This July, the UN Headquarters in New York became once again the global hub for sustainable development as the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) convenes from 7–16 July 2026, under the auspices of ECOSOC. This year’s 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,” will guide in-depth reviews of SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Thirty-six countries present their Voluntary National Reviews, including 13 countries where the Company of the Daughters of Charity is present: Albania, Algeria, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Congo, Egypt, Italy, Rwanda, Switzerland, Tanzania, Uruguay as the world enters the final years of the 2030 Agenda.
Some outcomes: “ As the world approaches the 2030 deadline for achieving the SDGs, a strong sense of urgency permeated the general debate. Multilateralism emerged as a central theme, with widespread agreement that international cooperation is essential to overcoming global challenges and accelerating SDG progress. Financing for development was another dominant concern. Many countries highlighted persistent and widening financing gaps, particularly in the global South… There were strong calls for bold reforms of the international financial architecture to make it more equitable, accessible and responsive to the needs of developing countries. Participants noted that none of the health-related SDG targets have been fully achieved and that half the world lacks access to essential services… Ocean sustainability and marine ecosystem protection were key concerns, especially for coastal and island nations. Countries reported on actions to expand marine protected areas, combat illegal fishing and restore coastal ecosystems… Digital technologies were recognized as powerful enablers of sustainable development… Civil society groups stressed that vulnerable populations continue to be excluded from progress and called for more inclusive policies. Youth representatives emphasized the need for institutional reforms to ensure their participation in decision-making and proposed a youth lens in reviewing global commitment.”