The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will participate in the United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) 2026 from July 7-15 in New York. The annual forum brings countries together to review global efforts and progress in delivering on the Sustainable Development Goals SDGs under the 2030 Agenda.
This year, the Kingdom will present its Voluntary National Review (VNR) Report, providing an in-depth analysis of the Kingdom’s national progress toward the SDGs. Following its Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) presented at the HLPF in 2018 and 2023, the 2026 VNR marks Saudi Arabia’s third national review. It provides a comprehensive account of progress, challenges, and priorities across the Sustainable Development Goals, reflecting contributions from more than 140 entities across government, the private sector, academia, civil society, and international partners. This year’s participation underscores the Kingdom’s dedication to integrating the principles of Saudi Vision 2030 with the global SDG framework.
The Saudi delegation, headed by His Excellency Faisal F. Alibrahim, Minister of Economy and Planning, will include representatives from 14 entities across the public, private, and third sectors. The delegation includes representatives from the Ministry of Economy and Planning, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, Al Madinah Region Development Authority, General Authority for Awqaf, Saudi Fund for Development, Expo 2030 Riyadh Company, Saudi Green Building Forum, Saudi Sports for All Federation, Majmaah University, and CIFAL Saudi Arabia Center.
HLPF 2026 is being held under the theme ‘Transformative, equitable, innovative and coordinated actions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals for a sustainable future for all’ and will focus on several SDGs: SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
To showcase the Kingdom’s support for the SDGs, the Saudi delegation will participate in thematic reviews of the HLPF 2026 focus goals, general debates, town hall meetings, and ministerial segments. The Kingdom’s participation will also be marked by a series of side events and an exhibition, including the official Saudi side event, ‘Rethinking SDG Delivery Through Prioritization and Implementation Approaches’, as well as the exhibition ‘Advancing Sustainability in Saudi Arabia’, which highlights national initiatives and achievements in advancing sustainability across the Kingdom.
HLPF has been held annually under the auspices of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
