Peace is a key factor to consider in achieving sustainable development. The poorest populations are on a high percentage from unstable and conflict stricken regions. Goal 16 of the17 Sustainable Development Goals 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.” Though this goal exclusive to promoting the peace agenda, peace cuts across the goals and each of them links to it.
An integrated approach to peace building including involvement of local and national actions, cultural and social integration, and consideration of different ideological and identity factors is essential for sustainable development. Peace and development complement each other,
“Peace, development and justice are all connected to each other. We cannot talk about economic development without talking about peace. How can we expect economic development in a battlefield?” Aung San Suu Kyi
Peace was established among four others as pillars to achieve the 2030 agenda. It ensures that resources which would have otherwise been used in controlling, creating violence are invested in development. Sensitive issues like gender equality and empowerment of vulnerable groups should be considered to achieve sustainability.