actors) and play an important partners should acknowledge and define inclusive societies. A responsible use of
role in developing and implementing the role of local government and local natural resources should also be pro-
integrated cross-sectoral strategies for stakeholders in setting, implementing moted to conserve the environment and
local development. and monitoring the post-2015 develop- local communities. A proportion of the
ment agenda to ensure further accounta- resources generated from such activities
Governments at all levels must be held bility and transparency. Implementation should be reinvested locally to improve
accountable for responding to social responsibilities should be clearly divided the quality of life of the inhabitants of
inclusion and human security challenges among different levels of government, the affected localities.
in their countries and cities, especially in taking into account the distinct com-
deprived and post-conflict areas. parative advantage of each level, and
accompanied by effective coordination STRONG NATIONAL COMMITMENT
mechanisms that harmonize efforts TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE LEGAL
AN INTEGRATED MULTI-LEVEL AND across them. Implementation should FRAMEWORKS AND INSTITUTIONAL
MULTI-STAKEHOLDER APPROACH IS be undertaken by the lowest possible AND FINANCIAL CAPACITY TO LOCAL
NEEDED TO PROMOTE TRANSFORMA- sphere of government, in line with the GOVERNMENTS IS REQUIRED
TIVE AGENDAS AT THE LOCAL LEVEL principle of subsidiarity.
More capacities and resources at the
Decentralization, subsidiarity and good National plans and public investment local level are needed for the implemen-
governance at all levels should be should contribute to localizing the tation of the post-2015 development
recognized as essential to implementing post-2015 development agenda. It is agenda, including for improved monitor-
the post-2015 development agenda. The imperative to further connect LRGs with ing and accountability. Greater efficiency
transfer of responsibilities should be ac- national policies and strategies to better in the implementation of the agenda will
companied by appropriate resources and respond to the demands and needs of be possible with improved intergovern-
finance, and local capacities should be citizens. mental and multi-level coordination as
strengthened, recognized and harnessed well as greater local participation. This
to implement the global agenda at the Constructive dialogues and partnerships will ensure stronger and more respon-
local level. Sustained inter-institutional between local institutions and public and sive accountability. Strengthening local
dialogue and trust are crucial elements private actors are crucial to promoting governments is critical to foster coor-
for success. democratic governance and empower- dination at the local level (horizontal
coordination) and at the national and in-
ternational levels (vertical coordination).
Stronger legal and institutional frame- "The review of the Millennium Development Goals
works with regard to decentralization will demonstrated the need to communicate the objective
support good governance at all levels.
of a global agenda more efficiently to all actors, and the
A holistic approach to achieving the need for stronger engagement of local stakeholders
SDGs can be developed by defining clear in the definition, implementation and monitoring
means of engagement to encourage
transparency and accountability (e.g.
of the Post-2015 Development Agenda."
participatory budgeting and planning), Participant in the Dialogue on the localization of the agenda in Portugal
and promoting collaboration between
local governing bodies, CSOs, the private
sector and other relevant stakeholders. revenue, and effective fiscal decentral- es, deliver services and involve citizens
Sound measures should be defined ization should increase their ability to in planning and decision-making, with
at the local level to avoid and prevent rely on their own resources. In parallel, special attention to strategies to engage
fraud and corruption. Balanced national national governments should ensure the most excluded.
and regional development planning predictable, regular and transparent
should be strengthened to support the transfers commensurate to the functions Local-level data are often not readily
economic, social and environmental and responsibilities transferred to local available to support local planning and
linkages between urban, peri-urban and governments. Creative, sustainable and monitoring of local development. Re-
rural areas, to secure balanced territorial equitable financing mechanisms need forms to official data collection services
development. to be explored and applied at the local will be necessary to assist subnational
level. Strong efforts need to be made to governments (for instance, with data
Financing territorial and urban develop- improve local leadership, human resourc- identifying where needs are concentrat-
ment is a key challenge for local govern- es, and the technical and management ed within each local jurisdiction) in mon-
ments. Efforts must be made to ensure capacities of local governments, as well itoring progress. Local target setting will
that they have access to sources of as their ability to mobilize local resourc- require the development of appropriate
indicators taking into account the local
context and environment. Localization
will ensure a more accurate reflection of
the well-being of populations and pro-
vide a more detailed subnational picture
of progress.
National governments and development

