SDGs CONFERENCE 2026:
IN THE MARGINGS OF THE UNGA81th SESSION
23 September 2026, Wednesday | New York
www.unga-conference.org
BOOKLET I PROGRAM I REGISTER
In the Margins of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81), the Journalists and Writers Foundation will host the 11th Annual SDGs Conference 2026 in New York on Wednesday, 23 September 2026, in New York. This event is organized in collaboration with 56 civil society organizations from 30 countries.
Over the past decade, the Journalists and Writers Foundation and its global partners have proudly convened this multidisciplinary platform, creating an international community that unites hundreds of high-level UN diplomats, Heads of State, civil society leaders, human rights advocates, journalists, and youth leaders worldwide. The 3 Days of Actions includes the JWF High-Level Reception, the SDGs Roundtable Discussions, SDGs Conference, and the Pioneers in SDGs Awards. These initiatives aim to promote action-oriented and inclusive policy proposals to accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while addressing complex issues and responding to emerging threats to international peace and security.
PANEL 1: RENEWING MULTILATERAL SYSTEMS FOR A NEW GLOBAL FRAMEWORK
- The Pillars of the UN 2.0 Initiative: A Coordinated Framework to Renovate the UN Operations with innovative skills and forward-thinking culture
- A Projection into the next UN Secretary-General Elections: Transparency and Reform of the Selection Process
- Reshaping the Future of Multilateralism: Global Challenges testing the Existing International Systems;
- Overarching priorities of the European Union at the UN for rules-based global governance agencies;
- Emerging Trends shrinking Civic Spaces amid Rapid Geopolitical Changes.
PANEL 2: BRIDGING DIVIDES: STRENGTHENING CIVIC TRUST AND REBUILDING SHARED VALUES
- Main drivers of political polarization and social discontent today;
- Impacts of polarization towards the progress on sustainable development and social cohesion;
- Reclaiming civic agency and strengthening participatory democracy;
- Practical approaches helping people to listen, disagree respectfully; and work together across differences;
- The role of education, media, technology and faith communities in either exacerbating or mitigating polarization.
PANEL 3: PRESS FREEDOM AND INDEPENDENT JOURNALISM AS A CROSS-CUTTING ENABLER OF PEACE
- Protecting Journalistic Integrity and the Information Ecosystem in the era of Content Journalism on Social Media Platforms
- Combatting Transnational Repression and Digital Attacks on Journalists
- Addressing the Global Suge in Violence against Women Journalists: Regional Challenges and Gender-Responsive Solutions
- Strengthening Public Trust in Media against Artificial Intelligence and Disinformation Trends.
SDGs CONFERENCE SINCE 2014
10
56
30
200+
Years
Global Partners
Countries
High-Level Speakers
PAST DISTINGUISHED SPEAKERS
Hon. Helen Clark
Hon. Sofia Voultepsi
H.E. Charlotta Schlyter
H.E. Saša Jurečko
H.E. Sophia T. Yohannes
Dr. Brian Kerr
Mark Dalton
The Hon. Verity Firth
Célia Parnes
H.E. Ms. Markova Concepción
Hon. Prof. Bob Carr
Houry Geudelekian
Dr. Wayne Henry, JP
Adama Dieng
Donna Orender
Tushar A. Gandhi
Craig Foster
Seda Pumpyanskaya
Michelle Breslauer
Robert Mahoney
WHY join the SDGs Conference?
Keynote Speakers
Get inspired by high-level
Speakers and Influencers
Thematic Debates
Participate in interactive discussion and panels
UNGA Debates
Join High-Level Events during the UN General Assembly Debate in NY
Global Partnership
Meet 52 Global Partners
from 27 countries
Capacity Building
Learn new skills and knowledge through intensive workshops
Networking
Meet global leaders and changemakers for partnerships
Pioneers in SDGs Awards
Submit your projects as exemplary model for recognition
JWF High-Level Reception
Connect with high-level delegates from around the world
Tours and Visits
Make your visit more productive and enjoyable
3 DAYS OF ACTION
SDGs CONFERENCE 2026
In the Margins of the UNGA81
www.unga-conference.org
DAY 1: JWF High-Level Reception 2026
On the opening day of the High-Level Week, this networking event gathers global partners from various countries to engage with UN Ambassadors, diplomats, journalists, academics, and human rights defenders. As advocates of sustainable peace and development, participants introduce their transformative actions towards a more prosperous world while establishing new networks to generate future multistakeholder collaborations. The High-Level Reception hosts over 150 delegates and global partners worldwide, including Ministers, UN diplomats, civil society members, journalists, academics, youth advocates, etc.
DAY 2: SDGs Roundtable Discussion 2026
SDGs Roundtable Discussion discussed critical issues to promote and protect sustainable peace and development globally. This side-event aimed to create a platform for the international delegations of interfaith leaders, civil society members, academics, and experts to share their expert opinions, exchange ideas on various development challenges and offer inclusive solutions to the contemporary challenges on social, economic, and environmental issues. Speakers explored the pivotal role of interfaith dialogue in achieving the SDGs while sharing civil society best practices and initiatives for the SDGs. SDGs Roundtable Discussions host distinguished speakers from around the world, including prominent interfaith leaders, civil society pioneers, peacemakers, academics, etc.
DAY 3: SDGs Conference 2026
This multi-stakeholder platform generated an opportunity to offer inclusive policy suggestions to address setbacks of the stagnating implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. The SDGs Conference also unfolded key thematic discussions aligned with broader global development frameworks, offering a once-in-a-generation opportunity to revive multilateralism with the mission of reflecting the realities of our day and address future challenges and opportunities. SDGs Conference 2026 hosts outstanding speakers across the globe, including UN Ambassadors, journalists, academics and human rights defenders, and prominent civil society leaders.
Additional Activities
Manhattan Cruise Tour: Our international guests will have the chance to embark on the Manhattan Cruise Tour on Sept. 22nd, offering a spectacular view of the NYC Skyline from the boat.
Institutional Visits: Additionally, we will arrange institutional visits, meet-and-greet sessions with NGO leaders, and family dinners to foster meaningful connections and lasting friendships.
PIONEERS IN SDGs AWARDS 2026
The Pioneers in SDGs Awards recognize exceptional organizations and individuals who promote sustainable peace and development, and help preserve a culture grounded in peace, human rights, and sustainability. Our international jury reviews projects submitted by civil society organizations from around the world.
Global Partners
