SDG 16 as an Enabler of the 2030 Agenda

This Policy Paper explores the interlinkages between Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) and the 2030 Agenda’s other Sustainable Development Goals. 

Despite SDG 16’s crucial role in promoting democratic principles, human rights and the rule of law, it is often overlooked, and the financing needed to deliver SDG 16 is substantial, requiring sustained investment for long-term development. This paper provides a comprehensive literature review and meta-analysis of 185 articles and highlights how SDG 16 acts as an enabler for other SDGs.

This paper calls for increased cross-sector collaboration and offers recommendations to UN Member States, policymakers working across the 2030 Agenda and other stakeholders working in areas where SDG 16 has high-impact interlinkages to make targeted investments, enhance research and safeguard those working on SDG 16 in order to fully leverage its potential in achieving outcomes on the 2030 Agenda.