The United Nations High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, 7-15 July 2026, New York

Abstract

The 2026 High-level Political Forum (HLPF) marks a key milestone in global sustainable development governance as it concludes a decade of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) implementation ahead of the 2027 SDG Summit, which will officially kickstart intergovernmental negotiations on a follow-up framework for sustainable development beyond 2030. The HLPF meeting themed ‘Transformative, equitable, innovative and coordinated actions for the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs for a sustainable future for all’ will be held in an increasingly fragmented geopolitical context with declining cooperation that has severely impacted global and national efforts towards achieving the goals. Progress on the SDGs selected for in-depth review lags or stagnates, with setbacks in ensuring access to clean water and sanitation and affordable and clean energy, in fostering industrialisation and innovation and in building sustainable and inclusive infrastructures, in ensuring cities are inclusive and sustainable, and in fostering effective collaboration for goal delivery. In the European Union (EU), challenges remain regarding water quality, affordable energy, research and development budget, public transport infrastructure, the impact of cities on the environment, and levels of foreign aid. While the discussions on a follow-up framework for sustainable development beyond 2030 will not officially start before the next SDG Summit, the 2026 HLPF meeting will provide a space to informally discuss scenarios on a follow-up agenda and gauge interests and positions of countries. The European Union should seize this space to reaffirm its commitment to the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs and endorse a leading role in initiating alliances for an ambitious follow-up framework beyond 2030.