The COVID-19 pandemic’s dire social and economic fallout and the global impact of the geopolitical tensions on the energy and food supplies are imperiling progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – the blueprint for a more sustainable world.

“We are clearly on a dangerous path to harming future generations, if we do not act now. But it is within our power to turn the tide,” said UN ECOSOC President Collen Vixen Kelapile.

Countries, the UN System, civil society, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector are converging at the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development from 5 to 15 July 2022 to announce bold plans and solutions they are taking to overcome the multitude of crises and accelerate efforts towards a healthier, more inclusive, and more sustainable future. Around 70 ministers and two nobel laureates confirmed their participation.

The theme for the HLPF is “Building back better from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) while advancing the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.” 44 countries are expected to share their plans to advance the SDGs while recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under the auspices of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the Forum will address collective actions that are needed to rapidly change course and set the world on track towards a sustainable future, guided by a renewed commitment to multilateralism and international cooperation. The HLPF will also review in-depth Sustainable Development Goals on quality education (SDG 4), on gender equality (SDG 5), on life below water (SDG 14), on life on land (SDG 15), and on partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).

The Forum will also mark the official launch of The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2022 (7 July). This annual progress report provides a global overview of progress towards the SDGs based on the most recent data. The 2022 report is expected to demonstrate the devastating impacts of the multiple and interlinked global crises – the COVID-19 pandemic, the climate crisis and the conflicts in Ukraine and elsewhere – across the SDGs.

A series of special events will be organized in conjunction with the HLPF, in collaboration with various partners. The special events aim to mobilize stakeholders most engaged or impacted by the implementation of the SDGs. These events include the SDGs Learning, Training and Practice Workshops (5 and 12 July), the Higher Education Sustainability Initiative HESI+10 Global Forum (6 July), the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (6 July), the Local and Regional Governments Forum (7 and 12 July), the SDG 6 Special Event (13 July), the Chief Sustainability Officers for SDGs (13 July), and the Parliamentary Forum (13 July).

In addition, approximately 350 side events featuring States, the UN system and civil society will take place during the HLPF. At the same time, more than 15 VNR Labs will provide an informal platform for experience sharing and reflection on the Voluntary National Review process. The Forum will culminate in the adoption of a ministerial declaration. It will also kick off preparations for the Sustainable Development Goals Summit to be held in 2023.