The 3rd SDG 16 Plus Forum – Asia 2023, organised by ADA in cooperation with JANIC, TAP Network, FORUS, and GCAP, featured significant discussions on SDG implementation, especially on the themes of peace, justice, and strong institutions (SDG 16). Jamila Asanova, Chair of ADA, introduced the session by highlighting the need for peace and stability in the region and discussed the detrimental impact of corruption on public trust and equitable growth. The panel was organised on September 18, 2023. The panel also included ADA Advisor Hideki Wakabayashi and Qurratul Ayen from ADA, India, and Nidhi Goyal, founder and Executive Director of Rising Flame, who contributed their insights.
Nidhi Goyal emphasised the urgency of addressing the needs of the 1.3 billion persons with disabilities worldwide, pointing out the stark disparities in education and employment for this group. She stressed the necessity of the twin-track approach for inclusion under the SDGs, advocating for holistic and inclusive growth strategies to ensure no one is left behind.
This discussion builds on previous SDG 16 Conferences. It is part of a broader effort to address global challenges and promote sustainable development, particularly in light of the intersecting crises impacting global progress on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The event serves as a platform for international dialogue, where governments, civil society, and academia converge to forge pathways toward enhancing trust in institutions and advancing peace and justice worldwide.
“49% of children with disabilities are more likely to have never attended school, and 785 million working age persons— are far more likely to be unemployed, underemployed. These tell us about how people are impacted by the inequality”
Nidhi Goyal