Introduction to Sustainable Development

So here we are writing blogs about the SDGs, talking about how there are these indicators supporting targets, and targets supporting goals and goals that make up this giant 15 year plan - yet you might not even know what any of this means. First of all, you probably want to know the conference we are attending. The four of us, Jenna Farineau, Aura Silva, Makiko Yoshida, and myself, Kimberly...

Day 2 of Post-2015: Presentations and Interactive Debate Afternoon Session

The afternoon session at yesterday's negotiations was set aside for a very productive and important dialogue. We heard from member states about their experiences regarding their approaches and challenges with implementing the Sustainable Development Goals. Four countries - the Netherlands, Myanmar, Colombia and Togo - all had presentations prepared for the General Assembly and after those...

Day 1 of the Post-2015 SDG Intergovernmental Negotiations

by Jenna Farineau Yesterday marked the beginning of the five day "Post-2015 Sustainable Development Intergovernmental Negotiations" at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. The purpose of this conference is for member states to define the post-2015 development agenda that will be launched at a summit this September in recognition that the millennium development goals will reach...

You Could Have It All – Day 5 and Report of OWG12

by khristian méndez // The 12th session of the Open Working Group on the Sustainable Development Goals has come to an end. At 5pm on friday, co-chair Kamau wrapped up the informal session of negotiations of the OWG, and opened the formal consultations, to be wrapped up 30 minutes later. During all of Friday, we heard the positions from 20+ member states on the final proposed SDG: Means of...

Heat in the Room – Day 4 OWG12

by khristian méndez // Temperature has risen in New York City, both on all of the concrete and glass surfaces of this giant man-made complex, as well as in the negotiation rooms. Everybody can agree that we need to eradicate poverty, have access to food, education and health, but as we descend down the list of goals, the views become more and more heated. Divergence on Biodiversity This morning...