The following of our members submitted written inputs with recommendations on the elements paper that is being drafted by Co-Facilitators of the SDGs Summit which till take place during the UN General Assembly in September 2023.
- MGoS coordination mechanism – read input
- Business and Industry Major Group – read input
- Farmer’s Major Group – read input
- Indigenous Peoples – read input
- NGO Major Group – read input
- Scientific and Technological Community Major Group – read input
- Women’s Major Group – read input
- Asia Pacific Regional CSO Engagement Mechanism – read input
- LGBTI Stakeholder Group – read input
- Persons with Disabilities – read input
- Sendai Group – read input
- Stakeholder Group of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent – read input
- Together 2030 – read input
- Volunteers – read input
- Major Group for Children and Youth – read input
What is the SDG Summit 2023 about?
On 18-19 September 2023, world leaders will gather at the SDG Summit in New York for the mid-point review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the implementation of its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Summit is expected to adopt a political declaration that will provide a roadmap for putting the world back on track to achieve the SDGs by their 2030 deadline. The Summit will be informed by the 2023 Global Sustainable Development Report prepared by an independent group of scientists and the 2023 Special Edition of the SDG Progress Report by the Secretary-General. More information about the 2023 SDG Summit is available on the website at: hlpf.un.org/sdg-summit.
What is an “elements paper”?
Elements papers are often used in multilateral negotiations where multiple stakeholders, including civil society, with diverse interests are trying to reach agreement on a complex issue. The purpose of an elements paper is to provide a starting point for negotiations, by outlining the key issues, areas of agreement, and areas where further discussion or compromise is needed. Elements papers are usually developed by the facilitator or chair of the negotiation process, and are shared with all parties in advance of the negotiation session. The parties are then expected to use the elements paper as a basis for further discussion and negotiation, with the goal of reaching consensus on a final agreement. Overall, an elements paper is an important tool for facilitating complex negotiations and promoting consensus-building among diverse stakeholders within the United Nations.
What happens to the “written input”?
The input received from MGoS is typically reviewed by the drafting team responsible for developing the elements paper. They will consider the input provided by the MGoS, along with other relevant inputs, research, and consultations, in order to develop a draft elements paper. Once the draft elements paper is complete, it may be shared with MGoS and other stakeholders for further input and feedback. The input received during this phase may be used to refine the elements paper and make any necessary revisions before it is finalised and presented to the relevant UN body for consideration and adoption. Learn more about the process here.
What is the UN Declaration of Future Generations?
The UN Declaration of Future Generations is a proposed declaration that aims to set out a framework for intergenerational equity and sustainability. It is based on the principle that the actions taken by current generations should not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
The idea of a UN Declaration of Future Generations has been under discussion for many years, and has been advocated for by a range of civil society organizations, academics, and others. The declaration would provide a set of guidelines and principles that governments, businesses, and individuals could use to ensure that they are acting in the best interests of future generations.
The declaration would likely cover a range of topics, including environmental sustainability, social justice, and economic development. It would emphasize the importance of long-term thinking and planning, and would encourage decision-makers to take into account the impacts of their actions on future generations.
At present, the UN Declaration of Future Generations is still in the development stage, and there is no official draft or finalized text. However, various discussions, consultations, and negotiations are ongoing to help shape the content of the declaration and to build support for its adoption.
