Action Lab for Development (ACTLAB) is proud to announce its participation in the United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) 2026, taking place at United Nations Headquarters in New York beginning on 7 July 2026.
As an organization committed to advancing sustainable development through entrepreneurship, education, advocacy, food security, and community empowerment, ACTLAB continues to create opportunities for local innovators, youth leaders, and civil society actors to contribute to global development discussions. Since 2020, Action Lab for Development has held Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), a recognition that enables the organization to engage directly with United Nations processes and contribute civil society perspectives to international policy discussions. This milestone reflects ACTLAB’s ongoing commitment to supporting the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and ensuring that local voices are represented in global decision-making.
Representing ACTLAB at HLPF 2026
This year, ACTLAB delegates Brya, Malak, Amina, Christian, and Yiming, members of the Action Lab team and passionate volunteers, will have the opportunity to participate in one of the world’s most important sustainable development forums.
The United Nations grounds in New York remain a powerful symbol of collective action, international cooperation, and shared aspirations for a more just, equitable, and sustainable world. For ACTLAB’s delegates, participation in the HLPF represents more than attendance at a global conference—it is an opportunity to amplify community voices, exchange innovative ideas, build partnerships, and contribute to conversations shaping the future of sustainable development.
Delegates have submitted their photographs and professional profiles, which will be incorporated into the official ACTLAB HLPF 2026 Delegation Directory and utilized in delegation communications, visibility materials, and related outreach activities.
About the High-Level Political Forum 2026
The High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development is the United Nations’ central platform for the follow-up and review of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Convened annually under the auspices of ECOSOC, the Forum brings together government leaders, UN agencies, civil society organizations, academics, youth representatives, and development practitioners from around the world.
The 2026 HLPF will be held from 7–15 July 2026 at United Nations Headquarters in New York, with a ministerial segment taking place from 13–15 July. The Forum provides a unique space for stakeholders to review progress on the SDGs, share best practices, discuss challenges, and accelerate action toward achieving the 2030 Agenda.
This year’s theme is:
“Transformative, equitable, innovative and coordinated actions for the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals for a sustainable future for all.”
The Forum will conduct in-depth reviews of several Sustainable Development Goals, including:
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
These discussions align closely with ACTLAB’s mission to empower communities, support entrepreneurship, strengthen local innovation ecosystems, and foster partnerships that drive sustainable development outcomes.
Building on a Strong Year of Global Engagement
ACTLAB’s participation in HLPF 2026 builds upon a year of active engagement in international conferences, policy dialogues, and sustainable development forums. Throughout 2026, ACTLAB representatives have contributed to conversations on youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, community development, innovation, and the Sustainable Development Goals:
- Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution (INC-5.3), Geneva (February 2026): ACTLAB joined international stakeholders at the UN negotiations on a legally binding global agreement to address plastic pollution. Participation reflected the organization’s commitment to environmental sustainability, responsible consumption, and protecting communities from the social, economic, and environmental impacts of plastic waste.
- Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), New York (March 2026): ACTLAB participated in the 70th Session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women, contributing to global discussions on strengthening access to justice for women and girls, advancing gender equality, and promoting inclusive legal systems. The session brought together governments, civil society organizations, and UN stakeholders to review progress and identify pathways toward greater empowerment of women worldwide.
- 35th Session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ35), Vienna (June 2026): ACTLAB engaged in discussions on crime prevention, access to justice, good governance, and international cooperation in addressing emerging criminal justice challenges. The session provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives with policymakers, UN agencies, and civil society partners on building safer and more resilient societies.
Through these engagements, ACTLAB has strengthened its presence within major United Nations processes, bringing grassroots perspectives to global policy discussions on gender equality, environmental sustainability, justice, and sustainable development.
Looking Ahead
As preparations continue for HLPF 2026, ACTLAB remains committed to ensuring that the perspectives of communities, entrepreneurs, youth, women, and civil society organizations are represented in global development conversations.
We congratulate Bryan, Malak, Amina, Christian, Yiming, and all participating volunteers and team members on this important opportunity. We look forward to sharing updates, reflections, and key outcomes from New York as our delegation joins Member States, ministers and senior government officials, United Nations agencies, intergovernmental organizations, parliamentarians, youth leaders, academia, the private sector, and other global stakeholders at the High-Level Political Forum to advance the Sustainable Development Goals and a sustainable future for all.
Together, we continue advancing the vision of inclusive development, meaningful partnerships, and local action with global impact.
Stay connected with us by following our social media channels, where we will share live updates, key takeaways, and behind-the-scenes moments from our delegation’s journey at HLPF 2026.
Photo by Pexels/ Hugo Magalhaes