Advancing SDG 16: Building Peace Through Solidarity and Trust

The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 Conference, hosted by UN DESA, Permanent Mission of Italy to the UN, and the International Development Law Organization (IDLO), was held at the UN Headquarters on 12 May 2025. The Conference focused on the theme “Advancing peace, justice and institutions for sustainable development”, and served as a multi-stakeholder platform to mobilize action and partnerships grounded in solidarity and trust. It reflected on how SDG 16, “Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions” can accelerate progress on the 2030 Agenda and the implementation of the Pact for the Future. The Conference brought together ministers and senior government officials, UN system entities, and other international organizations and representatives of civil society, youth, and academia.  They discussed progress and challenges related to SDG 16, the benefits of investing in peaceful, just, and inclusive societies, and how to leverage SDG 16 to accelerate progress on shared priorities and multilateral agreements.

Stalled Progress on SDG 16

Progress on SDG 16 has remained slow and uneven, especially in conflict-affected regions. The rule of law has deteriorated globally for seven consecutive years according to the 2024 WJP Index,  threatening development gains and trust in institutions. Key challenges include rising authoritarianism, weak checks and balances, erosion of fundamental rights, declining access to justice, and lack of trust in institutions. To accelerate progress, building momentum and scaling up positive changes is crucial. The Conference highlighted efforts by Kenya, where judicial reforms have expanded access to justice through specialized courts, and the digitalization of Small Claims courts. These experiences offer replicable models that other countries can adapt to strengthen justice systems and rebuild public trust.

Why Investment in Peaceful, Just & Inclusive Societies is a Smart Investment

Investing in peace is not only critical for resilience but yields tangible economic and social returns. Justice gaps are estimated to cost countries up to 3 per cent of their GDP, with interpersonal violence leading to trillions of dollars in economic losses. Even modest investments in people-centered justice systems and conflict prevention yield high returns by strengthening economies, reducing inequality, and enhancing institutional resilience. Country examples showcased during the Conference, including Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire, illustrated how reforms such as greater public sector transparency, gender-inclusive governance, and political stability contribute to both national development and social cohesion. Legal aid, mediation mechanisms, and grassroots justice initiatives further support economic empowerment by easing pressure on formal courts and building public trust.

Leveraging SDG 16 for Accelerated Progress on Shared Priorities

SDG 16 is at the heart of the entire SDG framework and serves as the foundation for achieving other global goals. With the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) now concluded and the Second World Summit for Social Development on the horizon, the imperative is to translate global financing commitments into practical, rights-based reforms at national and local levels. The Conference showcased how countries are already leveraging SDG 16 to drive inclusive development: Bhutan is embedding the Goal through its Gross National Happiness framework, linking it to youth empowerment, disaster response, and public service delivery; Honduras is strengthening trust through community-driven planning, public observatories, and inclusive local dialogues. These models offer compelling examples of how SDG 16 can serve as a catalyst for social transformation, particularly when anchored in local ownership and participatory governance.

The Conference served as a crucial platform to renew stakeholders’ commitment to peace, just and inclusive societies. It concluded with calls to modernize governance systems to address digital-era challenges like AI, disinformation, and surveillance. Youth-led innovation was highlighted as essential, with demands for real power-sharing and “generative accountability”. Member States urged the mainstreaming of SDG 16 into national plans, stronger data systems, and investment in post-crisis justice and digital access. The 2025 Rome Civil Society Declaration on SDG16+ was also introduced, reaffirming the need to protect civic space, finance grassroots justice initiatives, and center community-led solutions. As the world moves forward, SDG 16 remains a key priority for building resilient, inclusive, and rights-based development grounded in trust, solidarity, and dignity for all.

Read the final report on the SDG 16 Conference here.