Fact Check: Is New Zealand part of the agenda 31

Is New Zealand Part of the Agenda 31?

Introduction

The claim in question is whether New Zealand is part of "Agenda 31," a term that appears to reference the United Nations' Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development, which includes the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This claim may stem from a misunderstanding or misrepresentation of New Zealand's commitments to international frameworks, particularly in relation to climate change and sustainable development.

What We Know

1. New Zealand's International Commitments: New Zealand is a signatory to various international agreements concerning climate change and sustainable development, including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Kyoto Protocol, which it ratified in December 2002 12.

2. Sustainable Development Goals: In 2019, New Zealand published its first Voluntary National Review (VNR) on the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which are part of the broader Agenda 2030 framework 3. This review outlines the country's progress and commitments towards achieving these goals.

3. Engagement with the UN: The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) emphasizes the country’s commitment to a rules-based international system, with active participation in UN discussions and initiatives 4.

4. Climate Action: New Zealand has been involved in international climate negotiations, including the COP summits, where it discusses its climate policies and commitments to emission reductions 56.

5. 2030 Agenda: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, outlines 17 Sustainable Development Goals aimed at addressing global challenges 8. New Zealand's government has committed to engaging with these goals, aligning its national policies with the objectives of the 2030 Agenda 10.

Analysis

The claim regarding New Zealand's involvement in "Agenda 31" appears to be conflated with its participation in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The term "Agenda 31" is not widely recognized in credible sources, which raises questions about its origin and the accuracy of its usage in this context.

Source Reliability

• Government Sources: The New Zealand government’s official documents and reports (such as those from MFAT) are generally reliable as they are primary sources detailing the country’s commitments and actions regarding international agreements 134.

• News Outlets: Articles from reputable news organizations, like RNZ and NZ Herald, provide analysis and context about New Zealand's role in international climate discussions, but they may contain editorial biases based on the outlet's perspectives 56.

• Think Tanks and NGOs: Reports from organizations like the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) offer insights into New Zealand's climate policies but should be evaluated for potential biases, as think tanks often have specific agendas 7.

Conflicts of Interest

While the government sources are reliable, it is essential to consider potential biases in non-governmental reports that may advocate for specific environmental policies or agendas. The framing of New Zealand's actions can vary significantly based on the source's mission and audience.

Methodology and Evidence

The evidence surrounding New Zealand's commitments to the 2030 Agenda is well-documented through official reports and international agreements. However, the lack of clarity regarding "Agenda 31" suggests that further investigation into its definition and context is necessary. Additional information that would be helpful includes:

• Clarification on the origin of the term "Agenda 31."
• Specific examples of how New Zealand's policies align with or diverge from the goals outlined in the 2030 Agenda.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that New Zealand is part of "Agenda 31" is false. The term "Agenda 31" does not appear in credible sources and seems to be a misinterpretation of New Zealand's involvement in the United Nations' Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development. New Zealand is actively engaged in international agreements and has made commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals, which are part of the 2030 Agenda.

However, it is important to note that the evidence regarding the specific term "Agenda 31" is limited, and its origin remains unclear. This lack of clarity suggests that further investigation may be warranted to fully understand the context in which this term is used.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and seek out reliable sources to verify claims, especially those that may be based on misunderstandings or misrepresentations of established frameworks.

Sources

1. New Zealand's obligations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. environment.govt.nz
2. New Zealand and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. environment.govt.nz
3. New Zealand's first Voluntary National Review (VNR). mfat.govt.nz
4. Our work with the UN | New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. mfat.govt.nz
5. Does NZ have the credibility to lead discussions at COP29? rnz.co.nz
6. Analysis: COP29 UN climate summit - where does New Zealand stand? nzherald.co.nz
7. Small Country, Big Climate Agenda: New Zealand's Approach to Climate and Trade. csis.org
8. The 2030 Agenda and the SDGs. sdg.org.nz
9. How the new human right to a healthy environment could accelerate New Zealand's action on climate change. theconversation.com
10. The People's Report on the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs. sdg.org.nz