partners should ensure that the localiza-
tion of the SDGs is accompanied by the
localization of resources, enabling local
governments to raise more local revenue
and secure allocations of national and
international budgets. Transparency and
wider access to data and information
for local government authorities and
communities through information and
communications technology, online
social networks and community media
Participants discussing at Dialogue on 'Localizing the Post-2015 Agenda', Jamaica (Photo: UN Jamaica) should also be promoted.
III.
PARTICIPATORY
MONITORING AND
ACCOUNTABILITY
KEY MESSAGES
"People know, people discuss, people do, people verify."
Participatory monitoring sup-
ports development processes Motto of Vietnam’s Grassroots Democracy Ordinance
and results that are owned by
the proposed beneficiaries,
with all involved parties being
held accountable for reaching
goals and targets.
Local development solutions above all: marginalized persons and
and good participatory prac- minorities, persons with disabi- people living in poverty should be at
tices should be scaled up and lities, people living in poverty, the centre and the owners of their own
featured more prominently in forcibly displaced and stateless development processes, with all other
the post-2015 development persons, and other groups relevant actors accountable to them re-
agenda. This will require trans- that are marginalized or face garding progress on these development
parent and inclusive account- discrimination. outcomes.
ability systems that ensure Participatory accountability
full participation of all people, practices will better ensure that Participatory monitoring for accountabi-
including women and girls. the agenda will be rooted in a lity can take various forms. At its core, it
More space should be created human rights framework. should be about inclusive and transpar-
for CSOs, grass-roots and local Concrete examples of partici- ent practices used to monitor the effec-
organizations and individuals patory monitoring do exist and tiveness and usefulness of local, regional,
to participate meaningfully in should be used as a resource national or international policies. This
the planning, implementation for future endeavours. provides evidence which can be used
and monitoring of the post- to improve the policies. Participatory
2015 agenda. It is particularly approaches are about people, working
critical to strengthen women’s together in an organized way, to identify
voice and influence in country and track the priority issues that affect
monitoring and accountability PEOPLE SHOULD BE AT THE CENTRE their own communities, so that barriers
mechanisms, as well as the to development and poverty eradication
voices of those who are often Overall, the findings from each com- can be addressed and solved, with sup-
excluded from these processes, ponent of the consultation have been port as necessary from the public sector,
including children and youth, largely supportive of a participatory private entities and other accountable
approach, with one message standing institutions.
For better monitoring and accountability ticipatory monitoring and accountability example, the Zambia national Dialogue
in the post-2015 development agenda approach could offer a more sustainable noted that the Citizen Voice and Action
we need better data. Data should be development model — in that local model, a local-level advocacy meth-
disaggregated, by gender, age, ethnicity actors gain the skills needed and are odology that transforms the dialogue
and disability, and also be collected for empowered to make continuing devel- between communities and government
issues seemingly difficult to quantify at opment efforts sustainable long after the to improve services (such as health
present — for example, violence against framework and interventions expire. care and education), has been highly
women and girls. The MDGs have been effective. With support from other part-
criticized for their lack of accountability, The closer the participatory monitoring ners, improvements have been seen in
as well as their focus on national averag- occurs to the local level, the more likely it allocations of health care staff, essential
es and global aggregates as measures of is to impact policy and social services. For drug provisions, clinic availability and the
progress, which has often masked slow
or stagnant progress among the worst-
off sections of societies and growing
disparities at subnational levels.
"People cannot participate in the monitoring process
Participation is critical to achieve suc- because they do not have the information they need.
cessful and sustainable development For example, we would like women to have more access
progress, and there is an intrinsic value to
people being empowered and claiming
to land rights, but if you go and talk to the women in
their right to be heard. The post-2015 rural areas, you’ll see that almost none even know that
agenda needs to feature people-led, they have rights to have their names next to
transparent and inclusive processes for
monitoring progress towards targets and
their husband’s in land registration."
indicators. This is especially critical for Participant in Vietnam’s National Dialogue on participatory
poor and/or marginalized people, who monitoring for accountability
are traditionally left out of conversations
and policymaking decisions that most
directly affect them, and can result in
negative, unintended consequences and
unacceptable development outcomes.
LOCAL SOLUTIONS AND OWNERSHIP

OF THE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS ARE
KEY SUCCESS FACTORS
As one contributor noted, “a major

