The Permanent Mission of Italy to the UN, the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), and the International Development Law Organization (IDLO) convened a one-day conference to discuss how investing in SDG 16 (peace, justice and strong institutions) “delivers measurable, practical dividends for governments and people, enabling them to efficiently achieve their development priorities.”
Participants took stock of progress, heard the business case for investment in peaceful, just, and inclusive societies, and reflected on how leveraging SDG 16 can accelerate progress on shared priorities under the Pact for the Future and other multilateral agreements and processes.
Themed, ‘Advancing Peace, Justice and Institutions for Sustainable Development,’ the SDG 16 Conference 2025 took place in New York, US, on 12 May.
In his remarks, UN General Assembly (UNGA) President Philemon Yang underscored the role of peace and security, the rule of law, and inclusive multilateralism in building peaceful, just, and inclusive societies, characterized by equal access to justice, human rights, the rule of law, and transparent, accountable institutions.
Noting the Pact for the Future’s emphasis on building peaceful, just, and inclusive societies, ensuring universal access to justice, and establishing effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions while upholding human rights, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Junhua Li outlined three key objectives of the Conference:
- Provide an inclusive space for diverse stakeholders to share concrete experiences and highlight good practices on SDG 16;
- Examine current trends, challenges, and opportunities, seeking pathways to accelerate SDG 16 implementation across all its targets; and
- Underscore SDG 16’s indispensable role in advancing the entire 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and champion the necessity of inclusive, whole-of-society actions and partnerships.
The Under-Secretary-General summarized the main message of the Conference as follows: “investing in peace, justice and effective institutions yields transformative, long-term dividends, driving inclusive economic growth, strengthening resilience, and fostering social cohesion.” He said delivering “public institutions that are responsive to people’s needs and capable of regaining public trust” requires “enhancing public servant capacities for anticipatory planning, evidence-based policy design, and effective, equitable implementation,” highlighting technology as an enabler.
The Under-Secretary-General further emphasized the need to ensure inclusive decision making within public administration and to strengthen the rule of law at all levels.
During the Conference, civil society launched a declaration outlining recommendations for revitalized action. The 2025 Rome Civil Society Declaration on SDG16+ calls on governments to:
- Redirect global priorities from conflict to cooperation;
- Deliver catalytic financing for SDG16+ and fix a broken global financial system;
- Strengthen and expand civic space and fundamental freedoms; and
- Safeguard and expand justice in all its forms.
“SDG 16+” refers to the 12 SDG 16 targets, as well as 24 targets from seven other Goals – SDG 1 (no poverty), SDG 4 (quality education), SDG 5 (gender equality), SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth), SDG 10 (reduced inequalities), SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities), and SDG 17 (partnerships for the Goals) – that directly measure an aspect of peace, inclusion, or access to justice. Three of these Goals – SDGs 5, 8, and 17 – will undergo in-depth review at the July session of the UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), along with SDG 3 (good health and well-being) and SDG 14 (life below water).
The co-organizers will collate main messages and key recommendations from the Conference in an outcome document that will serve as an official input to the HLPF and inform discussions during the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) and the Second World Summit for Social Development, among other key intergovernmental events taking place in 2025. A substantive report of the Conference will also be issued. [SDG 16 Conference 2025]