The essential role of resilient and responsive institutions

SDG 16 aims to improve people’s lives by reducing violence, improving access to justice, and promoting effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions.

Strong, effective, transparent, and accountable institutions are essential for sustainable development and critical for governments to deliver services to their citizens. In 2020 governments worldwide have found themselves under strain while managing the fallout and consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Government responses to COVID-19

In March 2020, as the rapid spread of COVID-19 became evident, many countries began to quickly implement containment and closure measures.