Introduction

As we navigate past the midway point of the 2030 Agenda, 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.

2024 holds a pivotal importance as SDG16 is being reviewed at the 2024 HLPF in July. The overarching theme “Reinforcing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and eradicating poverty in times of multiple crises: The effective delivery of sustainable, resilient and innovative solutions” sets the stage for an in-depth examination of SDG1 (no poverty), SDG2 (zero hunger), SDG13 (climate action), SDG16 (peace, justice and strong institutions), and SDG 17 (partnerships for the Goals).

 
Another major relevant milestone this year is the Summit for the Future, which will be a unique opportunity to discuss how to refine international cooperation. While we have numerous agreements and documents that express what needs to be done, the “how” remains to be addressed and translated into concrete actions. How are we going to work together and organise ourselves to effectively address current and future challenges? In this framework, the Pact for the Future is intended to emerge as a collective, action-oriented outcome document, providing a roadmap for our collaborative efforts.

It is within these interlinked contexts that we introduce the 2024 Voices campaign to showcase innovative actions and solutions elaborated by local actors that can help to bolster progress. For the 2024 Voices of SDG16+ campaign we are soliciting videos that highlight the crucial work done by local actors in implementing SDG16 – entries are also called for that shed light on the interlinkages with the other SDGs under review at HLPF2024 (SDG1 on No Poverty, SDG2 on Zero Hunger, SDG13 on Climate Action, and SDG17 on Partnerships for the Goals). Entries tackling the review of SDG16 with the Summit of the Future are also welcomed.

Voices of SDG16+: Stories for Global Action – 2024 Campaign

Individuals and partners from around the world are invited to submit short videos (max 3 minutes) telling their “stories” of best practices and extraordinary efforts being undertaken towards SDG16+ at the national and local levels, particularly with growing interlinked challenges (i.e. climate, peace, conflict). The 2024 campaign will build on the work done in previous years and new video submissions will be featured via a dedicated website and in context of side-events organised.

The campaign intends to provide a unique and dynamic opportunity for a call for accelerated action and increased awareness on the work of local civil society partners in this domain. The stories solicited for are to feature both challenges and successes in pursuing advancement of the 2030 Agenda at national and local levels – albeit the long-term impact and challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic combined with the current geopolitical context and the necessary measures undertaken to respond to the challenges and obstacles presented by the ongoing crises.

Participants are invited to include concrete commitments for advancing SDG16+, particularly taking into consideration the interlinkages with other SDGs under review this year (SDG1 on No Poverty, SDG2 on Zero Hunger, SDG13 on Climate Action, and SDG17 on Partnerships for the Goals), and and other international processes such as the Summit of the Future.

The Voices of SDG16+ Campaign will also feature updates on the work of finalists showcased during the previous editions of the campaign from 2019 onwards.

Successful stories can be told in English, French, Arabic or Spanish, and should ideally feature both challenges and successes in pursuing advancement of the #2030Agenda.

Deadline for submissions: 03/06/2024

Please read through the guidelines and selection criteria thoroughly below before submitting your video.

The more creative the better!

Entries should demonstrate any innovative and/or inspiring approaches to using SDG16+ in a practical way.
No matter how small our actions may seem to us, when we put them together, these stories can have great power. We want to hear how you are taking part and leading the charge in the global movement working to build peaceful, just and inclusive societies.