• How can the SDGs be effectively mainstreamed into relevant national sustainable development policies and programmes, while preserving countries' policy space to pursue national priorities? How can the UN development system best support this?
• What are key areas for making progress on and building national and sub-national capacities for sustainable development, and how do they differ across country contexts (e.g. least developed countries, middle income countries, high-income countries, countries in situations of fragility etc.)? When and how can partnerships effectively contribute to capacity building and sustainable development?
• What steps are necessary to ensure that all stakeholders, including the government, private sector and civil society can readily exchange information and experiences? How can "peer exchange" be established and nurtured?

Moderator's Message

Dear Colleagues,

A very warm welcome to Thematic Window II, “National Implementation”, of the 2016 ECOSOC e-discussion that will take place from 29 February to 25 March 2016. This e-discussion is a unique opportunity for the broader development community to provide critical policy guidance and recommendations for the 2016 ECOSOC session on “Implementing the 2030 Agenda: moving from commitments to results.”

2015 was a landmark year for development as UN Member States reached historic agreements that will guide development priorities for the coming years. Member States have committed to eradicate poverty, fight inequalities, build peaceful, inclusive and resilient societies, and secure the future of the planet and wellbeing of future generations. Now, in 2016 we begin implementation of the bold 2030 Agenda.

The 2030 Agenda calls for transformational change in every country. It will require ‘landing’ the global agenda at national and sub-national level, in according policies, programmes and budgets, to achieve the ambitious SDGs. This will be determined by national priorities and capacities—The UN Development System stands ready to assist countries in this endeavour. In doing so, it acknowledges the imperative of national ownership, with actions of support firmly determined by country needs and national capacities. UN efforts must be flexible to adapt to country contexts.

We strongly encourage participants to share concrete national, subnational or local experiences so as to effectively guide recommendations for implementation over the coming years. I look forward to a lively and rich discussion in the next few weeks!

Best regards,
Pedro Conceicao