Sustainable development cannot be realised without peace and security; and peace and security will be at risk without sustainable development.

So begins Paragraph 35 of the 31-page document “Transforming our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” to be considered by the Heads of State and High Representatives meeting at the United Nations in New York on 25th – 27th September, 2015. The Sustainable Development Goals continue and expand on the Millenium Development Goals which conclude this year.

The new agenda recognises the need to build peaceful, just and inclusive societies that provide equal access to justice and are based on respect for human rights (including the right to development), on effective rule of law and good governance at all levels and on transparent, effective and accountable institutions.

Factors which give rise to violence, insecurity and injustice, such as inequality, corruption, poor governance and illicit financial and arms flows, are addressed in the Agenda. We must redouble our efforts to resolve or prevent conflict and to support post-conflict countries, including through ensuring that women have a role in peace-building and state-building.
The Peace Party urges everyone to consider and adopt all 17 Sustainable Development Goals and the 169 targets that expand on them.