UNITED STATES - The 2026 session of the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development, the United Nations' central platform for reviewing progress on the 2030 Agenda, will take place from July 7 to 15 at UN Headquarters in New York.
The forum will bring together ministers, UN officials, development experts and civil society representatives to assess global progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) amid growing financial, geopolitical and climate challenges.
The forum opens on July 7 with remarks from the President of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), followed by the presentation of the UN Secretary-General's latest report on progress towards the SDGs. The first day will focus on SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), examining barriers to implementation, financing gaps, partnerships, and integrated policy solutions.
Throughout the week, discussions will also spotlight industrialization and infrastructure (SDG 9), sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11), sustainable development in African countries, Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), Middle-Income Countries (MICs), and strategies to strengthen progress in Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
Beginning July 10, countries will present their Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs), showcasing national progress, challenges, and lessons learned in implementing the SDGs.
The forum will enter its ministerial high-level segment from July 13 to 15, featuring the official opening by the ECOSOC President, addresses by the UN Secretary-General, the President of the General Assembly, and a youth representative.
Ministers will participate in a general debate under the theme "Delivering better: accelerating urgent and transformative action to achieve the SDGs by 2030," while sessions will focus on regional implementation, local action, long-term development trends, and the path towards 2030.
The meeting will conclude on July 15 with the adoption of the Ministerial Declaration, setting the political direction for accelerating global SDG implementation during the final years of the 2030 Agenda.
Daily coverage and updates from the High-Level Political Forum will follow.
