NDVS’ Theme is SDG #16: Peace, Justice and stronger Institutions
“Peaceful, just and inclusive societies are necessary to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.”
UNPD Story: Guatemala
“We couldn’t stand the hunger, we were homeless, and everything had been destroyed. We were desperate, and so my mother decided to give herself up to the squadron … But instead of welcoming us, they hurt us,“ recalls Elena de Paz, who was raped by soldiers in 1982. She was only 12 years old.”
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“UNDP works in nearly 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty, and the reduction of inequalities and exclusion. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities and build resilience in order to sustain development results.”
Protecting indigenous peoples’ access to ancestral territories helps everyone breathe easier…
Download: SDG 16: Why it matters?
Download: TAP Network Goal 16
Download: Detailed-Briefing SDG 16
Without peace, stability, human rights and effective governance, based on the rule of law – we cannot hope for sustainable development. We are living in a world that is increasingly divided. Some regions enjoy sustained levels of peace, security and prosperity, while others fall into seemingly endless cycles of conflict and violence. This is by no means inevitable and must be addressed.
High levels of armed violence and insecurity have a destructive impact on a country’s development, affecting economic growth and often resulting in long standing grievances that can last for generations. Sexual violence, crime, exploitation and torture are also prevalent where there is conflict or no rule of law, and countries must take measures to protect those who are most at risk.
The SDGs aim to significantly reduce all forms of violence, and work with governments and communities to find lasting solutions to conflict and insecurity. Strengthening the rule of law and promoting human rights is key to this process, as is reducing the flow of illicit arms and strengthening the participation of developing countries in the institutions of global governance.
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Resources for Teachers from Worlds Largest Lesson
Graphics and lesson plans for different age groups
