This week the UN presented the preliminary results of its MY World survey, a global initiative allowing people all over the world to air their views as to what should be included in the development agenda when the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) expire. In January UNA-UK asked its members and supporters to take part in this initiative, which will be ongoing until the MDGs expire in 2015.
The survey asks you to choose six priority issues out of a choice of 16, ranging from affordable food to internet access, or to suggest alternatives. The initial responses of the over 200,000 people from over 190 countries who have taken part in the survey either online, via text or by paper ballot have been forwarded to the High Level Panel on the Post-2015 Development Agenda.
The top three themes which have emerged as priorities were 'an honest and responsive government', 'a good education' and 'better healthcare'. Governance represents a challenge to the High Level panel, which is due to report in May on its recommendations for a future framework, as to what quanitifiable indicators could be used to measure progress in this area. Education and healthcare are a reminder that a number of basic requirements are still unmet for many of the world's poorest.
Last week the UN Development Programme launched its report 'The global conversation begins', which summarises not only results from the MY World survey but also findings from the thematic and national consultations being held around the world. Themes to emerge from this process have also included an emphasis on job creation and inequality.
At its final substantive meeting in Bali, Indonesia this week, the High Level Panel has called for a "single and coherent post-2015 development agenda that integrates economic growth, social inclusion and environmental sustainability". To achieve this aim going forward, the Panel would do well to take heed of the concerns voiced during this global consultation. It might also look back to the ideals put forth in the Millennium Declaration in 2000, which aimed to tackle many of those same concerns still being raised today.
