Mainstreaming SDG 16: Using the Voluntary National Review to Advance More Peaceful, Just and Inclusive Societies
December 2020
Five years into the 2030 Agenda, the world is backsliding on SDG 16. Intended for a range of actors and institutions, this resource provides policy guidance and case studies on advancing SDG 16 implementation at national and subnational levels by more effectively leveraging VNR and post-VNR processes. Ultimately, the question is: how can we ensure that the VNR is maximized for SDG 16 impact, including improved subsequent reporting?
​
As such, this resource introduces the 2030 Agenda, SDG 16, the VNR, before detailing approaches to mainstreaming and accelerating SDG 16 implementation through the VNR, including the what, who and how approaches highlighted. Finally, the resource adheres to a set of guiding principles, including that which underpins the entire 2030 Agenda: Leave No One Behind.
​
Guide to Report on SDG16 in Voluntary National Reviews
July 2020
This guide has been developed by the Global Alliance for Reporting Progress on Peaceful, Just and Inclusive Societies. The document provides a step-by-step guide for Member States on how to put Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 for peaceful, just, and inclusive societies into action through an inclusive and participatory Voluntary National Review (VNR) process that is firmly connected to national planning and implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The suggestions included in this Guide on how and where to report on SDG 16 in a VNR are drawn from Member State experiences and international recommendations. They are meant to be used as a starting point for Member States in determining their own scope and approach for developing the SDG 16-related content of their VNR.
White & Case Analysis of the 2020 Voluntary National Reviews and SDG 16
November 2020
In a process similar to that performed by in 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019, White & Case reviewed the 45 VNRs submitted in 2020 and analyzed (i) whether the countries reported on the SDG 16+ Targets; (ii) the extent of the reporting on these targets; (iii) whether the report indicated that it was a product of an inclusive, participatory process; (iv) whether the report noted that the private sector was involved in implementation and reporting, and (v) whether sources of data were provided. For member states who submitted prior VNRs, White & Case compared the member states’ SDG16+ reporting in 2020 to its prior submission(s). In 2020, the White & Case review also assessed whether the VNR: contained a specific section or chapter on SDG16; relied on Human Rights reports or engaged Human Rights institutions or data; discussed COVID-19’s impact on SDG16 reporting or implementation; mentioned negative trends or challenges in implementing or collecting SDG16 data; and provided next steps post-VNR submissions with respect to SDG16 and the 2030 Agenda.
July 2019
This report, of the Global Alliance, Enabling the implementation of the 2030 Agenda through SDG16+: Anchoring peace, justice and inclusion provides an overview of country level actions and progress on SDG 16+ across different regions and development contexts and highlights key trends and findings on SDG 16+ implementation globally. The report has been informed by a series of regional multi-stakeholder consultations on SDG 16+, 25 country case studies and draws from evidence of recent research and analysis across SDG 16+ targets.