Today, the Italian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Edmondo Cirielli, opened the proceedings of the 4th Global Conference on Sustainable Development Goal SDG16, i.e., the goal that encompasses all development cooperation interventions devoted to institution building – whether of a regulatory, jurisdictional, or technical nature. The Conference, organised by MAECI, UNDESA and IDLO at the International Conference Hall of the Farnesina, is entitled “SDG 16 as a compass for navigating intersecting crises”. Now in its fourth edition, the Conference is a consolidated global event that gives Italy – a country with a millenary tradition in the field of law – internationally recognised leadership on SDG 16 and issues such as the rule of law, human rights and justice, and the fight against corruption.
In his opening address, Deputy Minister Cirielli stated that “never before has mankind been confronted with global challenges that profoundly affect each and every one of us. The rule of law at the heart of Sustainable Development Goal 16 has been hit particularly hard by a pandemic that has exacerbated already existing fragilities and tested the resilience of public institutions“. He continued, “Italy is ready to do its part, as the Italian government is committed to pursuing a diplomacy of growth that will make the country an ever-greater agent of peace, stability and development. We are particularly proud,” the Deputy Minister concluded, “to host this Conference, which has rapidly become the main and most popular forum for global discussion on these issues“.
The Conference, which will last 3 days and end on 1 June, is a key event for reviewing the progress of Goal 16 ahead of some major multilateral events in 2023, including the Summit on Sustainable Development Goals, to be held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in September. During the 3-day event, the progress made by the international community and the ways in which it is responding to the major global challenges concerning the rule of law in the World will be discussed, highlighting the catalytic effect that SDG 16 can have in addressing some of the most significant crises of our time.
The Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani, will open the high-level session of the Conference tomorrow morning at 9:30 a.m.
