The 2025 International Conference on Goal 16 of the UN Sustainable Development Agenda (SDG 16), “Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions”, co-organized by Italy, the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) and the International Development Law Organization (IDLO), is underway at the UN Headquarters in New York. This annual event has grown in importance for its ability to bring together governments, civil society and academic institutions and to stimulate joint work for the construction of peaceful, just and inclusive societies. The 2024 edition of the Conference was opened by Italy’s President Mattarella during his State visit to the United Nations, while the first took place in Rome in 2019.
The proceedings, opened by video messages from UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed and Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Giorgio Silli, were inaugurated by Ambassador Maurizio Massari, by the President of the UN General Assembly Philémon Yang and by ECOSOC President Robert Rae together with the chiefs of UNDESA and IDLO.
“We are proud of Italy’s commitment to this important conference, which this year coincides with the 80th anniversary of the United Nations and the 70th anniversary of Italy’s admission to the organization, with the aim of giving a strong push to the implementation of the Pact for the Future adopted by world leaders last September,” Massari said in opening the conference. “Italy has long been committed to Goal 16, a true catalyst for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and to leaving no one behind.”
Goal 16 aims to reduce all forms of violence, ensure access to justice for all, by strengthening legal systems and the rule of law, build accountable and transparent institutions, fight corruption and ensure inclusive and representative decision-making processes. It is considered a fundamental pillar of the United Nations 2030 Agenda, because it reinforces the foundations of governance necessary to achieve all the other Sustainable Development Goals.
During the proceedings, some Italian projects in developing countries were highlighted, including the trans-regional “capacity building” program of the Italian Cooperation on the role of women in public administration.
This edition was marked by a strong presence at political and ministerial level from African countries, and in particular from Senegal, Gambia, Ivory Coast and Kenya, which underlined how institutional strengthening and transparent governance are fundamental prerequisites for sustainable growth on the African continent.
During the proceedings, the Rome Declaration of Civil Society on SDG 16 was presented, with statements by activists and organizations from Africa, Asia and Latin America, including recommendations from the third sector on how to relaunch collective action to achieve Goal 16.