shortcoming of the MDGs was the failure
to localize … A front-end investment in
communication and local analysis and
planning will be key.” Another partici-
pant noted that small groups “permit
the formation of meaningful relation-
ships between participants” and that
“robust community organization leads
to community ownership.” Similarly, the
literature review suggested that a par- A little girl describes the world she wants, Zambia (Photo: UNV Zambia)
Focus group discussion on participation of the local population in decision-making processes in Piva, northern Montenegro (Photo: UN Montenegro, Milos Vujovic)
expedited completion of a delayed ma- CSO involvement should be collabo- from an early stage, by setting up mecha-
ternity wing, as well as additional desks, rative — not just consultative. Nota- nisms for regular dialogue where organi-
teachers and staff housing at various ble initiatives highlighted during the zations are given real power to decide on
educational facilities in the three districts consultations featured CSO collaboration the processes, methods and analysis to
using the approach. that placed local actors as co-creators in conduct assessments.
the development process, as opposed to
In Montenegro, findings from focus being consulted as outsiders.
groups showed that citizens utilized var- THE POST-2015 FRAMEWORK MUST
ious methods to present their views and The literature review noted that fu- BE ROOTED IN A HUMAN RIGHTS
opinions on topical issues to the relevant ture consideration should be given to FRAMEWORK
authorities. For example, students want- expanding the role of CSOs as facilitators
ing to influence the choice of teaching and organizers of interactions between The consultation emphasizes that the
staff wrote to the Ministry of Education, international aid organizations and post-2015 development agenda should
stayed away from schools and engaged local actors, rather than serving as the be embedded in human rights and that
the media in their campaign. collective voice. Though this new opera- countries need to be held accountable
tional paradigm represents a significant for the commitments they make. A
expansion of work for CSOs, the research human rights approach to post-2015
THE MORE EFFECTIVE INCLUSION OF has revealed that it is indeed beneficial commitments also calls for more de-
CSOS WILL BE CRITICAL TO THE POST- in allowing people living in poverty to scriptive and representative data to be
2015 DEVELOPMENT AGENDA self-determine. collected to track and monitor progress
within a larger macro-strategy of public
Another theme that emerged was related One of the points raised in the nation- policy at the national level in a human
to changing the role and impact of CSOs al Dialogues was that Member States rights framework that holds all involved
in the post-2015 development agenda. should work closely with civil society responsible.
quality services and mobilized on activi-
ties to reduce chronic malnutrition. It did
"If data is not reliable, we cannot talk about participatory so through an awareness campaign, as
monitoring and accountability – what is there to measure well as a monitoring system to check up
on mothers for pre- and postnatal care.
and hold accountable against?" By establishing a relationship with the
NGO representative in Dialogue in Albania mother throughout the process, it was
much easier to disseminate nutritional
advice.
CONCRETE EXAMPLES OF PARTICI- Governance and a scorecard for social In the Philippines, Ecosystems Work for
PATORY MONITORING DO EXIST AND auditing and gender budgeting. Care UK, Essential Benefits (ECOWEB) provides
SHOULD BE USED AS A RESOURCE working in Egypt, Ethiopia, Malawi, Peru lessons and recommendations on how to
FOR FUTURE ENDEAVOURS and Rwanda, also came up with commu- make grass-roots participatory budget-
nity scorecards and alternative citizen ing processes work and address poverty
The consultation revealed that there is oversight mechanisms for budgeting and by instituting the participation of civil
an appetite for participatory approaches service provision for social accountability. society and grass-roots organizations
and that local examples already exist that It found that collaboration is crucial and in planning and allocating resources for
can be scaled up and shared. Continued that participatory monitoring should be poverty reduction projects in partnership
partnership and support for such ap- more strategic and tactical, rather than with local government.
proaches should be encouraged as part haphazard.
of the monitoring and accountability Coming out of the national consulta-
framework for the post-2015 agenda. An example of participatory monitoring tions, Zambia noted the use of M-WASH,
in a PPP context was given by Nielsen, a mobile/web-based monitoring, evalua-
Coming out of the call for papers, ASED, the market research firm, which under- tion and reporting system that covers 1.7
a women’s rights organization based took its Focused Livelihood Interven- million people and advances account-
in Albania, examined participatory tion (FLI) project in India. FLI sought to ability by making water and sanitation
monitoring for accountability on gender improve the economic, employment and data transparent. The technological
equality issues — empowering women livelihood situations of people living in component inspires competition among
in decision-making at the local level. It poor areas. It found that participatory districts by publishing results and maps
created the Citizen’s Evaluation for Good monitoring and accountability meth- that demonstrate which districts and
odologies yielded more community provinces are making the most progress
involvement, with external agencies towards improved access to water and
(including the United Nations) playing sanitation.
the role of observers and facilitators only,
rather than leading or driving the project Thailand described how its iMonitor
