Where We Are
The imperative for revitalized multilateralism has never been more urgent. Global partnership remains the foundational pillar for the Sustainable Development Goals, yet interlinked crises like threats to peace and security and the climate emergency, are undermining – and even reversing – decades of development gains.
While progress in global health and connectivity demonstrates the power of coordinated action, a staggering $4 trillion annual financing gap remains. Strengthening global cooperation is essential to ensure the promise to leave no one behind remains within reach. The Pact for the Future reaffirms our commitment to solidarity and partnership to meet this challenge.
The Pact for the Future reflects a strong recommitment to solidarity. We must ensure these principles are upheld.
SDG 17 in Numbers
- Internet use has surged by 70% since 2015, now connecting 68% of the global population to new horizons.
- However, one third of the global population (2.6 billion) remains offline.
- Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) faced record-high $1.4 trillion debt-servicing costs in 2023, compounded by the $4 trillion annual investment gap to achieve the SDGs.
- 190 out of 193 countries have now presented national action plans for advancing the SDGs.
Media Resources for Journalists
Explore the Media Resources hub for the latest from UN WebTV, UN Audiovisual Library, UN Photo, UNifeed and more! https://media.un.org/en. For the latest UN Reports, click here.
“At a time when we need international cooperation the most, we seem to be the least inclined to use it and invest in it.”
– António Guterres, UN Secretary-General, 15 January 2026
In Focus
ECOSOC Youth Forum | 14-16 April
Under the theme "Innovate, Unite and Transform: Youth Shaping the Road to 2030", young leaders will converge at the UN Headquarters in New York to co-create solutions for a fairer world. As the world faces complex and interconnected crises, from climate change and inequality to economic and technological challenges, the Forum will provide a global platform for young people to share ideas and showcasing innovations and solutions to accelerate progress on the SDGs. Read more.
Financing for Development Forum | 20-24 April
Following the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4) in Sevilla in 2025, this year's Financing for Development Forum at UN Headquarters in New York is central to accelerate the implementation of the Sevilla Commitment and bridge financing gaps. The Forum, an SDG Investment Fair and other high-level meetings will be part of the 2026 Financing for Development Week. Read more.
Highlights
Launch of the 2026 Financing for Sustainable Development Report | 9 April
The 2026 Financing for Sustainable Development Report will be launched at UN Headquarters in New York. This is the first comprehensive assessment of sustainable development finance since FFD4 in 2025. The assessment brings together data, analysis and perspectives of almost 70 international organizations into a data rich report that set out progress on implementing the Sevilla Commitment. Read more.
World Bank and IMF Spring meetings | 13-18 April
The 2026 Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG) will take place in Washington, D.C. Key events will include the Development Committee Meeting, the International Monetary and Financial Committee, and events and fora focused on international development, the global economy, and financial markets. Read more.
59th session of the Commission on Population and Development | 13-17 April
The 59th session convenes in New York under the theme, "Population, technology and research in the context of sustainable development," and explores how digital innovation and AI can address demographic shifts while safeguarding human rights and data privacy worldwide. Read more.
UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues | 20 April-1 May
The 25th session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues will take place at UN Headquarters in New York under the theme "Ensuring Indigenous People's health, including in the context of conflict". The Secretariat of the Permanent Forum (SPFII) and the Department of Global Communications (DGC), in partnership with Cultural Survival, is organizing an Indigenous Media Zone. Read more.
SDG Investment Fair | 21-23 April
On the margins of the 2026 Financing for the Development Forum at UN Headquarters in New York, the SDG Investment Fair will provide a platform to connect investors, governments, development finance institutions and the UN SDG investment ecosystem to find solutions to mobilise investment for sustainable development. Pre-Register Here (the deadline is 10 April).
News Features
News Feature | Selected Story
UNESCO-UNICEF-ITU Charter for Public Digital Learning Platforms
As part of the global push to bring schools online, United Nations organizations have partnered up to to help make digital learning platforms secure and interoperable.
Africa Renewal | Selected Story
UNESCO’s work on the General History of Africa helps restore forgotten history
Discover how UNESCO’s “General History of Africa” reclaimed the continent’s narrative by replacing colonial myths with authentic African perspectives. This landmark project restores thousands of years of heritage, from ancient civilizations to the modern era.
International Days and Years
ACTNOW for our Common Future
ActNow is the United Nations campaign to inspire people to act for the Sustainable Development Goals, improving life for everyone: A healthy planet. A better economy. A just society. A peaceful world. Visit ActNow to learn more https://www.un.org/actnow
NEW Season! Awake at Night Podcast
As we gear up for the Youth Forum, don't miss the discussion featuring Dr. Felipe Paullier, the UN's youngest-ever Assistant Secretary-General. A doctor turned advocate, Paullier argues that young people shouldn't just be spectators—they must lead the search for solutions. He dives into youth demands for peace, overcoming systemic barriers, and his unique "prescription" for digital burnout. Listen to the full episode: Season 12 of Awake at Night.