Peace, justice and strong institutions: a beacon of hope amid today’s multiple global challenges

Intersecting global crises are posing unprecedented challenges to advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The causes and effects of these crises – and the actions needed to address them – are interconnected and deeply rooted in issues of human rights, justice, equity, inclusion, accountability, and good governance. Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions encompasses all these issues and can play a vital role in addressing the key challenges that the world is currently facing.

The SDG 16 Conference 2023 to be held in Rome, Italy from 30 May to 1 June, will explore these interlinkages and the catalytic contribution that SDG 16 can make to the realization of the 2030 Agenda. With the theme “SDG 16 as a compass for navigating intersecting crises”, the Conference aims to help identify solutions to inform the development of the UN’s New Agenda for Peace, restore trust in public institutions, and accelerate transformative action to respond to crises of food systems and climate change.

Halfway through the period of implementation of the 2030 Agenda, the Conference will also examine progress and lessons learned in implementing SDG 16 since 2015. The SDG 16 outcome document synthesizing main messages and key recommendations will contribute to the deliberations for the forthcoming High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in July, the SDG Summit in September and the Summit of the Future in 2024.

Engagement from various stakeholders from different regions, including representatives of governments, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, the United Nations system, as well as civil society working on SDG 16 will highlight partnerships within these networks. Discussions will integrate the perspectives of youth and women and consider cross-cutting dimensions such as digitalization.

The SDG 16 Conference is organized by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the International Development Law Organization and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy.

Photo Credit: International Development Law Organization (IDLO)