themselves. application for smart phones and other
devices is tracking and evaluating public
UNICEF Peru, in its paper ‘Community HIV services, as well as creating an op-
Surveillance Systems for Early Child- portunity for dialogue with authorities to
hood and Development: A participatory address challenges. The application ena-
approach’, exemplified how community bles people to log ‘alerts’ if antiretroviral
surveillance systems (CSS) in Peru were treatment, condoms and medicines are
essential to the growth and development not available in health centres, and also
of children and pregnant mothers. The to report discrimination in the workplace.
CSS strategy increased the participation The iMonitor also informs people of the
UN Volunteer Taonga M'shanga facilitating
a discussion among village youth, Zambia
of communities and families where they locations of health centres for HIV testing
(Photo: UNV Zambia) were empowered to demand higher and other health services.
IV.
PARTNERSHIPS
WITH CIVIL
SOCIETY
KEY MESSAGES
"Government fears CSOs due to lack of understanding
Recognize and understand the of the functions of CSOs. Shared information
role of civil society in policy
development.
helps to break down this fear."
Create an enabling environ- Participant in the national Dialogue in Lesotho
ment by building a policy and
regulatory framework that
maximizes civil society’s contri- concretely engage in addressing devel- The full participation of civil society in
bution towards development opment objectives at the local and na- designing post-2015 policies is required
objectives. tional levels. Engagement and voluntary to build functional national systems.
Proactively align multi-stake- action can strengthen ownership, build To achieve this, national consultations
holder priorities, including individual capacity and help to address should be conducted to take stock of
those of government, civil challenges in a sustainable way. The ex- effective civil society engagement, best
society, volunteers and private- pertise of local civil society can be more practices should be replicated, and civil
sector actors. grounded in national circumstances than society capacities should be increased.
Set up and maintain account- the expertise of international research In addition, public servants should be
ability mechanisms that monitor institutions. trained on the role of non-state actors
partnerships and progress in in policy development and informa-
implementation efforts. Civil society can make many important tion sharing, including through online
contributions to policy development. outreach.
For example, civil society can support
government in translating global goals
RECOGNIZE AND UNDERSTAND THE and targets into policies that reflect CREATE AN ENABLING ENVIRON-
ROLE OF CIVIL SOCIETY IN POLICY the actual needs and priorities of local MENT BY BUILDING A POLICY AND
DEVELOPMENT communities. It can also help to include REGULATORY FRAMEWORK THAT
actors that would otherwise be left out MAXIMIZES CIVIL SOCIETY’S CONTRI-
Civil society plays important advocacy of policy decision-making. Finally, civil BUTION TOWARDS DEVELOPMENT
and mediation roles in policy develop- society can often take a leading role in OBJECTIVES
ment by identifying the most critical raising awareness at the community level
development priorities, suggesting prac- on new legislation, policies or important An enabling environment for civil society
tical solutions and policy opportunities development initiatives, by reaching out partnership must, at a minimum, be con-
and critiquing impractical or problematic in particular to marginalized groups and sistent with agreed international human
policies. Civil society allows people to geographic areas. rights, including among others: freedom
Young children want their voice to be heard during a consultation in Deir Alla, Jordan Valley (Photo: UN Jordan)
of association, freedom of peaceful as- duplication, build alliances and strength- PROACTIVELY ALIGN MULTI-STAKE-
sembly, freedom of expression, the right en capacity. Access to technology should HOLDER PRIORITIES, INCLUDING
to operate free from unwarranted state be expanded, for example to the internet THOSE OF GOVERNMENT, CIVIL
interference, the right to communicate as well as to independent media and SOCIETY, VOLUNTEERS AND PRIVATE-
and cooperate, and the right to seek and information, including by creating public SECTOR ACTORS
secure funding. Further, States must fulfil media platforms. In addition, invest-
their duty to protect their citizens. Gov- ments need to be made to build the Convergence should always be managed
ernments should build local capacity in capacity of CSOs, including by providing for the mutual benefit of people and
priority areas, and engage civil society’s support for their participation in govern- the State. To align multi-stakeholder
capacity to produce credible analytical, ment meetings, and visa requirements priorities, efforts and resources must
qualitative and quantitative research. should be relaxed to enable civil society be pooled to achieve shared objectives
to attend international conferences and common results. Multi-stakeholder
More specifically, the Dialogue recom- (which most often take place in devel- forums (virtual or face-to-face) can be
mends that coordination and knowl- oped countries), to exchange expertise organized to discuss priorities, ensure
edge-sharing mechanisms should be and lessons learned. coordination and monitor activities.
developed and improved, to avoid Training and guidance are needed on
how to build and institutionalize part-
nerships. Corporate social responsibility
mechanisms should be established to "There is a need for institutionalization of partnerships
foster collaborative relationships with with the private sector, government and civil society."
the private sector, based on transparency
Participant in the national Dialogue in Lesotho
and shared values.
As information sharing is essential to

