International IDEA statement at the High-Level Political Forum on SDGs 2026

Statement by International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA)

Delivered by Annika Silva-Leander, Permanent Observer of International IDEA to the United Nations

High-Level Political Forum on SDGs, General Debate, 

UN Headquarters, New York,  15 July 2026

Excellencies,

With only four years remaining until 2030, the world is falling behind on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). An important reason is too often overlooked: democratic backsliding is weakening SDG 16, undermining one of the essential enablers of the 2030 Agenda.

Since 2015, four of the five SDG 16 targets measured through International IDEA's Global State of Democracy Indices have regressed globally, including the rule of law, effective institutions, representative decision-making and fundamental freedoms, with more countries declining than advancing on these targets. These concerning trends are eroding the institutions, accountability and public trust needed to deliver sustainable development.

The evidence demonstrates that democratic governance is not separate from the sustainable development agenda, but integral to it. Our research shows that democracies achieve, on average, 30 per cent higher levels of basic welfare, 40 per cent higher gender equality, and have half the corruption levels of non-democracies. Therefore investing in democratic governance is an investment in better development outcomes. 

The evidence also shows that SDG 5 and SDG 16 are inseparable. Where democratic institutions weaken, we also tend to see setbacks in women's rights, political participation and access to justice. 

International IDEA recognizes that many Member States face difficult budgetary choices. Yet this is precisely when investments in SDG 16 matter most. Peaceful, just and inclusive societies, accountable institutions, credible elections, a vibrant civic space, a free media and the rule of law should not be seen as competing priorities to health, education, or poverty reduction. They provide the institutional foundations that make lasting progress across all the Sustainable Development Goals possible. Thank you.