In Search Of A Post-2015 Framework Beyond Internet

By Joan Erakit Reprint | | Print |

UNITED NATIONS, Sep 11 2013 (IPS) - During a press conference Tuesday, Secretary General Ban Ki-moon called for the voices of the “disabled, the poor and the jobless, the hungry, those living without adequate sanitation or health care” to be heard as the work of defining the post-2015 development goals continues.
Opening with remarks during a conference that also included Helen Clark, chair of the United Nations Development Group (UNDG), and representatives of the Young Digital Advocates, A Million Voices: The World We Want was presented as a new guide to creating a sustainable future.

A Million Voices is a report based on information gathered from millions of people around the world—many of whom do not have access to the internet—about what matters most to them, their communities and their families.

“Over the last 13 years, the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) have generated tremendous progress.” Ban added. “Many countries have transformed access to education and water, reduced disease and poverty, and moved towards gender equality.”

Originating from the My World survey that sought to bring issues of universal relevance to the table, A Million Voices has managed to somewhat cut through the national and local government bureaucracy in developing countries, and attempted to reach marginalized communities. Political freedom, better job opportunities, phones and internet access, freedom from discrimination and persecution are just a few of the issues that were brought up through consultations, written and online surveys.

“Our work to define a post-2015 development agenda will help us to recalibrate our efforts to eradicate extreme poverty and chart a course to a world of prosperity, peace, sustainability, equity and dignity for all.” Ban said at the press conference.

With the MDGS being close to over, the groundwork has been laid out. It will take equal efforts from various member states, private sector and international agencies to work through the intricacies of developing, protecting and empowering the global community.

And as the Secretary General alluded in his statements, “people want to be involved in setting the new development agenda. They want to be engaged in holding member states to the promises we make.”

As the global conversation continues, new actors emerge, and the post-2015 MDGS will hopefully strive to leave no one behind.