1 September 2016: The UN General Assembly’s (UNGA) high-level forum on the culture of peace drew attention to the importance of building and promoting a global culture of peace, as well as sustaining peace, in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The one-day meeting brought together UN Member States, UN entities, civil society, the private sector, the media and others, and recognized the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace.

SDG 16 aims to “promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.” Panel discussions at the Forum addressed: ‘Enhancing synergy between SDGs and eight action areas of the UN Programme of Action on Culture of Peace;’ and ‘The Role of Youth in advancing the culture of peace in the context of the implementation of the UN Security Council Resolution on Youth, Peace and Security.’

“The UN is both a reflection of the world as it is and as we want it to be,” UNGA President Mogens Lykketoft observed in his remarks. He noted that, despite increasing connections among people around the world as a result of migration, trade, tourism and urbanization, societies remain plagued by conflict, inequality, intolerance and prejudice. He stressed that tensions between communities, day-to-day violence against women and girls and other threats to peace cause “great damage to our societies.” Lykketoft underscored the importance of improving the UN’s capacity to conduct peace operations and sustain peace as critical to mitigating crises and achieving the SDGs.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said “a culture of peace and sustainable development are two sides of the same coin,” in a message to the Forum. Ban observed that the 17 SDGs “encapsulate all the key features” in the eight action areas of the UN Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace. The SDGs’ focus on people, planet, prosperity, peace and partnerships, he said, “pave the way for more inclusive, equitable and peaceful societies.” He said that building mutual respect and understanding among nations, cultures and faiths is critical to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. He also stressed the role of youth in achieving the SDGs, calling for prioritizing the rights, dignity and aspirations of young people and investing in opportunities for them to thrive. [UN Press Release] [UN Secretary-General’s Statement] [Event Website] [Event Programme]