Justice for All: Building Peace Through Strong Institutions and Inclusive Societies
March 2025
Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16): Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions calls for the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies, access to justice for all, and the building of effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels.
In a world facing rising conflict, distrust in institutions, and democratic backsliding, SDG 16 is both one of the most urgent and one of the most complex goals of the 2030 Agenda.
A Fragile Peace in an Unstable World
As of 2025, more than 110 million people are forcibly displaced due to war, persecution, and violence—the highest number in recorded history. Conflict zones from Sudan to Ukraine, and ongoing humanitarian crises in countries like Yemen, Syria, and Myanmar, remind us that peace is not a given—it must be built and protected.
Beyond armed conflict, urban violence, gender-based violence, corruption, and digital misinformation threaten everyday security, particularly in vulnerable and marginalized communities.
“Peace is not merely the absence of war,” said Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations. “It is the presence of justice, equity, accountability, and opportunity.”
Justice Systems That Serve Everyone
Globally, 4.5 billion people live outside the protection of the law, either because laws are not enforced, legal services are inaccessible, or institutions are not trusted. This legal exclusion disproportionately affects women, children, minorities, and people with disabilities.
Access to justice includes legal identity (such as birth registration), fair trials, land rights, protection from abuse, and the ability to claim one's rights. Programs in countries like Sierra Leone, the Philippines, and Colombia are using community paralegals, mobile courts, and legal aid apps to bridge the justice gap.
However, more investment is needed in people-centered justice systems, restorative practices, and culturally sensitive conflict resolution.
The Role of Strong Institutions
Institutions that are transparent, accountable, and responsive to people’s needs are essential for building trust and promoting stability. Yet corruption continues to drain resources from education, healthcare, and infrastructure—costing developing countries over $1 trillion per year.
Efforts to improve governance include adopting open data policies, whistleblower protections, anti-corruption laws, and civic tech platforms that allow citizens to report problems and track public spending.
Democratic institutions must also ensure free speech, press freedom, access to information, and inclusive decision-making that reflects the voices of youth, women, and Indigenous peoples.
Children and Youth: Agents of Peace
Young people have a critical role in peacebuilding. From organizing protests against injustice to leading digital campaigns for human rights, youth are at the frontlines of change.
The UN Youth, Peace and Security Agenda emphasizes empowering youth through education, economic opportunities, and participation in political life. Programs that teach peace education in schools and promote dialogue between divided communities are proving to reduce violence and foster long-term reconciliation.
Digital Justice in a New Era
In the digital age, misinformation, cyberbullying, and surveillance are growing threats to peace and justice. Ensuring digital rights, privacy, and ethical use of AI is now an integral part of institutional responsibility.
Projects across Europe and Africa are working to make legal information accessible online, while blockchain technologies are being tested to increase transparency in government and aid distribution.
Conclusion: Peace Is the Foundation of Progress
Without peace, there is no development. Without justice, there is no dignity. Without strong institutions, there is no trust.
SDG 16 is not just a destination—it is the foundation upon which all other goals rest. As we approach 2030, building more just and inclusive societies is not only possible—it is essential for our shared future.
As Nelson Mandela once said:
“Peace is not just the absence of conflict; peace is the creation of an environment where all can flourish.”
