HLPF 2026 Kicks Off in New York with a Focus on Transformative Actions

The High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) 2026 officially commenced on July 7, 2026, and will continue until July 15, 2026, at the United Nations headquarters in New York, emphasizing the theme: "Transformative, equitable, innovative and coordinated actions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for a sustainable future for all." Holding under the auspices of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the opening segment featured a statement by the President of ECOSOC, Mr. Lok Bahadur Thapa and the presentation of the Secretary-General's report on progress towards the SDGs. The Permanent Observer Mission of the African Union (AU) to the United Nations (UN) participated at this pivotal event that brought together global leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss and assess progress on sustainable development goals (SDGs).

H.E Ambassador Selma Malika Haddadi, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), is expected to lead the African Union delegation to participate at the Forum.

This year's forum aims to catalyze discussions and actions that are crucial for achieving the SDGs by 2030 including the need for innovative and bold approaches to address the multifaceted challenges of sustainable development; the importance of inclusivity, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of sustainable progress; showcasing cutting-edge solutions and technologies that can drive sustainable development forward and encouraging collaboration among governments, civil society, the private sector, and international organizations to foster a unified response to global challenges.

Five Sustainable Development Goals would be the focus of HLPF 2026

• 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.
• SDG 17 - Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development.

The Ministerial segment that will follow will convene ministers and high-level representatives of Member States, alongside a broad cross-section of participants from the United Nations system and stakeholders, including civil society and the private sector. Discussions will focus on policies and actions to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals in alignment with the Africa Agenda 2063.

The HLPF 2026 will feature a series of panels, workshops, and interactive discussions, providing a platform for stakeholders to share insights, strategies, and best practices.

36 countries will present their VNRs at the 2026 HLPF: Albania, Algeria, Bahrain, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Estonia, Gabon, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Italy, Jamaica, Jordan, Kiribati, Liberia, Malawi, Marshall Islands, Mozambique, Norway, Republic of Moldova, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Somalia, Switzerland, Togo, Tonga, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, and Uruguay.

Participants will commit to actionable and measurable steps that can lead to a sustainable future for all, aligning with the global vision outlined in the 2030 Agenda in alignment with the Africa Agenda 2063.

For more information on the agenda, speakers, and sessions, visit the official HLPF website: High-Level Political Forum 2026

Media Contact:

Ms Esther Azaa Tankou, Head, Media and Information Division, Information and Communication Directorate, AUC and Communication Advisor to the African Union (AU) Permanent Observer Mission to the United Nations (UN). Tel: +1 347 812 71 95, Email: [email protected]

Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail:[email protected]
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