ensure the meaningful implementation
of the post-2015 development agenda, the potential of volunteerism, public SET UP AND MAINTAIN ACCOUNTA-
all stakeholders should develop public awareness also needs to be created BILITY MECHANISMS THAT MONITOR
awareness processes. Programme data about its benefits. Volunteerism can be PARTNERSHIPS AND PROGRESS IN
and policy documents should also be seen as a cross-cutting means of imple- IMPLEMENTATION EFFORTS
contextualized into research and publi- mentation, producing benefits such as
cation materials that could contribute capacity-building, empowerment and It is essential for all development actors
to national development. To tap into social integration. to agree on the design of sustainable
Participant at 'Dialogue on Civil Society', Indonesia (Photo: UN Indonesia)
Round-table discussion at UN Youth Consultation, Cambodia (Photo: UN Cambodia)
development policy, implementation, government strategies and action. Exist- assessment of strategic decisions taken
monitoring and evaluation, to achieve ing accountability mechanisms should by both the public and private sectors.
an effective agenda. The formulation be strengthened, while the use of media
of the post-2015 development agenda (free press, social media) can critically Multi-stakeholder working groups or
provides an opportunity to ensure more contribute to more effective and respon- forums should be formed and institution-
systematic and regulatory monitoring of sive governance, providing tools for alized to periodically assess efforts and
implementation progress. They should
include government, the private sector,
civil society, academia and media, and be
committed to the principle of transpar-
"Because of my disability, I was away from other children ency. Such mechanisms should draw on
and I was made to go to the special schools for persons with the expertise of collective bodies, such as
municipal councils, to inform discussion.
disabilities. Such a childhood affected my further life, and
Internet portals and websites for mon-
I never considered myself an integral part of this society. itoring initiatives, including real-time
I would love to see all children with disabilities going to the monitoring, should also be built to mon-
itor progress. In addition, transparency
same schools with other children in a new development
mechanisms could be created through
framework. A post-2015 agenda must bring inclusive the development of public, private and
education to the table." civil society initiatives that provide a
clear, concrete and democratic review of
Murad Mammadov (male, 24 years), a trainer at the Center of Development & Aid,
national consultation in Azerbaijan the challenges and setbacks of the global
development agenda.
V.
ENGAGING
WITH THE
PRIVATE SECTOR
KEY MESSAGES
"A sustainable mechanism is needed; PPPs have been
The role of business and indu- discussed over the past 10 years, but implementation
stry in international develop- strategies are still lacking."
ment is not limited to mobili-
A representative of the Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry
zing financial resources. It lies
more fundamentally in the
impact of their core operations
on the issues covered by the
proposed SDGs. The Dialogue organized its discussions and provide incentives to private
The social and environmental according to the following five themes: corporations to support them further
impacts of these core business in executing this.”
operations need to be moni-
tored and reported, regardless DEVELOP GOVERNMENT POLICIES As explicitly stressed in the regional
of the country of operation. THAT DRIVE CORPORATE SUSTAIN- Dialogue for Latin America and the
The most direct route to inno- ABILITY Caribbean, gender equality criteria
vation, technological advance — including measures such as increasing
and productive capacity is The leading role of governments in the proportion of women in leadership
through healthy, engaged busi- driving the development agenda was positions, creating employment and
nesses, industries and finance recognized by participants in the Dia- decent work, and closing the pay gap
houses. logue. Public institutions can scale up the between men and women — should be
Effective private–public dia- contribution of business to development placed at the centre of these policies.
logue builds on local capacities by shaping corporate sustainability —
and defines roles and responsi- for example through policy frameworks National governments need to provide
bilities for all partners. An inclu- and incentives, and encouraging the the legal and economic tools to enable
sive format of involving busi- uptake of corporate and public–private private firms to gain economic bene-
ness and industry in national initiatives in alignment with the SDGs. As fits while complying with social and
development planning is taking a representative of the Caribbean manu- environmental requirements. Incentives
place in many country settings. facturing industry argued, “Governments should be in place to support firms that
should assist in efforts to create a unified engage in ethical business practices (e.g.
vision about sustainable development designing and awarding procurement
Graphic of the Latin America regional consultation on 'Engaging with the Private Sector' in Cartagena, Colombia
(Photo: Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID))
tenders and export credits according to ENHANCE PARTNERSHIPS Commonly, mistrust between public and
sustainability criteria). Several consul- private actors as well as a lack of clear
tations, including the regional ones for The implementation of the post-2015 policy guidelines hinder the effective-
the Caribbean, Europe and Central Asia agenda will require the buy-in of indus- ness of such partnerships (Dialogue in
and for the Pacific, strongly supported trialists, entrepreneurs and corporations Indonesia).
putting sustainable productive capacities to a more sustainable corporate land-
and value-added creation at the centre scape. Such buy-in includes the adop- PPPs can further economic development
of development. There was also advo- tion of voluntary standards taking into in some contexts, with the caveat that
cacy for transformative policies, such as account needs and cultural contexts. the category of SMEs must not be ne-
shifting the tax burden away from labour glected (Dialogues in Mongolia, Trinidad
and towards natural resource use and the Partnerships come in a wide variety of and Tobago and regional event in Latin
removal of harmful subsidies. shapes and sizes, and operate at levels America and the Caribbean). Due to the
from local to global. The consultation flexibility, innovative capacity and large
At several events, such as in Austria, strengthened awareness of the added proportion of employment provided by
Kenya and the USA, it was suggest- value and the transformative potential this category of firms, SMEs are a strate-
ed that public-sector bodies should of PPPs and multi-sector and busi- gic and valuable connection for reaching
promote sustainability best practices ness-to-business partnerships. When local people and meeting local needs.
by publishing success stories on official partnerships build on the resources,
government websites. In other events, capabilities and influence of a range of The private sector has traditionally been
governments were urged to lead by ex- stakeholders to tackle complex challeng- the driver of scientific and technological
ample through sustainable procurement es, they become powerful mechanisms development, representing a dynamic
programmes and increased transparency, to accelerate development. They can and powerful force in innovative capaci-
thus also minimizing corruption. also be vital to enhancing ownership. ty. Therefore, PPPs — as well as corporate
financing and incentive schemes, and
technology transfer. Financing needs
should be accompanied by a sector- and
country/region-specific agenda, as stated
in the Europe and Central Asia regional
consultation by a representative of the
European Bank for Reconstruction and
Development.
Financial resources can be directed to-

