As the 2030 deadline approaches, the HLPF remains a central space for reinforcing accountability, fostering innovation, and ensuring no one is left behind. This year, The High-Level Political Forum 2026 (HLPF) will convene under the theme: “Transformative, equitable, innovative and coordinated actions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals for a sustainable future for all”.
This year’s Forum will review these five interconnected goals:
SDG 6. Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all;
SDG 7. Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all;
SDG 9. Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation;
SDG 11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable; and
SDG 17. Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development.
The Forum welcomes high-level representatives from governments, UN bodies, academia, civil society, and the private sector. In addition to the programme, the HLPF offers side-events onsite in New York and virtually.
IAU Contributing to the 2026 HLPF
As an organisation holding ECOSOC consultative status, the International Association of Universities (IAU) actively contributes to this important annual UN platform. We are pleased to announce that IAU will contribute to the 2026 HLPF with a virtual side event, hosted together with Siam University, Mykolas Romeris University, University of Manouba, Beirut Arab University (tbc), and JF Oberlin University (tbc). This side event will explore SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and the essential role of universities in advancing sustainable, resilient, inclusive, and equitable urban development through education, research, innovation, and community engagement, with a particular focus on student-led initiatives that are driving positive change in cities and communities.
Other events
Each year, HESI organizes a global forum as a special event for the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) – UN’s main platform for the follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at the global level - to highlight the critical role of higher education in achieving sustainable development. This year, they will host a digital event under the theme "Reimagining Higher Education for Global Transformation toward a Sustainable Future." The event will discuss how higher education institutions can embed sustainability in their teaching, organisation, and practise, and promote principles of equity and inclusion
The event will take place on 9 July, 08-10am New York time (14-16 CEST).
Register here
Read more about the HESI global forum here
This news item is subject to change, and will be updated again following the HLPF.
Click here for more information.