New York, Tuesday 8 July 2024 - As we stand at the halfway point to 2030, the urgency of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals is more pronounced than ever. Among these goals, SDG 16—promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, providing access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions—is crucial. Yet, the world is alarmingly off-track in meeting these objectives as shown by the crises we see unfolding in our communities daily. 

With over 40 examples from across the globe, the new report by the Forus network “Rebuilding Trust for Inclusive Governance” shows how we are now stuck in a roundabout of stagnation and regression. 

"In many regions, what we are seeing is stagnation, and in some cases even regression," says Sarah Strack, Forus Director. “The indifference, and even hostility with which many people look at issues of peace, human rights and civic space are eroding the building-blocks of inclusive governance.” 

Due to a backsliding in human rights exacerbated by global crises and conflicts, violence and various forms of insecurity are on the rise. Corruption and unresponsive governments are corroding social contracts. Justice remains “a dream” for many, especially historically marginalised groups, whistleblowers, activists and civil society organisations. 

“Strong, accountable and inclusive institutions are the bedrock of any democratic society. Where individuals may falter or become selfish, robust institutions protect the wishes of the majority against such selfish interests of a few. SDG 16 therefore reminds us that progress can only happen if we build institutions that are strong and ensure inclusive participation of all citizens. This can only happen if we invest in effective and accountable institutions at all levels.  As we have seen from examples around the world, a nation with strong, impersonal, and independent institutions can withstand the worst instincts of those among us who may be corrupt and selfish,” says Chris Nkwatsibwe of the Uganda National NGO Forum (UNNGOF). 

In Argentina, civil society organisations are facing severe repression. Similarly, in Pakistan, we see restrictions on freedoms of expression and assembly. In Mexico, barriers in decision-making processes reduce public trust in institutions. In Peru and Bolivia, political instability and conflicts disrupt inclusive governance and weaken institutional structures. Across the Sahel we are witnessing a humanitarian crisis with heavy repercussions on every dimension of life. In the Pacific, significant data gaps affect effective policy implementation and monitoring in a vulnerable region to the climate crisis. 

“In times of deep social and humanitarian crisis, democracy is the best guarantee for social peace. Honest justice is the support to fight for the defence of our rights. And strong and robust organisations are the fundamental pillar of our daily construction. Repression is violence. Violence is hunger. And violence is lies. SDG 16 gives us the tools to build the peace we deserve. Let's bet on it together,” says Malena Famá, of the Association for the Promotion of the Rights of Children and Adolescents in Buenos Aires and the national civil society platform of Argentina EENGD - Red Encuentro. 

Successful practices and initiatives 

The report also highlights over 40 concrete examples of successful practices and initiatives. In Latvia, participatory governance processes are supporting inclusive decision-making, while Uganda's Voluntary National Review Process is enhancing partnerships between civil society and the government. In the Pacific, data practices are driving evidence-based decision-making, and civic space monitoring in Pakistan is raising awareness of civil liberties. In Nepal, the Local Governance and Community Development Programme is including local communities through decentralization and capacity-strengthening initiatives.  

"By integrating local perspectives into national policy frameworks, we are seeing programs that better meet the needs of the people," says Arjun Bhattarai Secretary General of the NGO Federation of Nepal. 

A Call to Action 

As we meet at the UN High-Level Political Forum in New York and we approach the Summit of the Future, Forus calls on governments and international institutions to commit to the principles of inclusive governance. Together, we can rebuild trust and unlock the full potential of SDG 16. 

Forus encourages all stakeholders to explore the complete report, share best practices, and join the campaign to promote inclusive governance.