Today the rule of law is utilized as a critical pillar within the context of international development and the world order – defined by a multiplicity of characterizations and indicators for success. The fluidity and pluralistic approach of the concept is both necessary and problematic, because it must be able to capture the breadth of systems and cultures that exist across the globe, but simultaneously must reach measurable standards allowing the “concept” to mature and strengthen within the international order. In 2016, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) underscored the important role that the rule of law plays through SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – committing the international community “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.” As one of 17 Goals in the 2030 agenda, SDG 16 recognized the rule of law and its institutions’ fundamental role in ensuring sustainable development and as the facilitative pathway to cultivating a more just, peaceful and inclusive world. It emphasizes the need for transparent, effective and accountable governance institutions; the need to protect and promote human rights and facilitate access to justice for all; the need enhance access to information; the need for participatory decision-making processes; the need to reduce violence in all its forms; and the need to foster citizens’ trust by building institutions and systems of integrity that respect fundamental freedoms. Put simply, by entrenching rule of law in Goal 16, the international community placed the rule of law at the forefront of discussions on sustainable international development, underscored that law and justice were the purvey of all (not just of legal practitioners and lawmakers), and sought to mainstream the concept across all other goals ranging from economic growth, energy, infrastructure, agriculture, education, gender equality and more. We are three years into implementation and a mere decade away from 2030, practical solutions to ensuring successful implementation of this ambitious global agenda is of the essence. At the core of addressing Goal 16 is enhancing the resilient capacity of national institutions, strengthening national and sub-regional legal frameworks, and providing sensible guidance on the implementation of these frameworks. This paper seeks to distill the historical context behind the rule of law and SDG 16, while also highlighting the relevance and parameters of the Goal in line with the United Nation’s Agenda 2030 for sustainable development. This paper seeks to make the case for stronger international collaboration, contextualized approaches and bolder supportive frameworks to implement SDG 16, beyond rhetoric and ensuring that justice sector conversations weave in institutional strengthening and multisectoral approaches to avoid SDG16 existing in silos. This paper will also highlight recommendations for the enhanced utilization and implementation of SDG16+, and will underscore initiatives and best practices already underway.