The SDG 16 Data Initiative organized an online event on 27 April to monitor current trends on the progress of SDG 16 and assess the effects of the pandemic on the global achievement of Peace, Justice and Accountable Institutions. Held on the margins of the SDG 16 Conference 2021; this side event aimed at providing insights and analysis about the current global situation of data availability and analysis on SDG 16 targets by combining official and non-official indicators and information about existing gaps—particularly in relation to the social, political and institutional implications of the pandemic. Panelists highlighted many convergent elements in their interventions: they made the case for investing in peace, access to justice and accountable institutions; they painted a consistent picture of the contribution that solid data, combining official and non-official sources, may make to developing sound policies in such fields; they underscored that—in the face of declining trust in public institutions, exacerbated by the pandemic—reliable data may constitute a robust mechanism for restoring trust and enhancing accountability; and they stressed that partnerships among key stakeholders may help address the vulnerabilities of the data ecosystem.