The Voices of SDG16+ Campaign

The Voices of SDG16+ Campaign: Stories for Global Action Campaign

The Voices of SDG16+: Stories for Global Action Campaign is a global advocacy initiative that brings civil society perspectives and experiences on SDG16+ to the forefront of international policy discussions.Since its launch in 2019, the campaign has invited civil society actors from around the world to share short videos showcasing their work, experiences, good practices, and lessons learned in advancing peaceful, just, and inclusive societies. Through creative and visual storytelling, the campaign connects local realities and grassroots action with global discussions on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and SDG16+.

The project revolved around three main objectives, namely strengthening youth agency in peacebuilding and prevention, generating actionable recommendations that inform national and international decision-making and establishing linkages between youth-led initiatives and multilateral YPS processes. 

From local stories to global advocacy

At the heart of the campaign is the recognition that civil society organisations and communities working at the local and national levels have essential knowledge and experience to contribute to global policy discussions.

Each campaign invites participants to tell the story of their work through a short video, highlighting the challenges facing their communities, the solutions they are developing, and the impact of their efforts to advance SDG16+.

Selected finalists are given the opportunity to present their stories during an official side event of the United Nations High-level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development, bringing their experiences into an international policy environment and creating opportunities for exchange with civil society, policymakers and other actors working towards the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Building a global community of SDG16+ advocates

Beyond the annual campaign, Voices of SDG16+ seeks to build lasting connections between civil society actors working on peace, justice and inclusion across different regions.

Former finalists form part of the Voices of SDG16+ Alumni Network, a growing global community that creates opportunities for participants to reconnect, exchange experiences, share their continued work and strengthen collaboration across countries and regions.

Through the campaign and its alumni network, Voices of SDG16+ aims not only to amplify individual stories, but also to strengthen the collective visibility and influence of civil society in global discussions on SDG16+.

The 2026 campaign

In 2026, eight organisations have confirmed their interest in joining the campaign as partners: Accountability Lab, Alliance for Peacebuilding (AfP), Civil Society Platform for Peacebuilding and Statebuilding (CSPPS), Life & Peace Institute, Namati, Pathfinders for Peaceful, Just and Inclusive Societies, Peace Direct, and the Transparency, Accountability & Participation (TAP) Network.

Together, the campaign partners support the identification and amplification of civil society voices from around the world and help connect their experiences to global conversations around SDG16+ and the 2030 Agenda.