3 DAYS OF ACTION
SDGs CONFERENCE 2026
In the Margins of the UNGA81
DAY 1: JWF High-Level Reception 2026 (Monday, Sept. 21, 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 (Tuesday, Sept. 22, 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 (Wednesday, Sept. 23, 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.
PROGRAM
SDGs CONFERENCE 2026
In the Margins of the UNGA 81st Session
23 September 2026, Wednesday | www.unga-conference.org
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
OPENING SESSION: Welcome Remarks & Keynotes
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
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.
12:15 PM – 1:45 PM
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.
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
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.
3:30 PM – 4:00 PM CLOSING REMARKS