On 13 November 2025, the SDSN’s SDG Transformation Center, in collaboration with International IDEA and a wide coalition of partners, will launch the SDG 16 Data Initiative 2025 Report, entitled “Promoting Progress on SDG 16 and SDG 5 as Pathways to Inclusive Social Development.” The report takes stock of global progress toward SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) - two interlinked goals that are essential for building inclusive, just, and resilient societies. As the world enters the final years of the 2030 Agenda, the principles enshrined in the declarations of 30 years ago - gender equality, democratic governance, social development, and peace - remain as relevant and urgent as ever.
SDG 5 and SDG 16 are deeply interconnected. Gender equality is not only a human right but also a prerequisite for sustainable development. Similarly, peace, justice, and strong institutions are essential for building inclusive societies. However, progress on both goals has been uneven and, in some areas, regressive. While there have been modest gains in gender equality, such as a rise in women’s parliamentary representation, transformative change remains elusive. Many countries still lack female leadership at the highest levels, the gender pay gap persists, and violence against women continues at alarming rates.
At the same time, SDG 16 is facing serious setbacks, with declines in the rule of law, institutional transparency, and civic freedoms. These trends threaten the democratic and inclusive foundations envisioned in 1995 and reaffirmed in the 2030 Agenda. The erosion of trust in institutions, rising authoritarianism, and shrinking civic space undermine efforts to achieve people-centred development.
The report features a chapter developed by SDSN colleagues, Guilherme Iablonovski and Eduardo Weirich, titled “Surge in Military Spending, Sanctions, and the Erosion of Financing for Peace and Social Development,” exploring how these trends affect SDG financing and the overall achievement of the 2030 Agenda.
Read the full report here
Register for the launch event here