Statement
Distinguished Co-Facilitator,
I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS).
At the outset, AOSIS wishes to express its sincere appreciation to the Permanent Representative of Guyana for her leadership as a co-facilitator of this process. The Group thanks her for her efforts in guiding the discussions to this stage. We also look forward to continuing our engagement with you.
Notwithstanding this, AOSIS reiterates that it is important that the balance and inclusivity of the process be maintained and looks forward to the appointment of a new co-facilitator from a developing country at the earliest opportunity.
AOSIS also wishes to thank the High-Level Expert Group for its useful engagement during the second informal consultation.
Mr. Co-Facilitator,
As we discuss the intergovernmental process, AOSIS believes it is important to be clear about its scope and purpose.
In our view, at this stage, the intergovernmental process should not be approached as an exercise to endorse, operationalize or institutionalize the findings and the recommendations of the Expert Group. Rather, it should provide Member States with the opportunity to further examine, discuss and assess the report, its findings, its assumptions and most importantly, its potential implications for the broader sustainable development architecture and its policies.
From the discussions last week, the report clearly raises important conceptual, methodological and policy questions that merit further consideration. For example, there are clear divergences on the foundational principles and the underlying assumptions of development measures considered as going beyond GDP.
It is therefore appropriate that the intergovernmental process creates space for continued dialogue and reflection, particularly on issues relating to implementation, governance, coherence with existing frameworks, and potential impacts on developing countries, including small island developing states.
In this case, for AOSIS, the starting point must be that this process does not duplicate or undermine existing inter-governmentally agreed frameworks. We recognize the judicious approach by the Expert Group to do just that by aligning the Beyond GDP Framework with the 2030 Agenda and avoiding duplication with the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index.
Therefore, the scope of the process must demonstrate clear added value and avoid creating parallel or competing measurement systems and instruments.
At the same time, we caution against moving prematurely toward institutional arrangements or mandates before Member States have had the opportunity to fully consider the broader implications of the report's recommendations. Questions relating to methodologies, indicators, governance structures, reporting arrangements, and the respective roles of existing bodies, including the Statistical Commission, require further discussion and should remain under the consideration of Member States.
In this regard, AOSIS sees value in approaching the proposed framework as a voluntary and evolving tool that countries may draw upon in accordance with their national circumstances, priorities and circumstances. Ultimately, the diversity of development pathways warrants flexibility and country ownership as central principles, and any future framework should complement, not prescribe, national approaches to measuring progress.
Mr. Co-Facilitator,
AOSIS believes that a practical outcome at this stage would be one that enables further ventilation of the report and its recommendations, identifies areas of convergence and concern among Member States, and provides a clearer understanding of implications, opportunities and potential uses of the proposed Beyond GDP Framework.
Such an approach would allow discussions to continue in an inclusive and transparent manner, while preserving the space necessary to build consensus on the way forward. It would also help ensure that any future decisions are informed by a full appreciation of the policy, financing, statistical and implementation dimensions emanating from the report.
Therefore, in closing, AOSIS remains committed to engaging constructively in these discussions.
Our objective is to ensure that any eventual outcome strengthens the international architecture for sustainable development, supports evidence-based policymaking, respects existing intergovernmental agreements and instruments, and remains responsive to the realities and priorities of vulnerable countries.
I thank you.
