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High-level Political Forum 2025

The 2025 High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development is expected to bring together ministerial and high-level representatives of governments, as well as a wide range of expertise and stakeholders. Discover how the ISC is involved in the HLPF 2025.
Add to Calendar 2025-07-14 00:00:00 UTC 2025-07-23 00:00:00 UTC UTC High-level Political Forum 2025 The 2025 High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development is expected to bring together ministerial and high-level representatives of governments, as well as a wide range of expertise and stakeholders. Discover how the ISC is involved in the HLPF 2025. https://council.science/events/hlpf-2025/ New York, NY, USA

The High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) will be held from Monday, 14 July, to Wednesday, 23 July, under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). This includes the three-day ministerial segment of the forum from Monday, 21 July, to Wednesday, 23 July 2025, as part of the High-level Segment of ECOSOC.

The theme is “Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals for leaving no one behind”.

The 2025 HLPF with full appreciation for the integrated, indivisible and interlinked nature of the Sustainable Development Goals, will conduct in-depth reviews of:

  • SDG 3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
  • SDG 5. Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
  • SDG 8. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
  • SDG 14. Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
  • SDG 17. Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development.

Five years to course correct: Science and engineering for a world off track

DOI: 10.24948/2025.03
Publication date: 30 June 2025
Publisher: International Science Council


The ISC at the HLPF 2025

Date, time (EST), locationDescription
14 July
11:00 – 13:30

In-person and broadcast on UN Web TV
HLPF official session: Unlocking means of implementation: Mobilizing financing and STI for the SDGs

This event explores how to close the SDG financing and technology gaps by building on outcomes from the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development. It focuses on mobilizing investment and strengthening partnerships, while promoting inclusive access to science, technology, and innovation to support sustainable and equitable development.

ISC representative and Lead Discussant:
Robbert Dijkgraaf, ISC President-elect
15 July
10:00 – 13:00

UN HQ Conference Room3

In-person and broadcast on UN Web TV
Science Day 2025 (HLPF Special Event)

Organized by: ISC, SEI, UNDP, SDSN, UN DESA

Science Day 2025 offers an independent space for decision-makers, scientists, and stakeholders to reflect on science’s role in advancing the SDGs and envisaging the future of sustainable development. As a stocktaking and forward-looking moment, it will showcase solutions, foster dialogue, and spark ideas to drive transformative, evidence-informed change

ISC representatives:
Robbert Dijkgraaf, ISC President-elect
Marcia Barbosa, ISC Vice-President for Freedom and Responsibility in Science
18 July
13:00 – 18:00

The German House

In-person (invitation only)
Title: Global Higher Education Symposium

Organized by: UNAI, YORKU, UNESCO, SDSN, ISC

This symposium explores the evolving role of higher education institutions (HEIs) in shaping inclusive and sustainable futures. It aims to reassess their value, autonomy, and global relevance in light of the SDGs and the post-2030 agenda, while addressing their underrepresentation in global policy. The event provides a space to reimagine HEIs’ contributions to knowledge, innovation, and lifelong learning, and to strengthen their role in connecting local action with global dialogue.

ISC representative:
Marcia Barbosa, ISC Vice-President for Freedom and Responsibility in Science

ISC Delegation

The ISC will be represented by

Marcia Barbosa

Marcia Barbosa

ISC Vice-President for Freedom and Responsibility in Science, Professor at UFRGS

Marcia Barbosa
Robbert Dijkgraaf

Robbert Dijkgraaf

ISC President-elect, physicist and former Minister of Education, Culture and Science of Netherlands

Robbert Dijkgraaf
Morgan Seag

Morgan Seag

ISC Senior Representative to the UN System

International Science Council

Morgan Seag
James Waddell James Waddell

James Waddell

Science Officer, Political Affairs Liaison

International Science Council

James Waddell

Contact

Are you an ISC Member or partner planning to attend the HLPF?

Please contact James Waddell at [email protected] to let us know — we’d love to know what you have planned, can assist with registration for the conference, and would be happy to feature your events and contributions to the forum.

James Waddell James Waddell

James Waddell

Science Officer, Political Affairs Liaison

International Science Council

James Waddell

Photo by Quinton Horne on Unsplash

Add to Calendar 2025-07-14 00:00:00 UTC 2025-07-23 00:00:00 UTC UTC High-level Political Forum 2025 The 2025 High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development is expected to bring together ministerial and high-level representatives of governments, as well as a wide range of expertise and stakeholders. Discover how the ISC is involved in the HLPF 2025. https://council.science/events/hlpf-2025/ New York, NY, USA