SDG 16: Peace, Justice and strong Institutions. Introduction by Stefano Costantini

On 25 September 2015, the governments of 193 UN member countries signed the Global Agenda for Sustainable Development, an action program based on 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), 169 targets and over 240 indicators, promoting a change in the development model for the sake of humanity, our planet and common prosperity. Approved by the United Nations with the commitment to reach the 17 Objectives of sustainable development by 2030, the agenda marked a historical breakthrough because it expressed a clear judgement on the unsustainability of the current model of development in environmental, economic and social terms and it also redefined the concept of sustainability affirming an integrated vision of the different dimensions of development. Specifically, SDGs 16 of Agenda 2030 «Promoting peaceful and more inclusive societies for sustainable development; providing access to justice for all and creating effective, responsible and inclusive bodies at all levels», starting from the national dimension of each country, aims to build efficient and inclusive institutions for the pro- motion of decent work for all, working in accordance with international labor standards, inspired by social dialogue for the construction of fair and peaceful societies and with the aim of facilitating participatory decision-making processes. From the 2018 monitoring report on SDGs 16 of the Agenda 2030, data provided by UN member countries showed that many regions of the world continue to suffer inconceivable horrors due to armed conflicts or other forms of violence taking place within societies and at a domestic level. Progress in ensure that laws are observed and access to justice is uneven. However, although at a very slow pace, progress is being made in regulation to promote public access to information and in strengthening institutions defending human rights at a national level. In addition, the 2018 report shows that corruption undermines democracy and the observance of law, leading to human rights violations and allowing organized crime and terrorism to flourish. These phenomena have a more significant impact on the most vulnerable groups such as women and children. To achieve peaceful and inclusive societies that promote sustainable development, therefore, it seems necessary to give a boost to the principles of legality at the international level. This means promoting societies based on transparency and good governance and ensuring respect for human rights. SDG 16 aims to promote the law observance at a national and inter- national level and to ensure equal access to justice for all by reducing corruption and creating accountable and transparent institutions. The accomplishment is also to put an end to all forms of violence and organized crime, to encourage the participation of developing countries in global decisions and to facilitate laws and policies for sustainable development at an international level. Against this background, the CONIUS symposium among the Italian UNESCO Chairs held in Florence on November 16, 2018, discussed some issues of primary importance at a national and international level on SDG 16 and a few thoughts were proposed on some open issues, focusing on critical issues and good practices on thematic studies and initiatives for the achievement of specific goals to be achieved by 2030.