SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

Natural resources are frequently at the heart of regional instability worldwide. From wars over mineral resources and access to clean water to land disputes and transboundary conflicts, natural resources often trigger tensions. For example, actions in one country regarding shared resources such as rivers or minerals can create issues for neighboring countries, resulting in diplomatic or military conflicts.

The Paris Agreement (2015) has been instrumental in addressing some of these challenges. By fostering cooperation between countries to combat climate change, it has helped build strong institutions and encouraged peaceful coexistence among nations. Greenhouse gas emissions, primarily from developed nations, have contributed significantly to global warming, leading to rising global temperatures and more intense climate change effects. Developing countries, which often face greater instability and have fewer resources to adapt to climate change, have borne the brunt of these impacts.

The Paris Agreement aimed to unify countries toward reducing emissions and promoting resilience, particularly in vulnerable nations. Institutions like the World Bank have been pivotal in building resilience and adaptation capacities, funding various projects in developing countries to mitigate the impacts of climate change. For example, the World Bank has supported initiatives such as clean energy transitions and climate-resilient agriculture in nations like Bangladesh, which face severe climate risks.

The competition for scarce natural resources, contributed by climate change, is another major challenge to achieving peace and stability. Water scarcity, in particular, has become a flashpoint for conflict, especially in already politically unstable regions.

In Syria, the ongoing civil war has been partially fueled by drought and the subsequent struggle for water resources. Climate change exacerbated the drought in the years leading up to the conflict, causing widespread displacement of farmers to urban areas, where existing political tensions escalated into violent conflict. This is a clear example of how environmental factors can trigger and sustain violence, highlighting the need for institutions that can manage natural resources equitably and sustainably.

Similarly, the Nile River Basin, which flows through 11 countries in northeastern Africa, has been a source of contention, particularly between Ethiopia and Egypt. The construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam has raised concerns in Egypt, which relies heavily on the Nile for its water supply. Without strong institutions to mediate such disputes, tensions over shared natural resources can escalate into broader conflicts.

To address these issues, the international community must prioritize the creation of frameworks for environmental justice and resource-sharing agreements that promote peaceful cooperation. Institutions like the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) are working to mitigate these conflicts by advocating for sustainable resource management and providing technical assistance to countries facing environmental challenges. However, success in these areas will require robust governance structures and judicial systems to enforce agreements and prevent the exploitation of natural resources.

However, challenges remain, particularly in enforcing environmental protection laws. The judicial enforcement of environmental protection should be as strong as criminal law enforcement, emphasizing the need for judicial systems to ensure compliance with global agreements like the Paris Accord. Strengthening legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms will protect natural resources and promote peace.

One example of the challenge in achieving this can be seen in Brazil and the Amazon Rainforest. Despite global awareness of the forest's significance in regulating the climate, efforts to protect it are hampered by political, economic, and social factors, such as illegal logging, mining, and weak enforcement of environmental laws. The failure to protect these ecosystems increases conflicts between local communities, industries, and government institutions, highlighting the need for stronger enforcement and accountability mechanisms.

Furthermore, land and environment courts are becoming increasingly necessary to resolve disputes over natural resources and promote sustainable use of the environment. For instance, Kenya's environment and land courts have played a critical role in resolving land disputes and promoting environmental conservation, which, in turn, contributes to stability.

SDG 16's vision for peaceful and inclusive societies rests on protecting human rights, ensuring justice for all, and fostering transparent, effective, and accountable institutions. However, in reality, corruption, weak governance, and illicit activities such as human trafficking and arms smuggling continue to undermine peace efforts globally.

For example, in Myanmar, the failure to uphold the rule of law and protect vulnerable communities has resulted in ongoing violence and human rights abuses, especially against the Rohingya. Similarly, in Haiti, weak governance, organized crime, and widespread corruption have significantly hindered progress toward achieving peaceful and just institutions, making establishing trust in public systems difficult.

Corruption is a significant barrier to achieving SDG 16. It corrodes trust in public institutions, weakens governance, and increases poverty and inequality. Countries with high levels of corruption are often marked by weak governance structures, which makes it difficult to enforce the rule of law and hold people accountable.

An example of this challenge can be seen in South Sudan, which has faced prolonged conflict driven by corruption and competition over oil resources. Despite being one of the most resource-rich countries in Africa, South Sudan has struggled to achieve peace due to the lack of strong institutions that can ensure transparency and accountability. The diversion of public funds for personal gain and widespread corruption within government institutions have hindered efforts to improve infrastructure, healthcare, and education, leading to widespread dissatisfaction and instability.

To achieve SDG 16's goals, promoting the rule of law and ensuring equal access to justice is crucial, especially for marginalized and vulnerable populations. This requires not only stronger institutions but also the engagement of all stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and international organizations.

In summary, while significant strides have been made, achieving SDG 16 continues to face major challenges, particularly in regions with weak institutions, high corruption, and poor enforcement of environmental laws. Bridging these gaps will require stronger judicial frameworks, more robust environmental protection laws, and greater international cooperation to support developing nations in their quest for peace, justice, and strong institutions.