Welcome to the Phase II of the e-discussion on governance and the post-2015 framework as part of the Global Thematic Consultation on Governance!

Whereas the first phase of the consultation focused on governance building blocks in the future framework, this second phase focuses on accountability as a key aspect of governance and human rights in the post-2015 context. As the UN Secretary General has recognized, “Shortfalls have occurred not because the goals are unreachable, or because time is too short. We are off course because of unmet commitments, inadequate resources and a lack of focus and accountability." How accountability can be strengthened in the post-2015 development framework is a central concern of the High Level Panel which will make recommendations to the SG on the content of the new framework.

In this phase, the e-discussion will focus on Accountability Framework for Delivery on the Post-2015 Development Agenda. Over the course of the next two weeks (until 16 December), we would like to invite your views on the principles and practices of accountability relevant to the MDGs and the post-2015 development agenda. The e-discussion intends to draw upon a the broadest possible range of perspectives on the extent to which the MDGs have fostered accountability for development outcomes, and invites reflection on interconnected levels (sub-national, national, regional and global) and dimensions (horizontal and vertical) of accountability. The main objective is to solicit and distil recommendations of specific relevance to member States’ deliberations on the post-2015 development agenda, including how post-2015 commitments could most effectively be framed, measured and monitored, and what kinds of accountability mechanisms might best ensure that new global promises are actually delivered on, in ways that respect and fulfill the rights of those facing poverty and discrimination. The overall guiding question of this second phase of the e-Discussion, therefore, is:

 How can we ensure an accountability framework that takes into account human rights principles and obligations to assure delivery on the post-2015 development agenda?

 Further guiding sub-questions are:

1. What is accountability?: What do we mean by accountability in the context of a global development framework (e.g. by whom, to whom, on which basis)?
2. Why is accountability important?: To what extent have the MDGs fostered accountability and what are the accountability gaps? How might “accountability” principles and mechanisms strengthen incentives for delivering on a new global development agenda?
3. Recommendations for post-2015: Based on the above, what should be key principles for accountability in the post-2015 agenda? What should be key criteria when designing a monitoring framework (including new global goals, targets and indicators) to measure progress on a post-2015 agenda? Are there innovative and effective examples of accountability mechanisms (at the local, national, regional or global levels) that could be drawn upon in designing the post-2015 framework, and ensuring that post-2015 commitments are implemented in practice? What governance gaps need to be filled before 2015 to support a sound post-2015 accountability framework?

We would also like to remind you that the Phase I of this e-discussion focused on the overall question of what the building blocks for responsive and effective governance should be in a post-2015 agenda. You may still access it here. 

We look forward to hearing your views and engaging in a stimulating discussion with you over the next two weeks.

Best regards,

Mac Darrow, Chief of the MDGs Section, OHCHR

Ignacio Saiz, Executive Director, CESR
Co-moderators of the Phase II of the e-discussion