New York – With development under pressure, its foundations matter more than ever. And the rule of law is one of the cornerstones. When people feel safe, can exercise their rights and access justice, development takes root – and societies can grow stronger and more resilient.

“People don't talk about the rule of law every day. But they experience its presence – or its absence – constantly,” said Alexander De Croo, UNDP Administrator during his opening of UNDP’s Annual Meeting on Rule of Law and Human Rights.

UNDP’s Global Programme on Rule of Law, Human Rights and Justice for Peace, Security and Development convened this forum at a time when protracted conflicts, fragility and political instability continue to shape the global landscape. 

“We respond to the most complex crises, standing firmly in defence of universal values and human dignity. This meeting is a space to strengthen partnerships and innovate for collective action on human rights and peace,” said Shoko Noda, Assistant Secretary-General, Assistant Administrator; Director, Crisis Bureau, UNDP. 

Experiences from countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guatemala, Lebanon, Pakistan, Somalia and Ukraine grounded the discussions in reality, bringing frontline perspectives into a global conversation. 

In Lebanon, where multiple crises intersect, the stakes are clear. “The rule of law is not a matter of priorities, it is a matter of existence,” said H.E. Adel Nassar, Minister of Justice, Lebanon. 

Community security begins with those who live its daily realities. Local leadership is essential to reaching those most excluded and at risk, reiterated speakers from The Gambia, Ukraine and Yemen. 

Trust built through action, justice shaped locally and human rights as a tool for prevention and security were central to the discussions. 

“To preserve the dignity of people and to have a more lasting piece, we need human rights first,” said Claudia Fuentes Julio, Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights in New York.

Peace, rule of law and human rights are among the conditions that enable sustainable investment. In fragile and conflict-affected contexts, responsible business conduct must be practical, conflict-sensitive and accountable, because businesses are never neutral. Their presence and decisions can either support recovery or deepen harm.

“Responsible investment should not be seen as an obstacle to recovery, but as part of what makes recovery credible, sustainable and legitimate,” said Iryna Fedorovych, Director of the Social Action Centre in Ukraine.

During UN mission transitions and beyond, lasting peace depends on inclusion, and especially on the leadership of women. Yet too often, women remain excluded from formal decision‑making at precisely the moment their contributions are most needed.

“Women’s participation should not simply be an objective of transitions – it should be a condition for transitions,” said Ilwad Elman of the Elman Peace Center in Somalia.

Participants pointed to practical priorities: ensuring predictable financing for women‑led organizations, protecting civic space and strengthening local capacities to carry inclusive peace efforts forward. Women’s representation should not depend on leadership change, so it’s important to institutionalize it. 

The Annual Meeting closed with a strong call to keep the momentum going – deepening collaboration across governments, the UN system, civil society and the private sector.

Strengthening justice, protecting rights and rebuilding trust take time, but the need is immediate. A shared agreement emerged: investing in people‑centred justice and human rights remains one of the most powerful ways to build stability, prevent conflict and shape a future that works for all.