The overriding general consensus says that the 2030 Agenda, with its 17 development goals, can be hailed an achievement. It is also pleasing that with SDG (Sustainable Development Goal) 16, the topic of “peace, justice and strong institutions” has been explicitly raised.
But how can this vision and huge amount of good will be turned into a reality? KOFF member organizations from different NGOs and from the Swiss Federal Administration have their say in this edition. Some already see weaknesses in the demands of goal 16. According to them, SDG 16 doesn’t have enough clear directives about the monitoring of arms and is also generally lacking in specific peace policy postulates. It has also been highlighted a number of times that goal 16 cannot succeed alone, but rather needs to be implemented together with the other goals. An integrated approach is therefore imperative. The overall importance of civil society to the implementation of SDG 16 has also been brought to our attention. The restriction of civil society’s freedom to act is therefore even more unsettling. Certain authors also very specifically explain how they are making a contribution to SDG 16 with their projects. That’s why, for instance, more justice and concerted responsibility are strived for through working with children and young people, which in turn helps to prevent structural violence. Finally, the question is also raised as to whether goal 16 is measurable or whether a quantitative measurement even makes sense.
I hope you enjoy reading this issue.
Amélie Lustenberger, editor of KOFF Magazine
