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Context and evolving challenges

The world is at an inflection point. Rising geopolitical tensions, protracted conflicts, and democratic backsliding are placing unprecedented strain on the systems designed to protect people's rights and uphold the rule of law. In 2025, official development assistance fell by 23% – the largest annual decline ever recorded – diverting crucial resources away from foundational governance and institution-building at precisely the moment they are needed most.

Consequently, human development is under severe pressure: 1.1 billion people live in multidimensional poverty, nearly 40% of the global population resides in fragile or conflict-affected contexts, and the rule of law has declined globally for seven consecutive years. Meanwhile, world military expenditure surged to USD 2.7 trillion in 2024, deepening the imbalance between spending on arms and investment in human security.

Development cannot take root without security, and security cannot be sustained without the rule of law. Investments in prevention – which can yield returns of $26 to $103 for every $1 spent – are far more cost-effective than responding after conflict erupts. 

Addressing these challenges also requires reimagining partnerships – shifting from transactional cooperation to transformational alliances that connect rule of law, human rights, local action, and peacebuilding across the humanitarian–development–peace nexus.

Solution-driven dialogue for change 

During its Annual Meeting on Rule of Law and Human Rights, UNDP and its Global Programme for Strengthening the Rule of Law, Human Rights, Justice and Security for Sustainable Peace and Development will provide a space for frank, solutions-focused conversations. It is an invitation to come together, explore bold ideas and new partnerships, and be inspired by best practices and promising innovations from across the globe.

The meeting will serve as a critical platform to reflect on the impact and lessons of Phase IV of the Global Programme – delivered across more than 100 countries – and look ahead to Phase V (2026–2029), which builds on these achievements with a more integrated, multidisciplinary approach spanning rule of law, security, human rights, local action, and peacebuilding.

Each of the thematic plenaries will focus on a key challenge and opportunity facing the field today. Specifically, the meeting will:

•    Explore people-centred pathways connecting community security to national development
•    Examine how human rights safeguards and risk-informed engagement strengthen accountability and prevention
•    Discuss the challenges and responsibilities of the private sector in conflict and fragile contexts
•    Advance approaches to conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and gender equality

The Global Programme will also hold its Partners Advisory Group meeting (by invitation only).

Participation and format

The Annual Meeting will be held in a hybrid format, with in-person participation in New York and online broadcast via Zoom. 

Translation in Arabic, French and Spanish will be available.

Please, register to participate in-person or online:

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