In December 2020, the TAP Network and the Global Alliance launched a first-of-its-kind resource on Mainstreaming SDG 16: Using the Voluntary National Review to Advance More Peaceful, Just and Inclusive Societies. This Resource outlines practical guidance on how to utilize the VNRs to mainstream SDG16 into national and local planning and actions. It explores ways and means of utilizing the SDG16 framework to strengthen the preparatory and follow-up work of VNR processes, and in doing so highlights important cases and examples from around the world.
Building on key thematic issues in the Resource, the TAP Network and the Global Alliance hosted a virtual learning series which will bring key SDG16 stakeholders together to further look at how to Mainstream SDG16 at all levels. It provided a forum for a diverse group of stakeholders involved in the SDGs and VNR process to share practical tools, capacity-building guidance, opportunities for collaboration and dialogue.
Each session delved into one of a range of key themes and issues addressed in the Mainstreaming SDG16 Resource:
- The Global Launch event (14 December 2020)
- Practical approaches to mainstreaming SDG16 (31 March 2021)
- Mainstreaming SDG16 to Realize the Principle of ‘Leaving No One Behind' (6 May 2021)
- Mainstreaming and Localizing SDG16 through Post-VNR Follow-up (2 June 2021)
Insights from this learning series were synthesized into a policy brief detailing key challenges for mainstreaming SDG16, and recommendations for the Thematic Review of SDG16 at the 2021 HLPF in July 2021.