Since the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) have become an increasingly important mechanism for assessing national progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), identifying challenges, and sharing policy innovations. Presented annually at the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), VNRs provide a platform for countries to review implementation efforts and strengthen accountability for sustainable development commitments. In 2026, the Forum focused on SDGs 6, 7, 9, 11 and 17 under the theme “Transformative, equitable, innovative and coordinated actions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals for a sustainable future for all.” 

This report examines the 36 VNRs presented at the 2026 HLPF through the lens of SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. Drawing on examples from all regions of the world, the report analyzes SDG 16 coverage, digital innovation in public institutions, data and monitoring systems, and multistakeholder engagement. It finds that SDG 16 is becoming increasingly visible across national reporting and implementation efforts, with countries recognizing that peace, justice, inclusion, accountability and effective institutions are essential enablers of sustainable development. Reporting demonstrates a shift from a narrow focus on individual SDG 16 targets toward a broader understanding of the interconnections between governance, rights, participation and development outcomes, thereby highlighting the growing recognition that progress on peace, justice and strong institutions accelerates achievement across the wider 2030 Agenda.