wards sustainable development through
risk-mitigating mechanisms for invest-
ments in sustainability — for example,
loan guarantees on infrastructure pro-
Participants at Latin America regional consultation on 'Engaging with the Private Sector' in Cartagena, jects that are environmentally protective,
Colombia (Photo: UNDP, B. Auricchio)
create decent jobs and benefit poor and
marginalized people but require large
practice per se — are seen as instrumen- MOBILIZE PRIVATE SUSTAINABILITY amounts of upfront capital and have a
tal in knowledge sharing and technology FINANCE very distant horizon for returns. Moreo-
transfer, which are crucial to sustaina- ver, in countries with a large proportion
bility and economic development. Clear With the development of the corporate of small enterprises, such as Small Island
cost–benefit analysis in developing PPPs sustainability movement, growing num- Developing States, export promotion
is needed to justify each stage of the bers of investors, companies and founda- strategies focusing on value-chain devel-
process. tions are embedding sustainability con- opment are seen as essential, with clear
siderations in their investment decisions delineation of responsibilities for each
Potential benefits of greater interaction and seeking to deliver value for business actor, and with clear linkages established.
between the private sector and the Unit- and society. As a representative of the US
ed Nations system at the country, region- Agency for International Development in
al and multilateral levels were discussed Washington DC acknowledged, “foreign LOCALIZE THE POST-2015 AGENDA
in the regional events for Africa and Latin direct investment has also changed in FOR THE ENGAGEMENT OF SMES
America and the Caribbean. A role for the nature: instead of a one-way direction,
United Nations as a convener and arbiter investors are now increasingly investing SMEs play a very important role in
in enforcing ‘the rules of the game’ was in a way to grow with the markets, and national economies, as they account for
also suggested. Some industry partici- become stakeholders.” approximately 90 percent of businesses
pants also expressed a desire to craft bet- Access to new forms of finance, such as and more than 50 percent of jobs world-
ter relations with trade unions and labour microfinance, responsible investment, wide. The consultations indicate that
representatives (raised in consultations in venture capital, carbon markets and the engagement of SMEs in global value
Washington DC). Participants in national other innovative forms, can be essen- chains can be an extremely powerful way
consultations in Kenya, Mongolia, Turkey tial for start-up firms, for maintaining to channel sustainability criteria into the
and Spain and in regional Dialogues investment cycles and for harnessing the business fabric of developing countries.
across the globe have stressed building dynamism of private-sector companies. This was particularly stressed in the
trust, through improved transparency Economic governance and resilience are regional Dialogues for Latin America and
and accountability, as the most vital critical elements towards this end that the Caribbean, Europe and Central Asia
component for constructing successful were cited in the consultations. Private and the Pacific. Clear communication of
PPPs, along with the need to improve sustainability finance should also be post-2015 objectives from the United Na-
communication (Dialogues in Washing- leveraged through a smart combina- tions and other engaged multinational
ton DC, Latin America and the Caribbean, tion of local microenterprise and SME actors will assist SMEs in identifying their
Europe, Turkey, Addis Ababa). creation, investment promotion, adapted role in realizing the post-2015 agenda at
help in this regard. To foster an atmos-
phere conducive to transparency, it was
"New modes of accountability and transparency for businesses also suggested that public bodies should
publish details of their decision-making
should take into account the size, needs and possibilities
on their websites (Dialogue in Kenya).
of the firm in question."
A government representative from Colombia Participants clearly highlighted the im-
portance of streamlining measurement
and stated that reporting tools need to
be affordable and understandable for
the local level. Support from large-scale and standards, due to their lower capac- SMEs to increase their impact and ac-
corporations in whose supply chains they ity to take on related administration and countability. Along this line, participants
operate will help them to overcome a transaction costs. in the majority of Dialogues advocated
vulnerability to low productivity and take for improved transparency and business
advantage of their flexibility and grass- accountability in non-financial perfor-
roots network. This support could entail BUILD TRUST THROUGH mance with related indicators, such as
technology transfer, the sharing of best ENHANCED TRANSPARENCY contribution to poverty eradication, sup-
practices and knowledge, and engage- AND ACCOUNTABILITY port for decent work, respect for gender
ment in partnerships that encourage the equality and promotion of environmen-
adoption of sustainability criteria and Representatives of private companies tal sustainability, benchmarked against
that help navigate international trade often stressed that public-sector and international best practices and business
standards. civil society bodies must be judged just ethics. Finally, increased transparency
as rigorously as private firms concerning is also viewed as the preferred tool for
Attention was drawn in most dialogues sustainability. Greater transparency and battling corruption in both the private
to the specific challenges of SMEs, such better circulation of successful examples and public sectors, as suggested in the
as their need for capacity-building. In the of public–private cooperation through regional Dialogues for Africa and Latin
words of a participant from the business public communication channels could America and the Caribbean.
community in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia,
“SMEs need capacity-building — not just
sporadic training, but skill-based train-
ing.” The capacities of the SME sector are
relatively weak in most of the developing
countries where Dialogues took place.
Strategic training programmes that focus
on, and are oriented to, skills acquisition
(ranging from technical and manage-
ment capacities to access to markets),
market intelligence, and the use of
appropriate technologies are therefore
fundamental. The strengthening of local,
regional and global networks also has
the potential to unleash new sources of
growth, competitiveness, innovation and
job creation. A strong message emerged
(e.g. from the national Dialogues in Spain
and the regional Dialogue for the Pacific)
that SMEs should not be overburdened Round-table discussion at regional consultation for Europe and Central Asia on 'Engaging with the Private
with complex sustainability frameworks Sector' in Bratislava, Slovakia (Photo: Patrick Domingo)
VI.
CULTURE AND
DEVELOPMENT
KEY MESSAGES
