Learning from 2023, looking into the future

As we step into the new 2024 year, it is useful to reflect on our work in 2023, also given the challenging global environment, when the world grappled with a multitude of challenges, like political unrest, inequality, and the impending crisis of climate change. These challenges have further underscored the significance of promoting access to #justice, #equality, #inclusiveness, and #sustainable development.?

The past year has been critical in shaping the course of accessible and people-centered justice. It has also served as a crucible for our commitment to integrating gender equality and social inclusion considerations into all facets of our work, with the recognition that it is not only a fundamental goal but also the linchpin in achieving sustainable development and justice. 2023 also marked the midpoint towards the 2030 target for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which stresses the critical urgency in advancing policy coherence for sustainable development and better governance for the #SDGs.

In this context, it has been a great pleasure to lead the team at the OECD to make significant advances in these areas, some of which are highlighted below:

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Promoting accessible and people centered justice ??

During 2023, the OECD Justice team has devoted efforts to developing strategies and principles aimed at making justice more accessible to the people:

• We were proud to lead the development of the new 2023 OECD Recommendation on Access to Justice and People-Centred Justice Systems, which promotes a people-centered approach, focusing on empowering individuals and ensuring fair access to justice, as part of the OECD Reinforcing Democracy Initiative.
• We also introduced the OECD Child-Friendly Justice Framework, establishing a foundation for safeguarding the legal rights of children globally. This initiative aims to support meeting the legal needs of children and addressing their unique challenges within justice systems, also in line with the SDG 16.3.3 to leave no one behind. In parallel, we were happy to work with the Pathfinders for Peaceful, Just and Inclusive Societies on Improving the Monitoring of the SDG 16.3.3 policy brief which identifies lessons learnt, challenges, opportunities and good practices from countries reporting on this global indicator.
• Holding the 2023 OECD Global Roundtable on Equal Access to Justice, jointly with the Government of #Slovenia marked a significant achievement in the global policy dialogue and cooperation on people-centred justice and responsive rule of law. Bringing together over 150 senior justice officials and experts as well as representatives of international organisations, civil society and academia, the meeting enabled the exchange of experiences and good practices in people-centered justice, with a view to strengthening democracy and public trust, and solidifying the rule of law. See my post with the reflections on the Roundtable here.
• Deepening collaboration with the Justice Action Coalition (JAC), with a view to joining forces in closing the justice gap. The OECD is proud to have been invited to lead the JAC work stream on data and evidence on people-centred justice, working alongside partners such as the @UNDP, @Pathfinders for Peaceful, @Just, and @Inclusive Societies, the @World Justice Project, and the @HiiL.
• In parallel, it was a privilege to support country-level justice reforms across the globe, including Portugal, Ireland, Latvia, Peru, Egypt, and Morocco. This support ranged from advancing child-centered justice sector reforms, mapping justice pathways of different justice users, promoting #digitalisation and data-driven justice service delivery, to developing online and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, and strengthening transparency, efficiency and accountability of the justice sector.

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Joining forces to advance gender equality and child rights and well-being ????????

Throughout 2023, our Gender and Inclusiveness team, in collaboration with our global partners, has been making significant advances in promoting #gender_equality and inclusion:

• We were proud to co-lead the development of the OECD-wide Strategy on Gender Equality, which has been critical in integrating a gender perspective across all OECD policy work. An important outcome is the establishment of the OECD Gender Equality Forum, scheduled for June 2024. This forum aims to address global megatrends such as #digitalisation, and green and energy transitions, through a gender lens, bringing together various policy communities across the OECD and governments.
• We have also advanced flagship projects, including the OECD Toolkit for Mainstreaming and Implementing Gender Equality 2023, which aims to support governments, parliaments and judiciaries in closing gender gaps and in deepening gender mainstreaming. Another important policy breakthrough is the preparation of the OECD-wide report " Breaking the Cycle of Gender-based Violence," which establishes benchmarks and offers recommendations on laws and access to justice, transforming restrictive gender norms, and integrating service delivery to prevent, address and - ultimately - end this violation of human rights.
• In parallel, we have spearheaded initiatives to create indicators in such areas as technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TF-GBV) and integrating gender considerations into Disaster Risk Management, which can help ensure gender perspectives in the emergency response and preparedness.
• Significant advancements have been made in enhancing capacity for gender & intersectional data thanks to our collaboration with various departments within the organisation, including trade, environment and social policies.
• We were proud to work with countries to strengthen national capacities for gender equality through country reviews and implementation support. Countries such as Colombia, Czechia, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, and Australia, have effectively integrated gender considerations into their national policies and institutional frameworks.
• We have been actively involved in policy dialogues in the #MENA and #LAC regions with a view to advancing gender equality in public life, tackling gender-based violence and promoting effective gender mainstreaming on a global scale.
• Finally, together with our colleagues from across the OECD, we have been providing support to countries, such as Ireland and Portugal in strengthening governance related to child and youth well-being policies, with a view to facilitate their effectiveness and sound implementation.

