Reinforcing the 2030 Agenda and eradicating poverty in times of multiple crises

The High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) 2025, the United Nations’ central platform for the follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), will take place from 14 to 23 July 2025 under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

This year’s Forum comes at a critical time—just five years before the deadline to achieve the SDGs. As the world grapples with overlapping crises, from inequality and climate change to conflict and economic uncertainty, the HLPF 2025 provides a vital opportunity to evaluate progress, renew commitments, and chart bold, accelerated actions.

With the theme “Reinforcing the 2030 Agenda and eradicating poverty in times of multiple crises: the effective delivery of sustainable, resilient and innovative solutions”, the Forum will convene Heads of State and Government, ministers, civil society, youth leaders, academics, and private sector actors from across the globe.

Six SDGs will be reviewed in depth:

• SDG 1 – No Poverty

• SDG 2 – Zero Hunger

• SDG 13 – Climate Action

• SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

• SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals

• Plus an in-depth look at SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production

A key highlight of HLPF 2025 will be the presentation of Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) by over 40 countries, sharing lessons learned, innovations, and remaining gaps in their SDG implementation journeys.

Alongside official sessions, numerous side events, VNR Labs, and exhibitions will offer opportunities for exchange, collaboration, and showcasing practical solutions.

The outcomes of HLPF 2025 will feed into the preparations for the Second World Summit for Social Development  in November 2025, reinforcing people-centered policymaking and multilateralism in advancing sustainable development.

The following UN DESA DISD -co-led special events will take place next week:

• VNR Lab titled “SDGs Implementation: Are Cooperatives Fit for Purpose?” will take place on 15 July 2025 from 13:00–14:00 EST at UN Headquarters in New York and online. Co-organized by COPAC and partner countries including Mongolia and Japan, the event will explore how cooperatives contribute to the SDGs under review—particularly SDGs 3, 5, 8, 14, and 17—through national examples, policy dialogue, and regional case studies. The session also marks a key moment in the lead-up to IYC2025 and the Second World Social Summit, promoting inclusive, people-centered approaches to sustainable development.
• Promoting decent work, reducing insecurity: towards a renewed consensus for social development (16 July, 1:15 pm, CRE). In preparation for the Second World Summit for Social Development, DESA/DISD and the Permanent Mission of Portugal will hold a high-level dialogue on the policies and institutions needed to promote full employment and decent work for all, reduce economic insecurity, and tackle inequality. Moderated by Bjørg Sandkjær, DESA ASG for Policy Coordination, the discussion will be based on the findings from the World Social Report 2025 and successful national experiences.
• “The Intersectionality of Ageism & Sexism: Harnessing the Power of Older Women” will be held on 16 July 2025 from 1:15–2:30 p.m. EST at the Permanent Mission of Canada to the UN in New York. Co-hosted by the International Longevity Centre (ILC) Global Alliance, HelpAge International, and other partners, the event will spotlight the often-overlooked challenges faced by older women at the intersection of ageism and sexism. High-level speakers and experts will explore strategies to promote the rights, visibility, and contributions of older women in the context of the SDGs. The event will be livestreamed and is open to both in-person and virtual participants with advance registration.
• "Making Older Women Count in the SDGs" on Thursday, July 17, 2025, from 1:00-2:30 PM EDT (NY). This online event, accessible via Zoom, will explore the critical role of centering older women's rights and leadership in building gender-equal, resilient, and inclusive societies. Speakers include Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda (UN Women), Amb. Egriselda López (Permanent Representative of El Salvador to the UN), Amal Abou Rafeh (UN DESA), Rio Hada (OHCHR), Cherian Mathews (HelpAge International), and Ishaan Shah (Women's Major Group). The event is sponsored by the United Nations Inter-Agency Group on Ageing and HelpAge.

For more information on the programme, side events, and participation details, visit: https://hlpf.un.org/2025.

Join the global conversation on social and sustainable development using #HLPF2025.