SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT 2014
In 2014, sustainable development processes consolidated from the two main processes around sustainable development discussions - around the 2000 Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Rio conferences on sustainable development - into one primary “Post2015” sustainable development set of discussions. They also resulted in a proposal on Sustainable Development Goals and targets to be considered for negotiation and finalization in 2015.
WILPF has worked with a range of partners over the past years to promote a conflict and violence prevention approach to development that strengthens gender equality and peace.
Through examples in Syria, Colombia, and elsewhere, sustainable peace and development is not possible without the meaningful participation of women and integration of gender considerations. Men with arms fail again and again to redress gender inequalities, address root causes of insecurity, and build the frameworks for development. Stronger attention is needed in bridging the gaps between peace, human rights, gender equality and development. Because militarism is intricately connected to gender inequality and violence, we believe there can be no development without demilitarization, disarmament, and the full and equal participation and rights of women.
WILPF continues to call on the international community to build on existing frameworks, mechanisms, and indicators developed through the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda in designing the Post2015 development agenda for gender equality and peace.
Read WILPF's February 2014 Open Conflict Advocacy Letter to Open Working Group Chairs >>
Read WILPF’s June 2014 Open Letter to the Friends of 1325 endorsed by over 100 civil society organizations worldwide >>
Read about WILPF events on Women, Peace and Security and Post2015:
- “Women Peace and Security - A Critical Component of the Post2015 Development Agenda", July 31, 2014
- “No Development Without Disarmament”, March 11, 2014
- Women PeaceMakers Recommendations for the Post2015 MGD Agenda, March 11, 2014
- Engaging Women for Resolving Conflicts, Usher in Peace, Disarmament and Development: Focus on South Asia, March 11, 2014
- “Nuclear Proliferation and the Peace and Security Agenda", March 10, 2014
On 19 July 2014, the General Assembly’s Open Working Group affirmed by acclamation a proposal for the next generation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (click here to see the full proposal). Despite substantial opposition, the Open Working Group proposal included a stand alone goal to “Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels” (Goal 16). It also included: “Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls” (Goal 5). The proposal also included critical targets including reducing illicit arms flows (16.4), promoting a culture of peace and non-violence (4.7), ensuring inclusive and participatory decision-making (16.7) and ensuring equal access to justice for all (16.3). The draft Sustainable Development Goal proposal also included a key target on mobilizing additional financial resources (17.3), which will be critical to move from words to actions, and which WILPF reminded states to build on women’s rights commitments and include the reduction of military financing.
Click here to view our full Women’s Major Group coalition analysis of the Sustainable Development Goal proposal.
On 4 December 2014, the UN Secretary-General Post2015 Synthesis Report was released, which aimed to pull together essential elements for delivering on the Sustainable Development Goals. This builds on the 19 July 2014 General Assembly Open Working Group proposal to have 17 Sustainable Development Goals which was adopted by the General Assembly on 10 September 2014, as well as on other discussions feeding into this process.
Although the Secretary General Synthesis Report of 4 December 2014 affirms the 17 goals proposed by the General Assembly Open Working Group -- including on gender equality and peaceful societies -- it frames them within the context of six "essential elements": People, Planet, Partnership, Justice, Prosperity, and Dignity. In the process, issues of gender, militarization, and conflict, and the Women Peace and Security agenda have been further weakened, and the overarching human rights framework further diluted.
Click here to view our full Women's Major Group coalition analysis of the Secretary General Post2015 Synthesis report.
Find more information on events, initiatives, and resources on Women, Peace and Security and sustainable development here.