Most countries will not achieve the SDGs by 2030. SDG 17 is about global partnership, however different stakeholders have very unequal political and economic powers. How is it possible to reconcile empowerment and ownership of low-income countries and of the poorest people with such deep-rooted imbalances? The Power dimension cannot be ignored. Trade is characterized by harsh confrontations among the biggest economies, with the risk of crises due both to under-consumption and to overcapacity. In finance some private investment funds control resources much larger than the GDP of many countries. The future of sustainable development depends on the re-balancing of negotiating powers. Developing countries should have more space of maneuver in their economic policies and a stronger voice in international development institutions. Development finance should introduce tools which favour long-run investments in development and avoid the vagaries of speculative financial markets. SDG 16 is dedicated to peace, justice, and inclusive societies, with a special attention to the improvement of social protection systems. The road to sustainable human development and dignity is based on equal rights for all human beings. With the crisis of multilateralism and a world characterized by fragmentation and by multi-polarization, peace and partnership can only be achieved through negotiations and dialogue.