Filipina Leaders Spotlight Rule of Law and Peacebuilding in United Nations Conference on SDG 16: Advancing Peace, Justice and Institutions for Sustainable Development

Chargé d’Affaires and Ambassador Leila C. Lora-Santos, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Permanent Mission of the Philippines, delivers an intervention on behalf of the Group of Friends of the Rule of Law at the SDG 16 Conference 2025 – “Advancing Peace, Justice and Institutions for Sustainable Development” at the United Nations Headquarters convened by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs and co-organized by Permanent Mission of Italy and the International Development Law Organization. (Photo credit: United Nations)

NEW YORK 13 May 2025 — The Philippines, represented by women leaders, spotlighted the rule of law and peacebuilding in the event entitled “SDG 16 Conference 2025 – Advancing Peace, Justice and Institutions for Sustainable Development” at the United Nations Headquarters, convened by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) and co-organized by Permanent Mission of Italy and the International Development Law Organization (IDLO).

The SDG 16 Conference 2025 brought together representatives of governments, international organizations, civil society, academia, women, youth and other key stakeholders. In the context of the 80th anniversary of the United Nations and building on the outcomes of the previous five editions, the Conference provided a platform for showcasing tangible examples of how investing in SDG 16 delivers measurable, practical dividends for governments and people, enabling them to efficiently achieve their development priorities. 

Chargé d’Affaires and Ambassador Leila C. Lora-Santos, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Permanent Mission of the Philippines, delivered an intervention on behalf of the Group of Friends of the Rule of Law, urging accelerated action for peace, justice, and strong institutions, with SDG 16 as a key element.

“We consider SDG 16 to be a foundational enabler of the entire 2030 Agenda. Its successful implementation determines the success of all other goals.  It is the fabric that ensures the functioning of society and strengthens social cohesion.  Let’s keep working together towards just, peaceful and inclusive societies with strong institutions and sustainable development,” CDA Lora-Santos said.

The Group of Friends of the Rule of Law is a cross-regional group coordinated of countries that advocate for strengthening international law and the Charter of the United Nations. With over fifty members from different regions, the Group is coordinated by Austria at the United Nations in New York.

Meanwhile, Ms. Lynrose Jane Genon, member of the Executive Council of the Young Women+ Leaders for Peace Philippines, a network of young women and allies working on the localization of the intersections of Youth Peace and Security and Women Peace and Security, gave a presentation as panelist, highlighting peacebuilding, including ‘digital peacebuilding.’ 

“Peacebuilding is not just about ending conflict, it’s about creating conditions for long-term stability and inclusion, led by young people in everyday spaces, online and offline,” Ms. Genon said.

This year’s Conference helped identify priorities for action while reflecting on how relevant elements of SDG 16, including peace, justice and strong institutions, can contribute to advancing progress on these key objectives. The Conference brought insights into key intergovernmental events to be held in 2025, the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in June-July, the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, the Food Systems Summit Stocktaking Moment in July, and the World Summit for Social Development in November 2025. END

Ms. Lynrose Jane Genon (on screen), member of the Executive Council of the Young Women + Leaders for Peace Philippines, a network of young women and allies working on the localization of the intersections of Youth Peace and Security and Women Peace and Security, presents at a panel highlighting peacebuilding at the UN Conference on SDG 16. (Photo credit: Philippines Permanent Mission to the United Nations)

For more information, visit https://www.newyorkpm.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.un.int/philippines  or https://www.facebook.com/PHMissionNY/.