‘Of the people, by the people, for the people’: the new development framework
Completed on Sunday 2 August 2015, the Sustainable Development Framework entitled Transforming our World was accepted with acclamation and a standing ovation by UN member states. Three years in the making, this critical document will determine the development agenda for the next 15 years. One that seeks to leave no one behind, the recent Framework is heralded as the most inclusive and participatory agenda in the history of the United Nations.
In particular, this is a real achievement for the water, sanitation and hygiene sector. The Sustainable Development Goals specifically include a goal on water and santiation – Goal 6: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. In particular, the human right to safe drinking water and sanitaiton is the only right explicitly singled out in the declaration.
“A world where we reaffirm our commitments regarding the human right to safe drinking water and sanitation and where there is improved hygiene”
Congratulations to all the incredible hard work and tireless advocacy by civil society organisations and members states to ensure this inclusion and this critcal achievement. There is still much work to be done, in the next steps of the setting of the indicators process, and drafting of national plans.
For an in-depth analysis of the recent events and next steps, read the blog by WaterAid’s Advocacy Coordinator for Post-2015 Ross Bailey as he reflects on the final two weeks of the post-2015 negotiations and argues that this important new agenda is not even close to finished.