"Understanding and considering a society’s cultural
Culture can make an important aspects is critical to adapting development approaches
contribution to poverty reduc-
tion, as a resilient economic
to local contexts and ensuringsuccessful outcomes."
sector that provides livelihood H.E. Mr. Mohamed Khaled Khiari, Vice-President of the UN General Assembly,
opportunities. at the Special Thematic Debate of the UN General Assembly on Culture and
Sustainable Development in the Post-2015 Development Agenda
Education strategies should aim
to develop cultural literacy and
equip young people with the
skills to live in a multicultural
and diverse society, in both
economic and social terms.
Participation in the culture
sector and the engagement
of cultural values provide Culture is an essential component of sustainable economic growth, sustain-
important opportunities for the sustainable development and a crit- able cities and sustainable consumption
advancement of gender equali- ical element of human rights-based and production patterns.
ty and women’s empowerment. approaches. It represents a source of
Culture-led redevelopment of identity, innovation and creativity for
urban areas and public spaces the individual and community and is an CULTURE CAN MAKE AN IMPORTANT
helps preserve the social fabric, important factor in building social inclu- CONTRIBUTION TO POVERTY REDUC-
attract investment and improve sion and eradicating poverty, providing TION, AS A RESILIENT ECONOMIC
economic returns. for economic growth and ownership of SECTOR THAT PROVIDES LIVELIHOOD
Development programmes development processes. OPPORTUNITIES
which take into account the link
between cultural diversity and To date, the consultations have shown The cultural and creative industries,
biodiversity, including traditio- a strong consensus on the importance sustainable cultural tourism and the
nal knowledge, secure greater of linking culture to the priorities of the safeguarding of cultural heritage are
environmental sustainability. post-2015 development agenda. The powerful drivers for poverty reduction,
Culture has the potential to Open Working Group on Sustainable sustainable economic growth and
build bridges and shape more Development Goals referred to the role employment, as confirmed by examples
effective reconciliation process- of culture in the overarching introduc- from Argentina, Colombia, Cuba, India,
es with full ownership of the tion of its outcome document and within Indonesia, Laos, Mexico, Pakistan, Samoa,
communities. the targets of five proposed SDGs related South Sudan and Uruguay.
to food security, education, inclusive and
Highlights come from the consultations THE SKILLS TO LIVE IN A MULTI separate, mono-ethnic schools with
in Mali and Serbia. In Mali the culture CULTURAL AND DIVERSE SOCIETY, IN multiple curricula.
sector is essential to economic growth BOTH ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL TERMS
and to addressing the social aspects
of poverty. It is crucial to direct invest- Integrating cultural elements in educa- PARTICIPATION IN THE CULTURE
ments to target this potential. Serbia has tion programmes fosters linkages with SECTOR AND THE ENGAGEMENT
examined culture as a strategic tool for one’s roots and provides for locally rele- OF CULTURAL VALUES PROVIDE
revenue generation. Eco-tourism and vant content, resulting in more relevant IMPORTANT OPPORTUNITIES
cultural infrastructure are some of the skills and better learning, as presented FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF
main ways to reduce poverty through in case studies from Albania, Argentina, GENDER EQUALITY AND
culture, while also contributing to better India, Jordan, Namibia, Palau, Tanzania, WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT
environmental awareness. the USA and Uruguay.
Examples from Armenia, India, Indone-
For example, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, sia, Laos, Mexico, Pakistan, Samoa and
EDUCATION STRATEGIES SHOULD intercultural and inclusive education is a Solomon Islands indicate that participa-
AIM TO DEVELOP CULTURAL LITERA- main priority for the education system, tion in activities of the culture sector has
CY AND EQUIP YOUNG PEOPLE WITH which is currently articulated around allowed the most vulnerable segments
Dinka cattle camp, South Sudan Picture from the call for papers on 'Dialogue on Culture and Development' (Photo: Robin Denselow)
of the population, including women and
girls, to prioritize schooling, ward off the
"There is no reason to exclude local community and
pressures of early marriage, delay preg-
nancy and strengthen autonomy and indigenous cultures from conservation initiatives
independent income generation. In addi- in the Pacific. Involving them enhances conservation
tion, culturally sensitive approaches are
programmes, improves community capacity
effective and necessary methods to fos-
ter greater social inclusion and enhanced and reduces adverse environmental activities."
provision of health services, including Trisha Kehaulani Watson-Sproat and Jamaica Osorio on cultural traditions
access to sexual and reproductive health. to restore degraded Pacific coastal fisheries
Cultural initiatives which engage equal
participation from men and boys for the
objective of women’s empowerment are education and the protection of the sensitive approaches in urban environ-
particularly effective. environment. ments promote social cohesion and
cultural pride and ownership through
For example, Ecuador’s vision of culture participation in local community and
embraces social dynamics and the CULTURE-LED REDEVELOPMENT urban spaces.
transmission of knowledge and cul- OF URBAN AREAS AND PUBLIC
tural backgrounds. The consultations SPACES HELPS PRESERVE THE For example, culture in Morocco is
highlight the linkages between culture SOCIAL FABRIC, ATTRACT linked to the main issues resulting from
and poverty reduction, education and INVESTMENT AND IMPROVE rapid economic expansion: growing
gender. They are considering modalities ECONOMIC RETURNS inequalities and relative poverty, access
to guarantee women’s access to cultural to decent work, environmental degra-
goods and services, emphasizing their Argentina, Brazil, Libya, Pakistan, Qatar, dation and rapid urbanization. Cities are
economic contribution in the creative Spain and the USA presented examples increasingly faced with the challenges of
and cultural industry, and the multipliers on culture and historic urban environ- diversity and inequality, and can benefit
from increased women’s participation in ments being key for achieving sus- greatly from culture to improve inclusion
the transmission of practices that foster tainable and inclusive cities. Culturally and promote greater social cohesion.
The protection of historic districts and
use of cultural facilities as civic spaces for
dialogue can help reduce violence and
promote cohesion.
DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES
WHICH TAKE INTO ACCOUNT
THE LINK BETWEEN CULTURAL
DIVERSITY AND BIODIVERSITY,
INCLUDING TRADITIONAL KNOW-
LEDGE, SECURE GREATER ENVIRON-
MENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
As is presented by Albania, Colombia,

