Statement by the Director-General, Ms. Jan Beagle
Monday, 12 May 2025
United Nations Headquarters, New York
Madam Deputy Secretary-General,
Your Excellencies,
Undersecretary Silli,
President of the General Assembly,
President of ECOSOC,
Under-Secretary-General Li,
Distinguished delegates,
Let me begin by expressing IDLO’s appreciation to the Government of Italy and DESA for their continued partnership and support in convening this vital forum.
We meet at a time of heightened risks, and backsliding on decades of hard–won gains in peace and development— multiple conflicts, climate stress, economic hardship, and growing inequality— all of which are undermining the commitment to leave no one behind.
The 2025 Human Development Report released last week warns that gaps between countries are widening and overall global progress losing steam.
As the DSG said, justice remains out of reach for too many.
Perhaps most troubling is the erosion of public trust—in institutions, in justice, and increasingly, in governance at all levels.
Across all regions, people express growing scepticism that democratic governance, public institutions and the rule of law have relevance to their lives and aspirations.
It is imperative to acknowledge and address these concerns.
As resources become scarcer, we need better ways of working and of demonstrating the high returns that investing in conflict prevention, dispute resolution, and enabling legal and institutional environments can deliver.
This is where SDG 16 comes into sharp focus.
Far from being an abstract principle, SDG 16—encompassing justice, accountability and the rule of law—offers concrete solutions for accelerating progress across the 2030 Agenda.
Drawing on IDLO’s experience, let me highlight three ways in which it can do so:
First, well-functioning justice systems serve as the backbone of societies that are peaceful, inclusive, and economically dynamic.
The most egregious human rights violations often occur where legal systems are weak or have collapsed.
By addressing the drivers of violence, people-centred justice systems can prevent conflict before it takes root, and support reconciliation where it has taken hold.
Second, effective, accountable, and responsive institutions are essential to rebuilding public confidence.
Corruption diverts critical resources away from development priorities such as education, health, and infrastructure, and reduces people’s confidence that government works on their behalf.
When institutions are fair and transparent, they foster a sense of belonging and trust.
By tackling corruption, increasing access to remedies, and ensuring legal protections are applied without bias, we can repair the social contract and ensure that public resources benefit everyone.
Third and finally, SDG 16 can provide a framework to achieve the entire 2030 Agenda.
Tackling complex challenges from ending poverty and hunger, to combatting transnational organized crime, and managing mass displacement, requires laws and institutions that deliver more innovative and integrated solutions.
We must make a better business case for investment in SDG 16 and, at the same time, make better use of the resources we have by working across sectors and engaging all stakeholders, including private sector, civil society, women and youth.
There will be important opportunities to reaffirm this agenda: at the Financing for Development Conference, the High-Level Political Forum, and the World Social Summit.
We must ensure that SDG 16 is at the centre of these discussions—not only as a Goal, but as an enabler of all Goals.
Today, we will hear from countries and communities that are putting SDG 16 into action—with innovative approaches that are reshaping institutions and transforming lives.
Let us be inspired by their leadership and recommit to the practical, inclusive, and sustained action that this moment demands.
