Accelerating Sustainable Development Through Learning, Partnerships and Local Action

22 June 2026, Geneva, Switzerland - The High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) will be convened from 7 to 15 July 2026, under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). UNITAR will convene leaders, policymakers, academia, UN partners, local authorities and practitioners to explore practical solutions for accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through a series of high-level events and strategic dialogues, UNITAR will showcase innovative approaches to capacity development, knowledge sharing and multi-stakeholder partnerships that support sustainable, inclusive and resilient development worldwide.

The 2026 High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development comes at a critical moment in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. With only a few years remaining to achieve the SDGs, there is an urgent need to accelerate action, strengthen capacities and expand partnerships that can deliver measurable results.

Throughout HLPF 2026, UNITAR will bring together diverse stakeholders to share knowledge, promote innovative solutions and strengthen capacities for sustainable development. The programme highlights UNITAR’s commitment to supporting countries and communities through learning, multilateral cooperation and practical implementation approaches.

Why It Matters

The world is facing interconnected challenges, from climate change and water insecurity to growing development inequalities. Addressing these challenges requires more than policy commitments; it requires capable institutions, empowered people and strong partnerships.

UNITAR's HLPF 2026 programme focuses on strengthening the capacities needed to transform knowledge into action and accelerate progress towards the SDGls.

Featured events

7 July 2026

SDGs in Practice Special Event: A Decade of Learning: What Capacities Matter Most for Accelerating SDG Implementation?

Virtual

This flagship event will explore practical approaches to accelerating SDG implementation and showcase lessons learned from stakeholders working at the national and local levels. Participants will exchange experiences, identify effective solutions and discuss pathways for scaling impact.

 

The 2026 Edition of SDGs in Practice will:

  • Take stock of lessons learned from ten years of practical learning for SDG implementation.
  • Identify priority capacity needs and emerging areas for support in the leadup to 2030 and beyond.
  • Generate insights to inform the future direction of the SDGs in Practice series.
  • Contribute to ongoing reflections by UN DESA and UNITAR on capacity building approaches in support of sustainable development implementation.

13 July 2026

Launch of the Consensus Statement of the Global Higher Education Symposium - Building Sustainable Futures: The Role of Higher Education

United Nations Headquarters, New York

Higher education institutions play a critical role in shaping the next generation of leaders, innovators and changemakers. This event will launch the Consensus Statement emerging from the Global Higher Education Symposium and highlight how universities can contribute to sustainable development through education, research, innovation and partnerships.

Key themes

  • Higher education and sustainable development
  • Youth leadership and future skills
  • Knowledge generation and innovation
  • Global academic partnerships

14–15 July 2026 (Date to be Confirmed)

Scaling SDG Impact Through Networks: The CIFAL Model for Localized Capacity and System-Wide Delivery

UNITAR Office, New York

This event will showcase how the CIFAL Global Network contributes to localized SDG implementation through training, knowledge exchange and strategic partnerships. Discussions will explore how local capacity-building ecosystems can support broader UN development objectives and system-wide delivery.

Key themes

  • Localization of the SDGs
  • Local government engagement
  • Capacity development networks
  • Scaling impact through partnerships

16 July 2026

Advancing Capacity Development for SDG 6 and Promoting Early Warnings for All (EW4All) - Supporting Integrated and Sustainable Water Management

United Nations Headquarters, New York

Water security, climate resilience and disaster risk reduction are closely interconnected. This event will examine how capacity development can strengthen integrated water management while supporting implementation of the Early Warnings for All initiative. Participants will discuss practical approaches to enhancing preparedness, resilience and sustainable resource management.
 

Key themes

  • SDG 6 implementation
  • Water governance and management
  • Early Warnings for All (EW4All)
  • Climate resilience and disaster preparedness

Register

Join the conversation
UNITAR invites policymakers, development practitioners, academic institutions, local authorities, youth leaders and partners to participate in these events and contribute to advancing practical solutions for sustainable development.

Together, we can strengthen capacities, foster partnerships and accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.
UNITAR HLPF

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