SDG16+ implementation in fragile and conflict-affected states: what do the data tell us six years into Agenda 2030?

ABSTRACT SDG16+ on peaceful societies, justice and strong institutions is often presented as a ‘strategic lever’ to enable the implementation of other SDGs, hence the ‘+’ often added to that goal. This is especially the case in fragile and conflict-affected states (FCAS) where violence and weak governance are seen as major constraints on development. Six years into Agenda 2030, this paper triangulates official reports such as Voluntary National Reviews, and third-party sources, to ascertain the implementation of SDG16+ in a broad sample of FCAS and in seven specific fragile countries. We observe varying levels of effort on implementation, yet an overall trend towards superficial compliance. Informed by institutional theory, we argue that such uneven implementation is not just a function of limited data or resources, but of the varied commitment of elites to enable or prevent the consolidation of peace, justice and effective institutions.