At the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) in New York the 2025 Local and Regional Governments Forum (LRGF) and the Special Event of the Local2030 Coalition take place today.
The HLPF brings together high-level representatives of governments, as well as heads of UN entities, academics and other stakeholders. It is the central UN platform for the follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The theme of the HLPF this year is “Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs for leaving no one behind”. The SDGs to be reviewed in-depth are SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), 5 (Gender Equality), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), 14 (Life Below Water) and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
The 2025 Local and Regional Governments Forum explores how multilevel governance, inclusive services, and localized investment drive SDG action. The Forum highlights SDG 3, 5, 8, 14, and 17, with emphasis on gender equality, decent work, and sustainable oceans, and advance dialogue on local reporting and future-ready policy.
The Special Event of the Local2030 Coalition spotlights how local action is accelerating progress on the six SDG transitions of the 2030 Agenda. Reporting on the High Impact Initiative on Localization, the session showcases localization as a driver of systemic transformation through multilevel collaboration, and inclusive participation.
Later this year, the 5th meeting of the UN Forum of Mayors – taking place on 6 and 7 October in Geneva – will cover SDG 3, 5, and 8. Moreover, the event titled “Cities Shaping the Future” will also engage in meaningful discussions on Climate Finance Mechanisms, Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs) and Housing related challenges. Mayors from all over the world will participate and share their experience and vision regarding the local effects of global challenges mentioned above.