Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals of the 68th session of the United Nations General Assembly

On 19 July 2014, the Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals of the 68th session of the United Nations General Assembly agreed by acclamation to forward a proposal containing 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to the General Assembly.  Biological diversity and ecosystems featured prominently in the text of 17 goals and 169 targets.

 

There is much more work ahead, but Parties, stakeholders and others involved in this process should all be very proud to have contributed to this great accomplishment, which will have a significant impact in our efforts to mainstream biodiversity into development and poverty eradication.

 

This outcome will form an important part of the Secretary General’s “synthesis report” on SDGs and the Post-2015 agenda, which will lay out the final steps for completing the Post-2015 package in 2015, bringing together different processes that have been ongoing:  one on SDGs, one on the Post-2015. agenda, and one that includes the Intergovernmental Committee of Experts on Sustainable Development Financing, supported by the Working Group on Financing for Sustainable Development.

 

From the perspective of the Convention on Biological Diversity and the implementation of its Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 and the Aichi Biodiversity Targets, the outcome is extremely positive.  Biodiversity and ecosystems are included throughout the goals and targets.  There are two goals directly related to biodiversity:  Goal 14 on oceans and coasts, and Goal 15 on terrestrial biodiversity.  Goal 12 on sustainable consumption and production is also very relevant to the Strategic Plan.