Statement by the Permanent Observer of IDLO to the United Nations in New York, Henk-Jan Brinkman
Ministerial Segment of the High-level Political Forum (HLPF), General Debate
13-15 July 2026
UN headquarters, Trusteeship Council Chamber
On behalf of the International Development Law Organization, I would like to relay a few messages that emerged from the SDG 16 Conference, which IDLO co-organized with UN DESA and the Permanent Mission of Italy, on 17 June.
The key messages of the Conference have been shared with you by the Italian Mission.
First, SDG 16 is a critical enabler of all SDGs and is at the heart of what makes the 2030 Agenda transformative. Progress across the SDGs depends on effective, accountable and inclusive institutions, respect for human rights, access to justice and the rule of law.
Second, effective, accountable and inclusive institutions that deliver tangible results for people enable governments to rebuild trust.
As our Director-General Jan Beagle emphasized “results are the most powerful currency of trust.”
Rebuilding trust also requires the full engagement of women, youth, marginalized groups, Indigenous Peoples, and persons with disabilities. This means ensuring that they can participate meaningfully in public life and access justice through the removal of barriers and discriminatory laws, as well as the provision of assistive technologies and legal aid.
Third, people-centred approaches to justice and the rule of law are powerful drivers for peace and sustainable development. When justice systems are accessible, affordable and responsive, they help people claim their rights, address grievances and manage disagreements in to resolve disputes peacefully.
The rule of law can accelerate progress across the social, economic and environmental dimensions of sustainable development through targeted solutions tailored to national priorities and local realities.
Bringing justice closer to people through approaches such as legal empowerment and community-dispute resolution can help close justice gaps and ensure no one is left behind.
At the international level, the rule of law provides countries with a framework to work together on shared challenges and resolve disputes peacefully.
Fourth, progress on gender equality is essential for SDG 16 and all other SDGs. SDG 5 on gender equality and women’s empowerment is both an objective of sustainable development and a powerful driver of peaceful, just and inclusive societies. Gender inequality, discriminatory laws, gender-based violence and barriers to participation continue to undermine sustainable development and weaken institutions.
Let me close with another quote from our Director-General: “SDG 16, with the rule of law at its core, remains our most strategic asset to overcome the confluence of crises that the world is currently facing… We must reinvigorate political and financial support for peaceful, just, and inclusive societies… at a time of expanding priorities and shrinking resources.”
Thank you.