Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates,

I would like to thank the organizers the Permanent Mission of Italy, UN DESA, and IDLO, for convening this important discussion on SDG 16 and all the panelists for their insightful contributions.

As we enter the final years of the 2030 Agenda, SDG 16 remains fundamental to achieving sustainable development. Peace, justice, and strong institutions are not only goals in themselves, they are essential enablers of progress across the entire Agenda.

Albania’s experience demonstrates both the opportunities and challenges of advancing SDG 16. Through a comprehensive justice reform, Albania has established a vetting process for judges and prosecutors, strengthened judicial governance institutions, and created specialized mechanisms to combat corruption and organized crime.

These reforms have improved the independence, transparency, and accountability of our justice system. At the same time, they have taught us a key lesson: sustainable reform requires not only strong legislation, but also effective implementation, institutional resilience, and public trust.

Our experience also confirms the close relationship between SDG 16 and the broader 2030 Agenda. Strong institutions support economic growth, protect human rights, improve public services, and create the conditions for inclusive and sustainable development.

In this regard, we welcome the 2026 Civil Society Declaration on SDG 16+ and recognize the essential role of civil society, youth, and independent stakeholders in promoting accountability and ensuring that commitments translate into tangible results.

Albania remains fully committed to advancing peaceful, just, and inclusive societies and to working with all partners to accelerate progress on SDG 16.

Thank you.