The High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) is the central United Nations platform for the follow-up and review of the implementation of the \u00a0Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/a>.<\/p>\n On the sidelines of the Forum, the\u00a0SDG Media Zone\u00a0<\/span><\/a> is an opportunity for world leaders from all sectors to discuss, collaborate, and share innovative ideas for building a more sustainable world, focusing on the goals in focus this year: SDG 6<\/a>. Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all;\u00a0SDG 7<\/a>. Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all;\u00a0SDG 9<\/a>. Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation;\u00a0SDG 11<\/a>. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable; and\u00a0SDG 17<\/a>. Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development.<\/p>\n All videos:<\/strong> https:\/\/www.un.org\/en\/sdgmediazone\/hlpf\/programme<\/a> The #PassTheWater Campaign: One ball. One goal.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n This SDG Media Zone conversation explores using sport\u2019s universal appeal to accelerate <\/span>SDG 6<\/b> action ahead of the <\/span>2026 FIFA World Cup Final<\/b> and HLPF. The <\/span>#PassTheWater<\/b> campaign urges leaders to prioritize universal water and sanitation access, building momentum for the <\/span>2026 Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Water Conference<\/b> in Abu Dhabi this December. Speakers will discuss scaling proven solutions, investing in water, and utilizing cross-sector teamwork. Additionally, the <\/span>SDG6 Synthesis Report 2026<\/i><\/b> will highlight how collaboration can turn commitments into winning goals.<\/span><\/p>\n Speakers:<\/b><\/p>\n Moderator: <\/b>Stephanie Rambler, Senior Sustainable Development Officer, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵDESA<\/span><\/p>\n Watch it here:<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n YouTube: <\/span>https:\/\/youtu.be\/jO8ZEmWKbHk<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n WebTV: <\/span>https:\/\/webtv.un.org\/en\/asset\/k17\/k170dp8w2t<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n AI and Energy Security in a Rapidly Changing World<\/b><\/p>\n As governments assess SDG7 progress, global crises are driving a shift toward domestic renewables, boosting solar trade across Asia and Africa. Meanwhile, AI and data centers are spiking power demand, yet 2,500 GW of renewable projects remain stalled in grid queues. Investing in modern grids and digital infrastructure offers a massive opportunity; AI alone could optimize transmission and save $110 billion annually.<\/span><\/p>\n The insights in this discussion draw from Tracking SDG7: The Energy Progress Report and the SDG7 Policy Briefs for the HLPF, launching July 8.<\/span><\/p>\n Speakers:<\/b><\/p>\n Moderator: <\/b>Cherisse Bovell,<\/b> Consultant to the United Nation Foundation\u2019s Our Future Agenda Programme<\/span><\/p>\n Watch it here:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n YouTube: <\/span>https:\/\/youtu.be\/rpWz-qxhe9g<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵWebTV:\u00a0 <\/span>https:\/\/webtv.un.org\/en\/asset\/k1o\/k1ojftrpfc<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n Building Impact-Driven Partnerships for Water and Sustainable Development at the 2026 Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Water Conference<\/b><\/p>\n This discussion focuses on information exchange, finance readiness, and inclusive governance, and highlights how private sector engagement can strengthen the 2026 Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Water Conference through impact-driven partnerships to accelerate SDG 6. True progress requires collaboration: the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ provides convening power and accountability, governments offer policy and investment priorities, and the private sector brings innovation, technology, and financing. Together, these actors combine their strengths to turn global water commitments into scalable, practical solutions for global prosperity.<\/span><\/p>\n Speakers:<\/b><\/p>\n Moderator: <\/b>Joakim Harlin, Chief Manager of the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵEP-DHI Centre on Water and Environment<\/span><\/p>\n Watch it here:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Youtube: <\/span>https:\/\/youtu.be\/fuXJeKTAdhA<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n Webtv: <\/span>https:\/\/webtv.un.org\/en\/asset\/k1w\/k1w8bvva9a<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n F<\/b>rom Risk to Resilience: Cities on the Frontline<\/b><\/p>\n As hazards become more frequent, complex and interconnected, cities face growing risks driven by climate change, rapid urbanization, population growth and development patterns that place people and assets in harm\u2019s way. Extreme heat, flooding, earthquakes, technological disruptions and other hazards threaten lives, infrastructure and development gains. Ahead of the 2026 International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction under the theme \u201cResilience Starts at Home\u201d, this session poses an urgent question: are our cities built to protect people where they live? With SDGs 6, 9 and 11 under review, this discussion highlights why investing in resilient cities is essential to safeguard communities and sustain progress.