UNESCO is expanding scientific collaboration through global partnerships, remote laboratory access, STEM training, and crisis support to make research more inclusive and impactful worldwide.

Young people are driving solutions to today's most pressing global challenges and their meaningful participation is essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and the Pact for the Future. On the sidelines of HLPF, the United Nations Youth Office is launching the Youth2030 Progress Report 2026—the first system-wide overview of the Phase 2 (2025–2030) implementation under the UN Youth Strategy. Join us LIVE at 1:15 pm EDT to explore how the UN system is advancing youth leadership, accelerating sustainable development, and strengthening collective action with and for young people.

Sand and dust storms darken skies and carry their impacts across borders. While they are part of the Earth’s natural cycles, they are increasingly intensified by climate change, land degradation and unsustainable water use. They threaten health, food security, water, livelihoods, cities and ecosystems, and slow progress on sustainable development. Yet through responsible land, water and climate action, their impacts can be reduced. The International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms (12 July) calls for stronger international cooperation to reduce their risks and protect communities worldwide.

The 2026 High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (7–15 July) brings together governments, experts, and stakeholders to accelerate action on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). During the Forum, 36 countries will present their progress on advancing these goals. The 2026 SDG Progress Report is being launched at the opening of the Forum on 7 July. The report finds that 36% of assessed SDG targets are on track, or making moderate progress, underscoring the urgent need for faster action and greater investment in the years remaining until 2030.

Call it football or soccer—the World Cup reminds us that while we may be 8 billion people, we are one team united in helping every person thrive on a healthy planet.

As a global platform for dialogue, the ECOSOC Youth Forum brings together young people, Member States, the UN system, and other partners to exchange ideas, showcase innovative solutions, and strengthen youth engagement in accelerating progress on the SDGs. Find the ECOSOC Youth Forum programme here.

The 13th Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (24–27 February) in Bangkok, Thailand brings together United Nations and government leaders, experts and community representatives to review the region’s progress on the Sustainable Development Goals. With the 2030  deadline approaching, discussions will spotlight real-world solutions, stronger partnerships, and fair, innovative, and coordinated action to support countries in their work to reach the goals. Outcomes from the forum will help shape the region’s contributions for a better world by 2030.

The coming years will be decisive in determining whether global cooperation can overcome economic slowdown, conflict and division to advance peace, prosperity and sustainable development.

Today, half the world is under 30, and this generation is a powerful force for peace. The UN "Hear Us. Act Now for a Peaceful World" campaign, launched on the International Day of Peace, aims to include, invest in, and partner with young people to build lasting peace. 

In Bahrain, retired civil servant Eman Fareed turned her love for sweets into a business with help from Kaaf Humanitarian, showing how grassroots support can drive self-reliance and Sustainable Development Goals.

UN Women spoke with four young changemakers who are localizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through bold feminist leadership. Their message is clear: invest in youth-led action, especially by young women and girls.

The three-day ministerial segment of the High-Level Political Forum begins today, 21 July, in New York, under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council. Held under the theme “Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals, leaving no one behind,” the Forum will conduct in-depth reviews of SDG 3 (Health), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Economic Growth), SDG 14 (Oceans), and SDG 17 (Partnerships), recognizing the integrated and interlinked nature of all 17 Sustainable Developments Goals.

The High-Level Political Forum (HLPF)—the main United Nations platform for the follow-up and review of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—is holding its annual meeting from 14 to 23 July in New York. The Forum brings together high-level representatives from Member States, intergovernmental organizations and other stakeholders to share experiences and transformative initiatives in order to accelerate action towards a more just, equitable, and sustainable world by 2030. This year’s session also features the launch of the Secretary-General’s 2025 Report on global progress toward achieving the SDGs.

With just five years remaining to achieve the 2030 global goals, the Outcomes Department has sparked a bold transformation, strengthening impact, accountability, and purpose across the World Bank Group.

During the end of year holidays, when fortunate, we spend more time with family and friends, cooking, exchanging gifts or travelling to meet loved ones. All of these actions can be done in a more sustainable way, respectful of ourselves, others, our cities and our planet. Sustainability, in fact, goes beyond the environment; it includes other things that people need, such as food, health, education, safety, jobs, equal opportunities, and a vibrant quality of life. Shaping a better future is the spirit of the holidays and the spirit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This end of 2024 holiday season, let’s pave the way for a better year, leaving no one behind! Here are some things you can do.