Amidst intersecting crises and challenges, stakeholders examine ways to accelerate SDG 16 progress

Conflict, inequality, corruption, and failure to respect human rights continue to pose substantial, intersecting and growing challenges to societies. These challenges are reflected in Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – a prerequisite for sustainable development and an enabler of all other SDGs. To meet it by 2030, we must do more to strengthen the capacity of institutions to secure rule of law, ensure access to justice and effective public services for all, foster peace and inclusion and uphold transparency and accountability. 

The SDG 16 High-Level Conference 2024, taking place on 06 May at United Nations Headquarters, will review progress made towards SDG 16 and examine trends, challenges, interlinkages with other SDGs and opportunities for accelerating action. Convened by the Permanent Mission of Italy to the United Nations, the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) and the International Development Law Organization (IDLO), the Conference will provide an inclusive platform for political engagement on SDG 16 implementation. It will bring together representatives of Governments, international organizations, civil society, women, youth and other key stakeholders. The Conference will feature the presentation by stakeholders from civil society of an updated “Civil Society Declaration on SDG 16+”.

This year’s Conference – the first to be held in New York – is connected to the in-depth review of SDG 16 that will be conducted at the High-level Political Forum (HLPF) 2024. The main messages and key recommendations will serve as an input to the HLPF and also inform the process towards the Summit of the Future. 

The Conference will take place from 10:30 am to 6:00 pm EDT in the Trusteeship Council Chamber.