Thank you, Mr. Chair,

As mentioned by many today, SDG 16 importance stands on the promise of achieving more inclusive, just and peaceful societies. SDG 16 is crucial for achieving a sustainable future for all, as peace and justice are essential for social progress, economic prosperity, and environmental sustainability.

We recognize the SDG 16’s key role as enabler and accelerator of all the other SDGs.  Progress on SDG 16 would accelerate progress on the 2030 Agenda and the other SDGs, on peace and human rights. Without strong institutions, access to justice, and respect for human rights, progress on other goals such as ending poverty, ensuring food security, and promoting health and well-being will be limited.

The four dimensions of SDG 16– peace, the rule of law, robust institutions and leaving no one behind – are interdependent. To create a sustainable future for all, we must prioritize peace, justice, and strong institutions as a cross-cutting issue that underpins all aspects of sustainable development.

Mr. Chair,

For accelerating the progress of SDG 16, we can emphasize the following elements:

First, Fostering synergies between SDG 16 and other goals, recognizing their interconnected nature. For instance, integrating peacebuilding initiatives with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) can improve health outcomes by addressing root causes of conflict that impact healthcare access. Similarly, aligning justice reform efforts with SDG 4 (Quality Education) can ensure equitable access to education by strengthening legal frameworks that protect the right to education for vulnerable populations.

Second, leveraging technology and data-driven solutions can enhance transparency and accountability within institutions, thereby bolstering governance mechanisms outlined in SDG 16. Digital platforms for citizen engagement and feedback mechanisms can empower communities to participate actively in decision-making processes, fostering trust and inclusivity.

Third, multi-stakeholder partnerships that bring together governments, civil society organizations, academia, and the private sector are essential to progress toward the achievement of SDG 16. Collaborative efforts can amplify the impact of interventions, pool resources effectively, and build consensus on complex issues like justice reform and institutional capacity building.

Fourth, mainstreaming conflict-sensitive approaches across development programs ensures that initiatives do not inadvertently exacerbate tensions but rather contribute to sustainable peace. This proactive stance involves conducting conflict analyses, engaging with local communities, and integrating conflict prevention and peacebuilding measures into project design and implementation.

Mr. Chair,

I would like to bring a success story from my contry, Albania, as a positive example toward the achievement of SDG 16 by reforming and strengthening the judicial system. In 2015 the Albanian Government launched one of the deepest and most comprehensive reforms in our region and beyond, the reform of the justice system. The judicial reform in Albania included, among others, setting up a fully-fledged system of vetting judges and prosecutors, establishing new institutions governing the judiciary, creating a special prosecution and courts for the fight against corruption and organized crime, and substantially reforming existing institutions, including the Supreme Court, Constitutional Court and General Prosecutor’s Office.

Many of MS present here today have greatly contributed to this successful journey, including US, EU and its member states.

Albania has made tremendous progress toward the justice reform that its citizens demanded and day by day we are seeing the results of all those effort, which have strengthened  the independence, transparency, efficiency and accountability of the Albanian justice system, in accordance with European standards.

Mr. Chair,

By promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions, we can build inclusive societies, ensure access to justice for all, and create a world where everyone can thrive. Therefore, let us work together to promote peace, justice, and strong institutions, and build a sustainable world that leaves no one behind.

Thank you!