> Posted by Jeffrey Riecke, Communications Assistant, CFI
Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Indonesian President and co-chair of the High Level Panel, and Ban Ki-moon, United Nations Secretary General
A few days ago the U.N. High Level Panel submitted its final report to the U.N. Secretary General on recommendations for the global development agenda to replace the current Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) when they expire in 2015. The High Level Panel, comprised of 27 individuals spanning leaders from civil society, private sector, and government, developed the recommendations in broad consultation with governments, organizations, institutions, United Nations entities, and individuals. People from more than 5,000 civil society organizations as well as roughly 250 CEOs of major corporations participated in the process.
The vision of the agenda, as stated in the report, is to end extreme poverty in all its forms in the context of sustainable development and to have in place the building blocks of sustained prosperity for all. The agenda is organized into five transformational shifts, and includes recommendations on establishing goals that translate these priorities into measurable targets and recommendations on effectively implementing the agenda. A list of the five transformational shifts follows.
- Leave No One Behind. We must ensure that no person – regardless of ethnicity, gender, geography, disability, race, or other status – is denied basic economic opportunities and human rights.
- Put Sustainable Development at the Core. We must make a rapid shift to sustainable patterns of production and consumption, with developed countries in the lead. We must act now to slow the alarming pace of climate change and environmental degradation, which pose unprecedented threats to humanity.
- Transform Economies for Jobs and Inclusive Growth. A profound economic transformation can end extreme poverty and promote sustainable development, improving livelihoods, by harnessing innovation, technology, and the potential of business. More diversified economies, with equal opportunities for all, can drive social inclusion, especially for young people, and foster respect for the environment.
- Build Peace and Effective, Open and Accountable Institutions for All. Freedom from violence, conflict, and oppression is essential to human existence, and the foundation for building peaceful and prosperous societies. We are calling for a fundamental shift – to recognize peace and good governance as a core element of wellbeing, not an optional extra.
- Forge a New Global Partnership. A new spirit of solidarity, cooperation, and mutual accountability must underpin the post-2015 agenda. This new partnership should be built on our shared humanity, and based on mutual respect and mutual benefit.
A few months ago we posed the question of how will financial inclusion be incorporated into the new development agenda. In looking at just the transformational shift blurbs above, one can draw linkages to core financial inclusion elements. More directly, the report explicitly mentions financial inclusion in two contexts – pertaining to women and girls having equal access to financial services, and strengthening a country’s productive capacity by providing universal access to financial services.
Take a look at the report and let us know if you think financial inclusion is appropriately incorporated into the development agenda. Or better yet, notify Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. The report serves as an input in the process of consultations being conducted by the U.N. It’s expected that the Secretary-General will present his own development agenda vision to U.N. member states in September.
Image credit: Post2015HLP.org
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