Nepal, Pakistan and the USA, embracing
cultural traditions of local communities
in programming promotes optimal
Stages of Change performance, Solomon Islands Picture from the call for papers on 'Dialogue on Culture and outcomes for environmental protection.
Development' (Photo: Faanati Mamea) Such initiatives boast enhanced commu-
Women's assembly and training in Swat, Pakistan, in 2010 Picture from the call for papers on 'Dialogue on Culture and Development'
(Photo: Heritage Foundation Pakistan)
nity ownership and capacity; improved

monitoring and enforcement; and a
reduction in adverse environmental "The Song and Dance Project within the Maasai community
activities, in political opposition and in
calls for the integration of cultural expressions as a tool
social conflict, with exponential returns
on investments. to stimulate dialogue, participatory governance."
Pastoral Women’s Council, Tanzania
As an example, Bosnia and Herzegovina
recognizes culture as a driver for devel-
opment and prosperity. The environment
is a source of livelihood for the poorest
people in the country, and affects their
vulnerability. The recent floods have CULTURE HAS THE POTENTIAL mar, South Sudan and Sri Lanka. More
shown that the loss of traditional knowl- TO BUILD BRIDGES AND SHAPE specifically, Mali is organizing thematic
edge and skills can result in very low re- MORE EFFECTIVE RECONCILIATION workshops focusing on reconciliation,
silience. The consultations in Bosnia and PROCESSES WITH FULL OWNERSHIP poverty reduction and the environment.
Herzegovina to date recognize culture OF THE COMMUNITIES During the recent conflict, heritage and
as a catalyst for comprehensive societal cultural expressions were deliberately
change (including through education, Cultural rights, heritage, cultural identity attacked, and cultural rehabilitation
media and youth participation) and can and cultural life are foundational realities and dialogue are considered crucial for
generate positive and sustainable trans- which provide the legitimacy for collec- stabilization and future development,
formations for economic development, tive and participatory local governance, including for their ability to foster toler-
environmental protection and prepared- as showcased in examples from Brazil, ance and overcome trauma.
ness for climate change. Denmark, France, Libya, Mexico, Myan-
DIALOGUE PROCESS
The Dialogues on Post-2015 Implemen- participating countries and organized Some additional countries and nation-
tation were initiated in response to the global dialogues, regional consultation al stakeholder groups signed up on a
strong demand that people expressed events, literature reviews, e-discussions voluntary basis. The countries that have
during the UN Global Conversation in and other forms of outreach through been involved in this initiative so far are:
2012/2013 about being involved not just their networks. In addition, each par-
in the design of the post-2015 agenda ticipating country organized its own Albania, Algeria, Armenia, Aruba, Azer-
but also in its implementation. The six consultation, consisting of in-person baijan, Bangladesh, Bosnia and Herzego-
themes (localizing the agenda, capacities meetings, technical papers, surveys and vina, Botswana, Brazil, Burundi, Cam-
and institutions, participatory monitor- other activities. bodia, Cameroon, Canada, Colombia,
ing and accountability, engagement with Costa Rica, Djibouti, El Salvador, Ecuador,
civil society and the private sector, and The Dialogues started in April 2014 and Germany, Ghana, Guatemala, Indonesia,
culture and development) were chosen will continue until April 2015. As such, Italy, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kosovo,
because they were raised on numerous not all activities have been concluded, Kyrgyzstan, Lesotho, Malaysia, Malawi,
occasions during these consultations, and each theme will have its own final Mali, Mexico, Mongolia, Montenegro,
and to balance the existing ongoing report. The results of each of these Moldova, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Philip-
intergovernmental discussions on financ- activities, as well as national concept pines, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Saudi
ing, trade and technology. notes and reports, are all available on the Arabia, Serbia, Spain, St. Lucia, Tajikistan,
WorldWeWant website. 5
Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and
Conceptual leadership for the different Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan,
themes came from various agencies of For the most part, countries were se- Uganda, United States of America, Vanu-
the UN Development Group. The co-lead- lected and invited to participate by the atu, Vietnam, Yemen and Zambia.
ing agencies for each theme developed Regional Chairs of the UN Development
the concept notes and guidance for the Group and the UN Resident Coordinators.
5) worldwewant2015.org/sitemap
AC K NOW L E D G E MENTS
This report was produced by the UNDG Millennium Development Goals Task Force,
co-chaired by Magdy Martinez-Soliman (UNDP) and John Hendra (UN Women). It would
not have been possible without the contributions and commitment of agency colleagues
across the UN system, including the UN country teams whose Dialogues contributed to
the report. The following colleagues in particular have played a major role in leading the
different Dialogues and preparing parts of the report:
Nicholas Alipui, Susan Alzner, Edgardo Bilsky, Tricia Callender, Giovanni Camilleri,
Juan Chebly, Jennifer Colville, Ludivine Cornille, Simona Costanzo, Dorine Dubois, Ame
Esangbedo, Noemi Espinoza, Melissa Garcia, Darren Gleeson, Lurdes Gomez, Kallayaphorn
(Jasmine) Jaruphand, Hamish Jenkins, Matthew Hodes, Azza Karam, Anna King, Kazuki
Kitaoka, Olav Kjorven, Zohra Khan, Begona Lasagabaster, Jordi Llopart, Diana A. Lopez
Caramazana, Pelle Lutken, Roshni Menon, Kodjo Mensah-Abrampa, Lia Nicholson, Sering
Falu Njie, Shannon O'Shea, Diego Palacios, Aurelio Parisotto, Lynne Patchett, Beth Peoch,
Irene Christina Pirca Garcia, Eugenia Piza-López, Adam Read-Brown, Elke Selter, Giuseppe
de Simone, Lucy Slack, Timothy Wall, Marie Wibe, and Corinne Woods.
The lead authors of the report were Paul Ladd and Hannie Meesters, with support from
Gina Lucarelli and Nicole Igloi. Antje Watermann led the production of the report, with
support from Céline Varin, Tijana Knezevic and Veronique Lozano. The report was edited
by Jon Stacey (The Write Effect) and designed by Lene Søjberg (Phoenix Design Aid A/S).
Very special thanks go to Muni Ahlawat, Diego Antoni, Jose Dallo, Nicole Igloi, Eunice
Kamwendo, Youn Ho Kang, Serge Kapto, Hansol Lim, Veronique Lozano, Gina Lucarelli,
Leire Pajin, and Céline Varin for their support and contributions.
worldwewant2015.org

Delivering The Post-2015 Development Agenda: Opportunities at The National and Local Levels

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DELIVERING THE POST-2015

The analysis and recommendations of this report do not necessarily

DELIVERING THE POST-2015

Cross-cutting messages from the Dialogues 1

I. Strengthening capacities and building effective institutions 8

II. Localizing the agenda 12

III. Participatory monitoring and accountability 16

IV. Partnerships with civil society 20

V. Engaging with the private sector 24

VI. Culture and development 28

Description of Dialogue process 32

The dialogues recorded in this report

The current report picks up where

These important global issues can sup-

Participants discussing in Buea, Cameroon (Photo: UNDP Cameroon)

“It was my first experience to be given a chance to debate

It is clear that upgraded capacities for

As this process unfolds, the partners of

be conservative and resistant to change.

EFFECTIVE LOCAL GOVERNANCE

Territorial and urban planning, access to

National governments and development

LOCAL SOLUTIONS AND OWNERSHIP

As one contributor noted, “a major

As information sharing is essential to

Participant at 'Dialogue on Civil Society', Indonesia (Photo: UN Indonesia)

Financial resources can be directed to-

As is presented by Albania, Colombia,

nity ownership and capacity; improved

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