Page 26 - UN Executive Briefing on Unlocking the potential of virtual worlds and the metaverse for the Sustainable Development Goals

UN Executive Briefing on Unlocking the potential of virtual worlds and
the metaverse for the Sustainable Development Goals

Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice
for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels

Virtual worlds hold great promise for the achievement of Goal 16
through innovative virtual diplomacy, peacebuilding initiatives, and
the promotion of transparent and accountable governance. To achieve
these aims, policymakers will first need to address ethical considerations,
security, and surveillance risks, while ensuring inclusive and unbiased
deployment of virtual worlds for justice and governance [b-NHRI].

Virtual worlds have the potential to enhance access to justice, promote
transparency, and strengthen institutions. However, care must be taken to ensure that these
technologies do not perpetuate existing biases or deepen social inequalities. [b-Lexology] It
is necessary to promote inclusivity, diverse representation, and meaningful participation in the
development and deployment of virtual justice and governance solutions. Clear guidelines
and regulations should be developed to ensure that the deployment of these technologies
respects human rights, maintains the rule of law, and upholds democratic principles, particularly
in protecting vulnerable users [b-UNICRI].

There is also an opportunity to utilize virtual worlds for virtual diplomacy, conflict resolution,
and peacebuilding initiatives [b-Little Black Book]. Immersive platforms can provide a neutral
and accessible space for dialogue and negotiation, facilitating peaceful resolutions to conflicts
and fostering greater understanding among diverse stakeholders [b-ICR Research].

Case study: Court hearing in the metaverse

A court in Colombia conducted a legal trial in the metaverse, demonstrating the potential of
using virtual reality tools in the legal space. The Magdalena Administrative Court oversaw a two-
hour hearing for a traffic dispute, where participants appeared as avatars in a virtual courtroom.
The entire proceeding took place in Spanish, with the magistrate instructing participants
beforehand to configure their avatars. The court was mindful of accessibility issues. For those
who did not have access to VR headsets, there was an alternative. They could participate in the
hearing via a standard video call, ensuring that everyone involved in the case could contribute,
regardless of their access to technology [b-YouTube].

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