Post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals: UN Negotiations Begin

Abstract:

The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are due to be met by 2015. Some targets have already been achieved, but most will not be met on time. Now the UN is considering the post-2015 development agenda. The high-level panel appointed by the UN Secretary-General to advise on the future of the MDGs began its work in late September.

The UN General Assembly is also in the process of establishing an intergovernmental open working group tasked with developing a set of sustainable development goals (SDGs). Since the concept of sustainable development means reconciling conflicts between environmental and developmental objectives, both processes should become one in the mid-term.

This would allow UN member states to negotiate a single set of goals for sustainable development with global reach. So, what are the decisive factors for this process and what institutional support will it require?

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