Local Peacebuilders Unveiled: Securing Peace in Times of Converging Crisis
As the world navigates past the midway point of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, it is increasingly evident that we are veering significantly off course in delivering the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The emergence of new challenges and conflicts, coupled with already existing unresolved issues, underscores the imperative to reassess our approaches more urgently than ever. The year 2024 holds a pivotal importance as progress on Sustainable Development Goal 16 - which aims to bring about more peaceful, just and inclusive societies - was being reviewed at the High-level Political Forum (HLPF) held in July in New York, USA.
It is within these interlinked contexts that the Civil Society Platform for Peacebuilding and Statebuilding (CSPPS) - in partnership with Accountability Lab, Alliance for Peacebuilding, CIVICUS, Life & Peace Institute, Peace Direct, Pathfinders, TAP Network, and World Vision - spearheaded the 2024 edition of the Voices of SDG16+ video campaign.
Voices of SDG16+: Stories for Global Action is a collaborative campaign to bring the work of civil society on SDG16+ to the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in New York. Individuals and partners from around the world had the opportunity to submit short videos telling their “stories” of best practices and extraordinary efforts being undertaken towards SDG16+ at the local and national level.
The sixth edition of the Voices of SDG16+ was centered on the theme “Bolstering Action for SDG16+ in Times of Converging Crises” and invited individuals and partners from around the world to submit short videos telling their “stories” of best practices and extraordinary efforts being undertaken to bolster SDG16+ at local and national levels
As a Voices of SDG16+ Alumni, I understand the importance of highlighting the work of young people as they advocate for creating strong and just institutions. This is not just a noble endeavour, but a critical solution to reducing global inequality and ensuring justice for all. However, this work is fraught with challenges. Yet, it is truly inspiring to witness how these young champions persevere despite these obstacles. Their determination and resilience are valuable lessons for all of us who believe in this cause and strive to make a difference.
This campaign is an opportunity for everyone joining us from around the world to be inspired, learn, and renew our collective commitment.
An Official HLPF side-event featured videos of six organisations whose entries particularly stood out as the most enthralling videos for this 2024 Campaign: Fondation IDEO [Haiti], Norsaac [Ghana], Speak Out Africa Initiative [Nigeria], JAMAA Grands Lacs [Democratic Republic of Congo], Fundación Sueños y Huellas [Colombia] and Wahana Visi [Indonesia]. Showcasing innovative practices and activities ranging from training teachers, educating children, re-connecting and reconciling people together through sport events or group discussions, each video contributes in their own way possible pathways to bolster progress towards more peaceful, just and inclusive societies.
Their selected videos were also shown to illustrate that local action on this agenda is happening which needs recognition and further support. The showing of the videos was accompanied with brief presentations to illustrate how it helps to shape the SDG16.
Through this article, all Voices of SDG16+ partners would like to congratulate all the participants again for their incredible work and to thank them for their support in making this event a great success. Our collective efforts have been instrumental to make this campaign successful in raising the voices of civil society to drive positive change and make a difference!
For those who missed the opportunity to attend this stellar HLPF side-event, you can still discover the incredible efforts of these colleagues across the world by watching the six finalists' videos via CSPPS YouTube Channel here.