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'16x16' initiative
Description/achievement of initiative

The 16 x 16 Initiative recognizes, values and supports the positive role that 16 young women and men play as leaders of youth organizations, movements and networks and as agents of change and partners in building peaceful, just and inclusive societies at all levels.

Implementation methodologies

It is high time we both respond to youth-specific needs and value young people’s expertise, knowledge and positive contribution to SDG16 implementation, monitoring, accountability and review. The launch of the 16 x 16 Initiative is timely, as SDG16 implementation is reviewed in 2019. The 16 x 16 participants actively collaborate with UNDP’s Youth Global Programme and participated in the preparatory conference for the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on SDG16 in Rome, Italy, in May 2019. They will continue to amplify youth voices and local experiences to inform global conversations and reviews, and contribute to connecting SDG16 to other relevant agendas at all levels. Objectives: a) Recognize and make visible young people’s agency and leadership, through a ‘16x16 global campaign’, highlighting the work that 16 youth-led organisations accomplish to advance SDG16; b) Expand existing and open new channels for youth meaningful participation in SDG implementation, monitoring and review, with a focus on SDG16 and related frameworks; c) Enhance capacities and youth-inclusive policy and programming, working collaboratively with youth-led organisations.This '16 x 16' group is invited to participate in the preparatory conference on SDG16 in Rome, Italy, in May 2019, and will collaborate with UNDP Youth Global Programme and partners throughout the year, around SDG16 implementation (HLPF, SDG Summit), and linking SDG16 to other global agendas.

Arrangements for Capacity-Building and Technology Transfer

- Support to local and national partnerships, including through UNDP offices at all levels - Local, national, regional and global workshops - Knowledge management and social media campaigns (blogs and vlogs) - Preparation of publication with the 16x16 stories and guidance material (co-created with youth)

Coordination mechanisms/governance structure

'16 x 16' is a new global initiative, implemented by UNDP's Youth Global Programme, and supported by the Government of Italy, launched in April 2019 during the ECOSOC Youth Forum 2019. The aim is to recognize, value and support the positive role that 16 young women and men play as leaders of youth organisations, movements and networks. On a daily basis, these impressive and bold young leaders advance SDG16 implementation, monitoring and accountability, and meaningfully contribute to building peaceful, just and inclusive societies at all levels.

Partner(s)

UNDP with the participation of 16 young people in the following organisations, movements and networks:
Progress reports
Goal 4
4.5 - By 2030, eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples and children in vulnerable situations
4.7 - By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development
Goal 5
5.1 - End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere
5.c - Adopt and strengthen sound policies and enforceable legislation for the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls at all levels
Goal 8
8.5 - By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value
Goal 10
10.2 - By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status
10.4 - Adopt policies, especially fiscal, wage and social protection policies, and progressively achieve greater equality
Goal 11
11.3 - By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries
11.7 - By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons and persons with disabilities
Goal 16
16.1 - Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere
16.3 - Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all
16.5 - Substantially reduce corruption and bribery in all their forms
16.6 - Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels
16.7 - Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels
16.10 - Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements
16.a - Strengthen relevant national institutions, including through international cooperation, for building capacity at all levels, in particular in developing countries, to prevent violence and combat terrorism and crime
16.b - Promote and enforce non-discriminatory laws and policies for sustainable development
02/2020
16x16 publication - stories of 16 young people advancing SDG16 in the field
05/2019
Development and launch of the Rome Youth Call-to-Action
06/2020
16 partnerships with youth organisations, movements and networks on SDG16
Financing (in USD)
200,000 USD

Basic information
Time-frame: 04/2019 - 06/2020
Website
Partners
UNDP with the participation of 16 young people in the following organisations, movements and networks:
Countries
Contact information
Noella Richard, Youth team leader, noella.richard[@]undp.org
United Nations