The high-level political forum on sustainable development concluded its 2026 session today, adopting a ministerial declaration, as amended, calling for transformative, equitable, innovative and coordinated action to accelerate implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Goals.
The high-level forum, convened under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council, was held at Headquarters from 7 to 10 and from 13 to 15 July under the 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”.
The ministerial declaration, introduced by Albania’s representative, focuses on current trends, successes, challenges and their impacts on accelerating the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. It also identifies priority actions aimed at advancing the 2030 Agenda and securing a sustainable future for all.
Forum Accepts One Proposal, Rejects Another in Recorded Votes
Prior to action, the forum adopted an amendment proposed by Uruguay’s representative, on behalf of the Group of 77 developing countries and China, to delete a reference to the “United Arab Emirates Consensus”, by a recorded vote of 82 in favour to 54 against, with 12 abstentions. Ireland’s delegate, speaking for the European Union, voiced disappointment over the proposal as the bloc had reached consensus on the language. The UAE Consensus is essential to achieving Goal 7, he said, on substantially increasing the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix by 2030.
“The United Arab Emirates Consensus remains an international agreement of great importance,” the United Arab Emirates’ representative agreed, in explanation of vote. The representatives of Brazil and Colombia also spoke, with the latter describing the UAE Consensus as a “milestone” in the fight against climate change and efforts to transition away from fossil fuels. He opposed deleting the reference.
Israel’s delegate called for a vote on paragraph 18, which he called “a politicized element”. The paragraph calls for measures “to remove the obstacles to the full realization of the right to self-determination of peoples living under colonial and foreign occupation”. The paragraph was retained by a recorded vote of 113 in favour to 1 against (Israel), with 34 abstentions. Israel’s delegate then disassociated his country from paragraph 18.
Delegates Broadly Support Declaration, Diverge on Key Provisions
Several delegations explained their positions after the declaration’s adoption.
The Russian Federation’s delegate said the forum’s central task was to unite countries for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda but argued that the text “unduly emphasizes human rights and gender issues”. While Moscow joined the consensus, it dissociated from paragraph 13 on peace and security, as the language was “not balanced” and extended beyond the forum’s mandate.
Ireland’s representative, speaking for the European Union, supported the declaration but voiced regret that it did not adequately reflect gender-responsive implementation, climate-resilient infrastructure or meaningful stakeholder participation. Japan’s representative, meanwhile, joined consensus but expressed reservations, arguing that paragraph 17 placed disproportionate emphasis on the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities. Also, the language on the international debt architecture risked prejudging ongoing discussions in the Group of 20 and the Paris Club. The representatives of Guatemala, Australia (also on behalf of Canada and New Zealand), Iran, United Kingdom and Paraguay, along with an observer for the Holy See, also explained their positions.
Progress ‘Possible’ — with Political Leadership, Sound Policies, Investment
“Progress on the Sustainable Development Goals is possible — but not automatic”, said Assistant Secretary-General for Economic Development Navid Hanif in closing remarks. Noting that only 36 per cent of the Goals are on track to make moderate progress, he called for political leadership, sound policies, investment and strong partnerships. “The SDGs are not beyond reach, but they are beyond business as usual,” he stressed, calling for a shift from promises to measurable results.
Lok Bahadur Thapa (Nepal), President of the Economic and Social Council, emphasized that discussions focused not only on accelerating implementation, but also on changing how the international community works through integrated policies, coherent partnerships and more effective international cooperation. “Progress on one Goal depends on the progress across many others, reinforcing the importance of integrated approaches to sustainable development,” he said. The thematic reviews, he added, highlighted solutions that could be replicated and expanded across clean water and sanitation, affordable energy, infrastructure, sustainable cities and partnerships.
The forum also adopted its procedural report (document E/HLPF/2026/L.2).