A strong and ambitious Post-2015 Development Framework that is built on the priorities of those living at the sharp end of poverty. The months ahead must be used to develop a framework that is open and transparent, participatory, inclusive and responsive to the voices of people directly affected by poverty, inequality, food insecurity, water scarcity, environmental degradation and climate change.

  • A waterproofed Post-2015 Development Framework. Sustainable and equal access to water for lives and livelihoods, in particular water for small-scaling farming, continues to lack the attention that it needs. Yet in communities where Progressio’s partner organisations work, water scarcity is the greatest challenge being experienced and is felt most acutely by women. Progressio wants to see a Post-2015 Development Framework that is truly waterproof and considers water and its many uses holistically. The focus on water within the MDG framework was on sustainable access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation but water resources underpin food production, biodiversity and energy. Sustainably and efficiently managing valuable water resources is fundamental to poverty reduction. Equitable and participatory management of water with a pro-poor focus must be an objective of the Post-2015 Development Framework and Progressio is working with others on how best this can be achieved through a future development goal.
  • A Post-2015 Development Framework which adopts a twin-track approach to gender equality. Gender equality is both a discrete and cross-cutting issue in development. Progressio wants to see a Framework which includes a specific goal on gender equality and, at the same time, addresses gender dimensions across other goals including water, water resource management and climate change. Progressio is also calling for the integration of specific targets on ending violence against women and indicators for women in fragile states.
  • Consultation and collaboration with poor and marginalised communities. Throughout this process it is imperative that world leaders and decision makers consult with and are responsive to those directly affected by poverty, vulnerability and marginalisation, who are not only the most affected but are also key players in the solution.
  • An integration of Sustainable Development Goals and the Post-2015 Framework. Progressio is calling for a set of international development goals which puts countries on a more sustainable development pathway – one that eradicates poverty, recognises environmental limits and protects the planet for future generations. At Rio+20, governments agreed in principle to a set of universal Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that would come into play in 2016. An Open Working Group (OWG) of the UN General Assembly has been mandated to prepare a proposal on the SDGs. The UK shares a seat on the OWG. It is vital that the formation of the SDGs and the Post-2015 Development Framework is closely linked and that the outcomes ultimately combine in a single set of goals addressing the needs and priorities of those directly affected by poverty and injustice, and underpinned by sustainable development principles.
  • The MDGs achieved! The formulation of an inclusive and sustainable Post-2015 Development Framework must not divert attention and efforts from achieving the existing MDGs by 2015.

Photo: Women watering their crops in Wedza, Zimbabwe (photo © Macpherson Photography/Progressio)