The European Consultation on "Monitoring and Accountability for the Post-2015 Development Agenda” took place on 15 and 16 September in Geneva. The consultation extensively discussed options for monitoring and accountability for the Post-2015 development agenda at the regional level, and linkages to global and national mechanisms. The regional consultation recognised monitoring and accountability as an integral part of a universal and transformative agenda and the importance of wide cooperation amongst all relevant stakeholders for its implementation. It also proposed the need for a multi-layered accountability mechanism involving various levels (local, national, regional, global), actors (state and non-state actors) and sectors.

This mechanism must be based on an inclusive, participatory and transparent approach where governments, civil society and people’s voices, private sector, parliaments, international organizations - including the international financial institutions (IFIs) - are integrated in the process to ensure wide ownership of the future agenda, and also for monitoring and accountability mechanisms to function properly. The meeting also highlighted the importance of building on the lessons learned from existing monitoring and accountability mechanisms such as the WTO trade policy review, the Universal Periodic Review within the Human Rights Council, and the UNECE Environmental Performance Reviews, OECD peer reviews as well as private sector mechanisms that promote reporting on environmental, social and governance factors. There was a concern on reporting proliferation and fatigue, and ways to reduce the reporting burden. Reporting should not be for the sake of formality but rather to help share best practices, policy-oriented recommendations, strategies and national plans that lead to strong results and address development challenges.

There was a consensus that the Post-2015 process has resulted in an unprecedented level of stakeholders engagement, which should continue in the lead-up to the eventual outcome of the Post-2015 deliberations and the implementation of agreed goals, as well as for the monitoring and accountability of the agenda. The consultation was chaired by the Government of Switzerland and organized by UNECE and the Regional UNDG Team for Europe and Central Asia. Jan Dusik, Director and Regional Representative of UNEP moderated the session on the scope and process of regional accountability mechanism, touching in particular on what should be reviewed at the regional level, the actors on both ends of the accountability process, substantive and geographic scope, different forms and modalities (ranging from basic monitoring to comprehensive reviews), and the role of the UN system and other stakeholders. The session showcased the multiple monitoring and accountability mechanisms that exist and work in the European region and offer an inspiration to other regions.

More information: wondwosen.asnake@unep.org