The post-2015 development agenda is being shaped as we speak. The role of identity and identificationand its importance to development outcomes places it within the new Sustainable DevelopmentGoals (SDG) agenda—specifically as one of the proposed SDG targets (#16.9), but also as a key enablerof the efficacy of many other SDG targets. Although there is no one model for providing legalidentity, this SDG would urge states to ensure that all have free or low-cost access to widely accepted,robust identity credentials. Regardless of the modalities to achieve it, the recognition of legal identity –together with its associated rights – is becoming a priority for governments around the world. Politicalwill is central, and the SDGs – unwieldy as they may seem today – provide a useful reference pointfor accountability. But new approaches expand the horizon of what is possible, and should serve asa stimulus to development ambition. Seizing these opportunities requires strong leadership, a supportivelegal framework, mobilization of financial and human resources, and – critically – the trust ofeach country’s residents. Incentives, technology, foreign assistance and reforms will all be critical inachieving tangible results. Equally important is coordination at the global, regional and national levels,to ensure inclusive oversight and concerted global action. Support from donors and other developmentpartners is widely diffused. It could focus more strategically on building core systems for registrationand – equally important – ensuring that these extend into effective and inclusive systems to supportdevelopment.
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