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Strengthening policy coherence and sustainable development ??

In parallel, throughout 2023, the OECD Policy Coherence for Sustainable Development (PCSD) ?team focused on strengthening the implementation of SDGs in an integrated and coherent manner, under the framework provided by the OECD Recommendation on Policy Coherence on Sustainable Development and related tools. Below are some of the key initiatives that have defined our work in 2023 in this area:

• Collaborating with countries such as Belgium, Ireland, Slovakia, Romania, Luxembourg and Portugal, we have aimed to foster policy coherence for sustainable development. This includes enhancing their strategic planning, SDG implementation, and refining governance structures.
• In addition, we were proud to deepen our partnership with the African Peer Review Mechanism to provide support to the African continent in strengthening policy coherence for SDGs, in countries like Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, South Africa, Sierra Leone, and Egypt.
• The publication of the OECD Report: " OECD Report: Driving Policy Coherence for Sustainable Development: Accelerating Progress on the SDGs " – launched in the margins of the 2023 UN High-Level Political Forum in New York - has been a highlight, shedding light on effective strategies for SDG progress and policy coherence.
• We have made innovative strides in advancing policy coherence for the blue economy, supporting the broader green agenda, both at the global level and with a view to supporting country-level reforms.
• Promoting policy dialogue and visibility, including as part of the global events and initiatives, such as the UN High-Level Political Forum Side Event on Accelerating Progress on SDGs and Global SDG Councils, we have aimed to support countries in advancing international commitments and developing methodologies for sustainable development.

As we advance in 2024, we find ourselves navigating new challenges and opportunities within a rapidly changing global landscape. Despite these changes, our dedication to promoting justice, equality, social inclusion, and sustainability is not only unwavering but also stronger than ever.

Looking ahead, we are enthusiastic about continuing our collaborative efforts and making further progress. A significant focus will be on integrating gender considerations more deeply into our policies and practices, especially in the lead-up to the first-ever OECD Gender Equality Forum scheduled for June 2024.

In the realm of justice, we are preparing for the next global roundtable and leaders' dialogues, as well as advancing the partnership with the Justice Action Coalition and our global partners. Our work will concentrate on developing tools and principles that foster an environment conducive to people-centered justice. This includes addressing regulatory, financing, and service delivery aspects crucial for justice accessibility.

We also acknowledge the need to address global setbacks in achieving the SDGs. Our efforts will intensify to translate global commitments into tangible actions. This will be grounded in robust data, evidence, and the analysis of effective practices. Given the urgency of the situation and the risks associated with prolonged global uncertainty, our actions towards achieving the SDGs will be accelerated and more focused than ever.

Finally, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our team, member and partner countries, our strategic and funding partners, and all those who have been part of this journey. Your support, engagement, and shared vision are not just appreciated; they are the backbone of our collective success.

Your insights and continued engagement are vital to our efforts. Thank you for being an integral part of our mission.

Wishing you all a peaceful and progressive New Year.

Photo credits: Cover ? Ana Roseira/Shutterstock.com

People-centred Justice at OECD Gender Mainstreaming, Governance and Leadership at OECD PCSD OECD OECD Public Governance Ernesto Soria Morales Carina Lindberg Anna Piccinni Chloe Lelievre Pinar Guven Mariane Piccinin Barbieri Giulia Morando Capucine Kerboas Réka Mihácsi Melissa Sander Renan Fernandes Nina Lenglinger Elise Desplanques Heeran Kim Natsuki Murai Elsa Pilichowski János Bertok Gillian Dorner