What kind of partnerships are needed for the inclusive implementation of the sustainable development goals (SDGs)? Van Sluijs highlights that a transformative systems change is required to counter the shrinking of civic space and instead implement bottom-up approaches to sustainable peacebuilding. It is therefore essential to move away from the traditional donor-recipient narrative and develop inclusive partnerships that are based on mutual trust and responsibility. Van Sluijs stresses that transformative change can only be reached when the voices at the local level are put at the centre of SDG implementation.