The objective of the seminar on Sustainable Development Assessment: Towards Measurable Goals was to initiate discussions on a three-year Asia-Europe Environment Forum program (2013-2015), with tangible results which will empower countries’ leadership towards stronger participation in the post-2015 development agenda. The program discussed will help support Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) formulation and achievement at the national and regional levels. The Seminar comes at a pivotal time and benefits from the momentum of change brought about by the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the transition to a post 2015 development agenda. It also builds on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) discussion emanating from Rio+20. This is the crucial period to provide ASEM member states with substance for more active participation at the global level discussions.

The SG has recommended that the international community build on the experience of the MDGs in formulating the SDGs as part of the post-2015 development agenda. Reviews of MDGs are taking place in 60 countries and thematic discussions on MDGs are being planned early 2013. These reviews and consultations will contribute to the lessons learnt through the MDGs process and provide inputs into the post-2015 development agenda.

The Seminar was attended by policy makers, experts, non-governmental organizations, small and medium business organizations, and other relevant bodies engaged in the discussions surrounding the post-2015 development agenda. The Seminar discussed: the status of the MDG review process; the SDG proposal process and the outcome of Rio+20; as well as measures, metrics and indicators to measure the progress towards meeting the development agenda. Also discussed, was the need for the convergence of MDGs and SDGs into one set of Global Goals with metrics beyond Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and with appropriate indicators.

Key messages distilled from the discussions are:

• Goals should be simple
• SDGs should be easy to communicate
• SDGs must be based on a common vision and supported by relevant indicators
• Institutional links between SDGs and environmental agreements must be made
• Civil society must be involved in the political decision-making process
• The implementation and governance of SDGs at the national level must be enhanced
• Appropriate funding arrangements must be made

Asia-Europe Environment Forum (ENVforum) aims to connect not only Asia and Europe, but also to bridge the gap between governments and civil society, at a time when the ground is being prepared for the articulation of the SDG narrative. The key areas of strength for the ENVforum, as highlighted in the Seminar, is in supporting knowledge networks, in advocacy and in helping to foster trust at a global level. This can be achieved through various means such as bi-regional consultations, knowledge exchange platforms or through dedicated research.

The HSF will support ASEF with the following activities:

• Carrying out two further events for the introduction of indicators for sustainable development in a European and an Asian country
• Elaborating an assessment on that topic through two external consultants. This assessment will also serve as a foundation for future workshops