IDLO and the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

Building institutions for peace and justice, strengthening accountability, empowering women and girls, fighting corruption, protecting biodiversity and promoting inclusive economic growth are just a few examples of the ways in which IDLO’s programs and other activities further the implementation of the SDGs.

The principles of the rule of law – equality, equity, inclusion, rights, laws and strong institutions – are embedded throughout the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and especially Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16, which aims to “promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels”. Goal 16 is not isolated in objective, and in fact, IDLO programs have demonstrated how it drives the success of other SDGs.

IDLO’s Strategy 2020 is inspired by the vision of the 2030 Agenda and its goals of advancing access to justice, combating inequalities and promoting social inclusion. IDLO has long been a champion of the rule of law as both an outcome and enabler of sustainable development. As a strong advocate for the inclusion of Goal 16 in the 2030 Agenda, IDLO is fully committed to advancing the SDGs.

The rule of law is relevant to all three dimensions of sustainable development: economic, social and environmental. By providing stable and transparent legal regimes, the rule of law encourages economic development. By ensuring equal opportunity and equitable access to basic services, it promotes social development. By strengthening the laws to protect the environment and ensure proper management of natural resources, it ensures environmental sustainability.

IDLO continues to foster debates and dialogue at the national and international levels on Agenda 2030, focusing specifically on equality, inclusion and access to justice. IDLO’s presence in New York, Geneva, Rome and The Hague harnesses strategic international platforms such as the High-Level Political Forum in New York, the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, and the United Nations Committee on Food Security in Rome to give a multiplier effect to its policy advocacy.

Whether in fragile contexts, emerging democracies or middle-income countries, IDLO contributes to the 2030 Agenda through its programs, research and policy advocacy, positioning the rule of law as a key ingredient for sustaining peace, fostering development and building just and inclusive societies.