Sustainable development events to look out for in 2023

As we’re opening the chapter on 2023, we’re entering a new and busy year, which will be critical for people, planet and our shared future. Here are the main sustainable development events to look out for this year.

  1. 1. Two major reports launch on population ageing and the global economy

UN DESA will kick off the year releasing two major reports: the World Social Report on leaving no one behind in an ageing world and the World Economic Situation and Prospects report revealing the economic forecast at the global and regional levels. Be on the look-out for these major reports and their findings on 12 January and 25 January respectively, on this website: Publications | UN DESA Publications

  1. 2. Data that make the lives of migrants visible

International migration statistics can help the international community make migrants visible to policymakers, capturing their social and economic situation, their challenges and vulnerabilities and their contributions to countries and societies. Don’t miss the Third International Forum on Migration Statistics (IFMS) on 24-26 January in Santiago, Chile, aimed at finding ways to improve the collection, analysis, and use of migration data worldwide.

  1. 3. Partnerships to boost delivery of the global goals

Partnerships play a critical role in our efforts to face intensified global crises around the world, and to deliver on the promise of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To boost innovative collaboration, the 2023 ECOSOC Partnership Forum will gather international actors on 31 January 2023 in conjunction with the Council’s Coordination Segment. Interested actors can register here to attend either virtually or in person (deadline to register is 23 January 2023).

  1. 4. From potential to prosperity in the Least Developed Countries

40 per cent of people living in poverty reside in one of the 46 Least Developed Countries (LDCs). These countries account for around 13 per cent of the world population, but only around 1.3 per cent of global GDP. Many LDC countries are also experiencing conflict or are emerging from one. To resolve these and other challenges, the global community will convene this March for the 5th United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5).

  1. 5. Most important water event in a generation

Billions of people around the globe still live without safely managed drinking water and sanitation. Many water sources are becoming more polluted, and ecosystems that provide water are disappearing. Climate change is disrupting the water cycle, causing droughts and floods. Water is everyone’s business, and on 22-24 March, water action will be front and center at the UN 2023 Water Conference in New York. International actors are then coming together for the most important water event in a generation.

  1. 6. Tracking progress on our global goals

17 goals and 169 targets. This July, the latest data on how well the global community takes care of people, planet and safeguards our shared future through these goals and targets, will be revealed in The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2023. The 2022 edition of the report painted a somber picture, as the climate crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic and an increased number of conflicts around the world have placed the goals in jeopardy. Stay tuned for the latest updates on this page.

  1. 7. High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development

UN Member States, civil society, businesses, and other international actors will convene yet again for the annual High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development to assess global action on the global goals. At the Forum, taking place on 10-19 July, 41 countries will present their efforts as part of the Voluntary National Reviews. The event will be a launch pad towards the SDG Summit in September.

  1. 8. 2023 Global Sustainable Development Report

This year, time has come for the independent group of scientists and experts to release the second edition of the Global Sustainable Development Report. The report will offer science-based evidence and solutions that can help decision-makers worldwide to accelerate action on the SDGs.

  1. 9. UN Summit on the SDGs

On 19-20 September, the second UN Summit on the SDGs will be held, bringing together Heads of State and Government to assess our joint efforts to achieve the 17 SDGs. The Summit will offer a critical opportunity to set the world back on track to achieve the goals through game-changing policies, ambitious initiatives and transformative action

Stay in the know about global efforts for people and planet! Join our Global Policy Dialogue events, read our newsletter UN DESA Voice, keep track of events on our website and via Facebook and Twitter.