Civil society’s call-to-action for safeguarding commitments to peaceful, just, and inclusive societies

© IDLO/G. Fanizza

Civil society’s call-to-action for safeguarding commitments to peaceful, just, and inclusive societies

“The SDGs are voluntary, but SDG 16 is not optional, as many of its dimensions are already included in national constitutions and international instruments ratified by countries.” John Romano, Coordinator, Transparency, Accountability and Participation Network

Emerging and worsening crises pose alarming risks to the attainment of SDG 16+. Progress on SDG 16+ is falling behind even in countries that have traditionally been champions in upholding the role of civil society. Civil society organizations continuously engage with stakeholders, driving accountability at the local level and demonstrating their commitment to strengthening individual and collective efforts to implement SDG 16 and the 2030 Agenda as a whole. However, more meaningful engagement and partnership with civil society is earnestly needed.

The 2022 Rome Declaration: “SDG 16+ in Peril: An urgent call-to-action for safeguarding commitments to Peaceful, Just and Inclusive Societies”, is a call by civil society organizations for amplified actions to safeguard commitments and promote accountability for SDG 16+ in 2022 and beyond. Crucial areas of action include:

• Protection of civil society, expansion of civic space, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and interlinkages between SDG 16+ with Our Common

Agenda. • Provision of capacity support to propel greater action on implementing SDG 16+ via local support to advance peace, justice and inclusion.

• Overcoming challenges and threats to multilateralism in promoting and preserving peace and security. • Integrated approaches – SDG 16+ interlinkages with other SDGs – and a human rights-based approach to recovery and resilience from the COVID-19 pandemic. • Strengthening data, monitoring and accountability for SDG 16+. • Mobilizing and scaling up commitments and investments around 2023 moments –

SDGs Summit and Summit for the Future.

Key recommendations:

• Establish a Global SDG 16+ Fund to allow grassroots organizations and groups to access funding. • Hold an annual Thematic Review of SDG 16 at the HLPF in recognition of the role of the

Goal as an enabler of the 2030 Agenda.

Civil society organizations also call upon governments to come to the 2023 SDG Summit with concrete and ambitious commitments to advancing SDG 16+.

© IDLO/G. Fanizza