<\/span><\/p>\n Speakers:<\/b><\/p>\n Moderator: <\/b>Ms. Elaine Reyes, News Anchor, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Insider & Americas Now (CGTN America)<\/span><\/p>\n Watch it here:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Youtube (12 July 9 am): <\/span>https:\/\/youtu.be\/KHuw8BA5QkU<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n Webtv: <\/span>https:\/\/webtv.un.org\/en\/asset\/k12\/k12cmk8f1x<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n Sustainable Development for People and Planet: Over A Decade of Results<\/b><\/p>\n With fewer than five years remaining to achieve the SDGs, this panel discussion provides a candid assessment of our global trajectory based on The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2026. Speakers will highlight the tangible gains achieved through purposeful global action, demonstrating that SDG implementation successfully transforms lives at scale. However, the core of the discussion will address the severe headwinds stalling systemic progress. Panelists will unpack how escalating conflicts, slowing economic growth, climate chaos, rising debt burdens, and declining aid have created deeply uneven and insufficient outcomes. The session will outline solutions on what is needed to help accelerate the SDGs before 2030.<\/span><\/p>\n Speakers:<\/b><\/p>\n Moderator:<\/b> Chelsea Miller, Global strategist, advisor, and CEO of CPM Global<\/span><\/p>\n Watch it here:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Youtube (13 July 9 am): <\/span>https:\/\/youtu.be\/XXiZu1YZtU8<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n Webtv: <\/span>https:\/\/webtv.un.org\/en\/asset\/k1j\/k1jc4hpdv2<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n SDG Chat – Using AI to Empower Global Engagement on the SDGs<\/b><\/p>\n Since June 2024, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ DESA has partnered with the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Office of Information and Communications Technology and Accenture to develop SDG Chat. As the first proposal approved by the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Secretariat\u2019s Cross-functional Working Group on Generative AI, this tool uses GenAI to provide a single, intuitive interface for Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ DESA\u2019s SDG resources. By making critical data easily accessible, SDG Chat fosters global engagement and serves as a prime example of how public-private partnerships can accelerate sustainable development.<\/span><\/p>\n Speakers:<\/b><\/p>\n Moderator:<\/b> Martha Barreneche, Youth Advocacy & Well-being International Specialist, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Youth Office<\/span><\/p>\n Watch it here:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Youtube (14 July 9 am): <\/span>https:\/\/youtu.be\/4c6ebbLkI9g<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n Webtv: <\/span>https:\/\/webtv.un.org\/en\/asset\/k12\/k128pmv9s4<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n Women Leading the Energy Transition at HLPF 2026<\/b><\/p>\n Women are driving the energy transition from the frontlines of innovation, policy, investment, and community organizing. Aligned with the 2026 High-Level Political Forum\u2019s theme of transformative, equitable action, this session convenes senior leaders from clean energy entrepreneurship, sustainable finance, and multilateral institutions to explore how diverse leadership accelerates progress on SDG7. Bridging grassroots networks and global institutions, the conversation will highlight the unique impact of women-led approaches, expose where structural barriers persist, and outline how the international community can champion inclusive leadership at every level. Join us to reshape the future of clean energy.<\/span><\/p>\n Speakers:<\/b><\/p>\n Moderator: <\/b>Ms. Kathryn Clay, Lead Energy & Climate Analyst at Washington Post Intelligence<\/span><\/p>\n Watch it here:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Youtube (15 July 9 am): <\/span>https:\/\/youtu.be\/jptHOL4kL94<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n
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