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The SDG16+ Storytelling Initiative organized by the Transparency, Accountability, and Participation (TAP) Network, the Alliance for Peacebuilding (AfP), the Civil Society Platform for Peacebuilding and Statebuilding (CSPPS) and Forus, convened over 260 participants from more than 30 countries. The webinar supported the capacity of civil society organizations to use storytelling as a tool for advancing peacebuilding, justice, and the implementation of SDG 16+ (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).
In Afghanistan, women have used storytelling as a powerful tool to share their lived experiences under Taliban rule, empowering both themselves and their communities. As Ajmal Ramyar Executive Director of a youth-led Afghans for Progressive Thinking (APT) noted, “Storytelling connects Afghan women to the global community, creating solidarity and amplifying their struggles.”
Storytelling has emerged as a powerful tool in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals – the SDGs – particularly in peacebuilding, advocacy, and education. In fragmented communities, storytelling supports social cohesion by rebuilding trust and making peace and justice more relatable.
As Henk-Jan Brinkman Permanent Observer of International Development Law Organization (IDLO) to the United Nations in New York explained, “Peace and justice aren’t just international concepts; it’s about a girl walking to school safely without fear of violence.”
Beyond peacebuilding, investigative storytelling has driven tangible policy changes. In education and empowerment, organizations like Equal Access International have used storytelling to amplify local voices and support community-driven solutions, especially in areas with limited formal education.
Leah Mitaba, Executive Director of the Zambia Council for Social Development, emphasized the role of storytelling in bridging global advocacy with local realities, stating, “Stories put a human face on policy data.” By making “abstract issues personal and urgent”, storytelling continues to be a force in driving awareness, policy reform, and social transformation.
A recurring theme in storytelling was the need for ethical practices to uphold dignity, authenticity, and the well-being of storytellers. In an evolving sector reflecting on power dynamics and community relationships, there is growing momentum for communications teams to adopt a more ethical approach to storytelling. Ethical storytelling involves examining biases, story and image choices, and decision-making to ensure contributors’ wishes are accurately represented. It also requires continuous learning and adaptation based on diverse experiences and feedback.
Ensuring informed consent and privacy is fundamental, as narratives should only be shared with the storyteller’s full understanding and agreement. Additionally, trauma-informed approaches are essential to prevent re-traumatization, particularly when individuals share sensitive experiences.
“Capacity-building in storytelling is essential to ensuring that even the most marginalized voices are heard and respected”
Panelists emphasized the importance of targeted capacity-building initiatives to strengthen storytelling skills among civil society organizations and community leaders. Key resources shared included the Telling Stories That Matter toolkit, which provides practical guidance for ethical storytelling, and training programs that empower participants to use creative approaches—such as theater and generative AI—to make storytelling more inclusive and impactful.
The webinar highlighted several innovative storytelling methods that enhance engagement and impact. Theatre of the Oppressed, developed by Augusto Boal, was showcased as a participatory approach that allows communities to creatively express their experiences. Digital platforms and social media were also leveraged to amplify grassroots narratives, making them accessible to global audiences.
As Nelya Rakhimova, sustainable development advocate and educator as well as policy analyst noted, “Visuals and stories help decision-makers understand the lived experiences behind the data.”
“Stories inspire change, empower individuals, and connect us all.”
Ethical storytelling is gaining momentum as a powerful tool for advocacy, peacebuilding, and community empowerment. However, several challenges hinder its full potential. Limited digital accessibility, systemic injustices, and the difficulty of maintaining authenticity while adapting stories for global platforms remain key barriers. As one participant asked, “How do we ensure that storytelling remains authentic and free from external influences while adapting it for global platforms?”
To address these challenges, several action points were identified:
Watch the recording of the Webinar below, and keep tuned for more events part of the #SDG16+ Storytelling Initiative: