The journey has officially begun.

Action Lab for Development is proud to announce that our delegation has arrived in New York to participate in the 2026 United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF), which opened today at UN Headquarters. Over the coming days, our delegates will engage in discussions, side events, and networking opportunities focused on accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Representing Action Lab for Development at this year’s Forum are:

  • Christian Daru – Head of Delegation
  • Malak Kamel – Deputy Head of Delegation
  • Yiming Song – Advocacy Support Officer for Entrepreneurship and Innovation
  • Amina Oueddo – Finance and Advocacy Support Officer
  • Bryan Tumusiime Arinitwe – Software Development Support

For our delegates, attending the HLPF is more than an opportunity to observe international policymaking—it is a chance to contribute their perspectives, build meaningful partnerships, and strengthen their commitment to sustainable development.

Reflecting on her arrival in New York, Malak Kamel, Deputy Head of Delegation, shared:

“Attending the United Nations has always been a dream of mine, so being invited to the High-Level Political Forum is an incredible honour. As a Political Science and International Studies student, this opportunity is more than just attending a conference; it’s my first step toward the kind of career I’ve always dreamed of, one dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the world. I’m incredibly grateful to Action Lab for Development for believing in me and giving me the chance to represent the organization on such an important international stage.”

As the Forum gets underway, our delegation looks forward to representing Action Lab for Development, sharing our experiences, and learning from partners and changemakers from around the world. We will be providing updates throughout the week as we participate in discussions and events advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Stay tuned for more highlights from New York.

Follow our journey: