Information for Integrated Decision-Making and Participation

Reliable and accessible information plays a vital role in this process. Paragraph 48 of the 2030 Agenda points to the importance of indicators and data in shaping evidence-based policies. Indicators help track progress, identify gaps, and ensure that commitments translate into measurable outcomes. Information in this context is not limited to statistical data; it also includes knowledge, traditional practices, community experiences, and scientific research. When combined, this diversity of information allows decision-makers to better understand challenges and design solutions that are practical, inclusive, and forward-looking.

The Rio+20 Conference outcome document, “The Future We Want,” reinforces the link between participation and decision-making. Paragraph 13 acknowledges that giving people opportunities to voice their concerns and influence policies is fundamental to sustainability. Paragraph 19 stresses that developing countries must be active participants in global decision-making, while paragraph 31 commits to ensuring women’s equal access to leadership roles in political, social, and economic spheres. Furthermore, paragraph 43 highlights the importance of engaging major groups and stakeholders such as civil society, youth, and indigenous peoples in shaping sustainable development policies. By encouraging diverse participation, decision-making becomes more democratic, inclusive, and reflective of real societal needs.

The role of science in informing policy is another critical dimension. Paragraph 276 of The Future We Want recognizes the need to strengthen the science-policy interface to improve informed decision-making. Paragraph 279 further highlights the importance of including scientists and researchers from both developed and developing countries in global environmental and sustainable development assessments. This ensures that decision-making is guided by credible knowledge, diverse expertise, and balanced perspectives, rather than by limited or one-sided information.

The Johannesburg Plan of Implementation (JPOI, 2002) also stressed the role of participation and information in advancing sustainable development. Paragraph 7d focused on ensuring women’s access and full involvement in decision-making, reflecting the growing recognition of gender equality as a precondition for sustainability. Paragraph 19 emphasized the integration of sustainable development principles at all levels of governance, while paragraph 86 underlined the importance of reforming international financial systems to give developing countries a stronger voice in economic decision-making. Finally, paragraph 109e emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between policymakers and the scientific community, once again reinforcing the central role of information in shaping effective and fair policies.

Going further back, Agenda 21 (1992) laid the foundation for how information and participation should shape sustainable development. Chapter 8 called for restructuring decision-making so that economic, social, and environmental concerns are fully integrated, while ensuring broad public participation. Chapter 40 specifically focused on the role of information, highlighting that everyone—from governments and institutions to grassroots communities and individuals—is both a provider and user of information. This inclusive understanding of information recognizes that sustainable development cannot rely only on top-down data but must also draw from community knowledge, experiences, and innovations.

These global frameworks collectively show that information and participation are inseparable. Decisions that lack information are likely to be misguided, while decisions that exclude participation risk being unfair or ineffective. Integrating both ensures that decision-making processes are evidence-based, inclusive, and representative. This also strengthens accountability and builds trust between governments and citizens. Countries are encouraged to develop transparent information systems, improve data-sharing mechanisms, and create platforms that enable meaningful participation of all groups, particularly vulnerable populations.

In practical terms, this means that governments and institutions must adopt approaches that bring together scientific data, local knowledge, and diverse voices in shaping policies. Open access to information, freedom of expression, and opportunities for public consultation all contribute to stronger democratic governance. Likewise, involving women, youth, indigenous peoples, and developing countries in decision-making helps address inequalities and ensures that global solutions reflect the realities of different communities.

Link to Sustainable Development Goal 16

This key topic is directly tied to SDG Goal 16, which aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions. A major part of Goal 16 is ensuring that decision-making at all levels is inclusive and representative, as outlined in target 16.7. Information is also critical for transparency and accountability, both of which are central elements of strong institutions. When people have access to information and the ability to participate in decisions that affect them, societies are more peaceful, institutions more legitimate, and development outcomes more sustainable.

From Agenda 21 in 1992 to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, international agreements have consistently stressed the importance of information and participation in decision-making. These two elements are not separate but interconnected, forming the backbone of sustainable and inclusive governance. By strengthening information systems, promoting transparency, and ensuring the participation of all—particularly women, vulnerable groups, and developing countries—the global community can create policies that are more just, effective, and sustainable. Integrating reliable information with broad participation not only enhances decision-making but also builds trust, reduces inequality, and supports long-term progress toward achieving all Sustainable Development Goals, especially Goal 16.