The Arab region is facing an array of development challenges associated with ongoing conflicts and transitions. More than ever, interventions that chart pathways to peace and sustainable development are needed. These should not only serve to prevent the relapse of conflict but also effectively address the impact of conflict on tens of millions of affected people. As such, peacebuilding policies must strengthen governance and institutions while at the same time trying to arrest or even reverse human capital deterioration resulting from conflict.

The 2030 Agenda and 17 SDGs and 169 targets offer a comprehensive framework for transitioning towards peace and for reversing de-development trends resulting from conflict, including better agency in managing political contention, national resources and strategies for sustainable development. The 17 goals and their targets ultimately seek to strengthen universal peace in larger freedom. They seek to realize human rights of all and to achieve the empowerment of all throughout inclusive and strong institutions. Goal 16 is of particular relevance to the Arab region. It is to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels. Progress towards the attainment of the objective will help to significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere, to develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions, to strengthen relevant national institutions including through international cooperation, for building capacity at all levels to prevent violence and to promote and enforce non-discriminatory laws and policies for sustainable development.

Increasing evidence shows that policies that are not grounded in the principles of inclusiveness, empowerment and equality can have harmful impacts on the communities and exacerbate tensions and conflict. The meeting will aim to unpack the principles of inclusiveness, empowerment and equality, how they relate to sustainable development and peace building in conflict settings.