Statement
Distinguished Co-Facilitators,
I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS).
AOSIS wishes to first thank you for convening this informal consultation and for facilitating our request for Member Staes to engage directly with the Co-Chairs of the Independent High-level Expert Group. We deeply appreciate Co-Chairs Mr. Basu and Ms. Lustig for joining us today virtually.
AOSIS has submitted a number of detailed technical questions in writing prior to today’s informal consultation, and we look forward to receiving written responses to those questions. We believe that these clarifications will be valuable in enhancing our understanding of the report and informing our members’ consideration of its findings and recommendations.
However, for today’s informal consultation, in line with the questions submitted previously, we would like to briefly highlight, for the benefit of the room, the five broad areas where we believe additional clarification would be particularly helpful.
First, on the conceptual assumptions underpinning the proposed Beyond GDP Framework, AOSIS would welcome further elaboration on the selection of the foundational principles, including what criteria was used to determine their selection as opposed to others.
On the proposed dashboard structure, additional information would be useful on the overall intended function of the dashboard, particularly how headline aggregate indicators would be developed, including potential weighting choices. This also means clarifying whether additional governance arrangements are envisaged in determining the methodologies for such weightings.
Third, on the methodology of selecting indicators, we would appreciate a better understanding of the process that the High-level Expert Group undertook to identify and assess indicators, including the criteria for their selection, thresholds for inclusion, and how the framework intends to accommodate differing national priorities and circumstances.
Fourth, the utility of the proposed dashboard hinges heavily on the framework’s data availability and statistical feasibility, both at the global, regional and national levels. In this regard, AOSIS would welcome further clarifications on data and implementation considerations, including the availability of and quality of the proposed indicators, anticipated statistical requirements, and how existing data gaps are expected to be addressed, especially for SIDS.
Finally, on governance and institutional arrangements, AOSIS would appreciate additional information on how the proposed framework would be maintained and updated over time, given the recommendations within the report to establish five (5) bodies or mechanisms. In this regard, as outlined in our detailed questions, we would welcome further details on the institutional and financial resources required to establish the proposed governance arrangements for the framework, as well as the process envisaged for future methodological review and refinement.
Distinguished Co-Facilitators,
In closing, we thank the Co-Chairs for their openness and engagement for today’s exchange and reaffirm AOSIS’ commitment to engaging in this intergovernmental process constructively.
We look forward to receiving the written responses to our questions and to continuing our discussions as we collectively consider the report, its recommendations and the way forward.
I thank you.
