The Hunger Project's analysis of preliminary post 2015 goals

Update on the Post-2015 Agenda High-Level Panel (HLP) Issues Report 5/31/13 – Download the full report at http://post2015hlp.org

Overview This week marked the first major milestone in the journey to create an integrated framework of goals for Post 2015 to complete the job started by the MDGs. The High-Level Panel (HLP) of 27 eminent persons from all sectors and regions of the world delivered its report, and initial responses are that it fulfills and surpasses the hopes of civil society.

The report builds on the MDGs, highlights five transformative shifts from the MDG paradigm, and proposes 12 “bold yet practical goals” to eliminate poverty in all its forms (summarized at the end of this memo).

The HLP, and the UN, have been extraordinarily inclusive in consulting with thousands of civil society organizations around the world (including THP in many countries). Now the ball gets passed to governments. As citizens, we will need to press our governments to ensure that the final agreements in 2015 are at least as strong as this paper.

The Post-2015 goals will be a strong influence on shaping the country-led strategies of all nations. Given our commitment to influence country-led strategies, THP leadership need to be on the frontlines of this process.

How does the report align with THP goals?

The Report calls for everything we stand for – and more. It fulfills the mandate to create a framework that includes both human and sustainable development, including addressing climate change.

The Report draws key distinctions. It has separate goals to end poverty and end hunger. It separates water and sanitation from environmental sustainability. It has strong goals for 1,000-Day nutrition, women’s empowerment, good governance and global partnership.

How does the report align with THP strategy?

THP policy advocacy focuses on expanding adoption of “six lessons” we’ve learned from our last 25 years on the ground in thousands of rural communities.

1) Mobilization: THP has learned that it takes an inspiring process to call forth “Vision, Commitment and Action” – a process through which people transform their mindset and recognize their right and ability to take charge of their own development. The 1 John Coonrod

6 June 2013

HLP Report is extremely strong on human rights – an area left out of the MDGs – and includes the Right to Development, which is central to our approach. The Report is based on five transformative shifts towards a more people-centered approach to development. From a THP perspective, the Report is also far more focused on building the capacities of individuals (learning goals, decent jobs) than were the MDGs (eg: school enrollment targets, that seem to have been accompanied by poorer educational attainment.)

That said, our fundamental notion of mobilizing the power of communities to solve local problems is almost entirely absent from the report, other than its strong support for the right to assembly and the importance of civil society.

2) Empowering Women as Key Change Agents: The MDGs targeted gender equality in very narrow terms (school enrollment). This Report significantly raises the priority, and targets some of the most challenging aspects including political and economic discrimination and gender-based violence.

3) Partnership with Local Government: The Report includes local government – an entirely new feature – and is incredibly strong on good governance goals including participatory governance, reduction of corruption and local resource mobilization.

Local government is included in a vision of a new partnership for development that also includes civil society and the private sector.

4) “It Takes a Cluster.” While the Report recognizes the key role of local governments, it offers no specific insights into practical ways to make local government more responsive or effective.

5) Multisectoral Approaches: While THP thought that the MDGs would prompt a more holistic approach to development, it did not – most MDG-inspired action remained in narrow siloes. The Report goes to great lengths to underscore the interconnected nature of poverty reduction and the environment, and health and a range of contributing factors such as education, water and sanitation. It falls short, however, of seeing the importance of a comprehensive system or package, particularly given how important this is to empower women to overcome their multiple burdens and be full and equal partners in development.

6) Patience: THP has learned that capacity building of local communities takes time. The Report addresses perhaps the biggest challenge in this regard – long-term funding. It envisions long-term funding generated locally, through inclusive economic progress and local resource mobilization, rather than through aid.

Educating Ourselves and Others Humanity lost five years with the MDGs – created in 2000 but with little public attention until 2005. We can start now: to read and understand this report, inspire people to support these goals – and then contribute what we’ve learned to speed their achievement.

2

The Five “Transformative Shifts� from the MDG paradigm 1) Leave no one behind. A powerful new approach to overcoming inequality.

2) Put sustainability at the core. Take urgent action to address climate change.

3) Transform economies for jobs and inclusive growth. A quantum leap in economic opportunities; economic transformation to end extreme poverty and improve livelihoods.

4) Build peace and effective, open and accountable institutions for all.

5) Forge a new global partnership. Solidarity, cooperation, and mutual accountability.

The Twelve Goals 1) End Poverty 2) Empower women and girls to achieve gender equality 3) Provide Quality Education and Lifelong Learning 4) Ensure Healthy Lives 5) Ensure Food Security and Good Nutrition 6) Achieve Universal Access to Water and Sanitation 7) Secure Sustainable Energy 8) Create Jobs, Sustainable Livelihoods, and Equitable Growth 9) Manage Natural Resource Assets Sustainably 10)Ensure Good Governance and Effective Institutions 11)Ensure Stable and Peaceful Societies 12)Create a Global Enabling Environment and Catalyze Long-Term Finance

3 John Coonrod

6 June 2013