HLPF Special Event on environmental rule of law in the context of SDGs 16 and 17

Special Event of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development 2024

“Strengthening the rule of law, in particular in environmental matters, in the context of SDGs 16 and 17: partnerships to advance environmental rule of law and the role of judges”.

The High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) is the United Nations forum responsible for the follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The 2023 HLPF Political Declaration emphasizes that justice and human rights, grounded in effective rule of law, must be a reality for all. This special event on the sidelines of the HLPF will examine the implementation of SDGs 16 and 17 in particular, with a view to discussing the role of the judiciary and partnerships in advancing environmental rule of law.

This meeting is co-organized by UNEP in partnership with the Global Judicial Institute on the Environment (GJIE), the International Development Law Organization (IDLO) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The event will take place in Conference Room 11 from 3pm-6pm on 10 July.

The objectives of the Special Event are to:

• Contribute to an inclusive and evidence-based review of implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs, particularly SDG 16 and 17 and their interlinkages with the SDGs being reviewed at the 2024 HLPF.
• Discuss the role of the environmental rule of law in supporting sustainable development, aligned with the in-depth review of SDGs 16 and 17.
• Unite judges and stakeholders, including the GJIE to emphasize the environmental dimension of the rule of law and address environmental crises including climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
• Elevate the judiciary's voice in the HLPF and promote a collaborative approach to achieving the SDGs by sharing best practices and fostering peer exchanges among diverse stakeholders.
• Showcase a planned collaboration to advance environmental rule of law and the role of judges between the GJIE with UNEP, UNDP and others.

To learn more about this event and for inquiries, please contact: juliana.almeida@un.org

More details regarding meeting agenda, meeting documents, etc. will be provided in due course.