Round Table: Looking at the way forward in implementing the expected outcome of the conference

Your Royal Highness, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlement

 

Norway objectives for this conference has since the outset been an ambitious and action oriented outcome. The closing of the negotiations yesterday provided us with the framework for the efforts in the area of sustainable development for the years to come.  The declaration contains many positive elements, but I must  be frank and admit that from our part we were working for a more ambitious outcome.

However, as we are moving into a new phase of the sustainable development agenda, our focus should be on effective implementation and making the most of our commitments for the future we want.

I would like to focus on two of the areas of which Norway attaches great importance; Sustainable development goals and financing

Norway has supported the idea of SDGs as we believe they have the potential to become a key instrument to focus our commitment and galvanize action. And -  they will push us to handle the three dimensions of sustainable development integrated and holistically. At the national and international level. The MDGs has thought us many useful lessons about measuring progress. The successful experiences should guide how we set up the SDGs. This will require an institution with the capacity and strength to monitor and review progress.

The SDGs should be global and have implication for every country but in different way. For instance, there could be a global goal on food security. For many developing countries, the implication would be to produce more food. For others  - like Norway  it could mean to waste less food. In this way , she SDGs can help us all make progress in different areas, but towards a common goal. In addition to food security, we think energy and water are obvious candidates for SDGs.

ODA is and should remain a crucial source for sustainable development. But we all know that ODA does not suffice. Norway has made positive experiences on how OdA can leverage private investments. We should strive to look for such possibilities and cooperation with private sector. We also need to think creatively and investigate how innovative financing mechanisms can mobilize funding.