Side Event: Intersectionality in policy and practice: a tool for operationalising the Leave No One Behind principle
Operationalising the commitment to LNOB requires a comprehensive approach to address the root causes that leave particular groups of people marginalized. Intersectionality and LNOB can help identify the interconnected nature of social categories and how they can create multiple systems of disadvantage and exclusion. By including representatives of the UN – both from the OHCHR and from country level (Kenya) - this session sought to contribute to a better understanding of how the UN can apply intersectionality in policy, programming and project implementation. It gave examples of how country teams can work with local civil society actors and governments to perform an LNOB analysis and collect data to both better understand what groups are most vulnerable and how to design more effective programmes.
It also addressed one of the main challenges in ensuring that no one is left behind, i.e. the lack of disaggregated data. Agenda 2030 brought data disaggregation to the top of the agenda as a necessary tool to identify and address exclusion and inequality. Yet, as we pass the midpoint of the 2030 Agenda, we still lack the critical data required to tackle rising inequality. The Inclusive Data Charter, based in the UK, shared insights on how intersectional data approaches can address these issues by identifying structural inequalities and embedding equity and inclusion at the centre of data systems, thereby realising the commitment to leave no one behind.
Background
Major global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the ongoing war in Ukraine and conflict in other parts of the world, as well as climate change, have reversed progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. These have also exacerbated interrelated challenges such as poverty and inequality. In order to advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development’s determination to Leave No One Behind (LNOB), addressing these challenges requires moving beyond generalisations and ensuring progress for all population groups at a disaggregated level. This will require the will and ability to identify who is being excluded or discriminated against, how and why, as well as who is experiencing multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination and inequalities. Applying an intersectional lens to LNOB helps advance a human rights based approach in policy development, programming and project implementation and will strengthen the United Nations’ role in safeguarding the human rights of all people. This approach is relevant for the attainment of all SDGs, not only the ones under review.
The Dag Hammarskjöld Foundation will shortly publish the latest edition of its flagship publication, Development Dialogue, which assesses the application of intersectionality in policy and practice. Including 13 contributions from both UN actors and relevant civil society actors, it brings a fresh perspective on the issue identifying both best practices, challenges and opportunities.
The Dag Hammarskjöld Foundation (DHF); Inclusive Data Charter; UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in Kenya; Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
