SESRIC participated in the United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) 2026, held at the UN Headquarters in New York under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). The forum focused on innovative and coordinated actions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for a sustainable future for all. The Forum conducted in-depth reviews of SDGs 6, 7, 9, 11 and 17 and contributed to preparations for the 2027 SDG Summit.

SESRIC delegation actively participated in the Forum’s deliberations and side events, engaging with representatives of member states, international organizations, and other stakeholders on pathways to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.

As part of the interactive discussion on SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SESRIC delivered a statement. The intervention highlighted that SDG 9 is among the eight prioritised SDGs identified by OIC member countries and serves as a key enabler for achieving the broader 2030 Agenda. Drawing on the “Towards the Achievement of Prioritised Sustainable Development Goals in OIC Countries 2025” Report by SESRIC, the statement noted that manufacturing value added in OIC countries increased by 1.9 percentage points between 2015 and 2023, while research and development expenditures rose in 16 out of 26 OIC countries with available data. The statement also underlined that 4G network coverage reached 90% of the population in 30 OIC member countries in 2023, generating new opportunities for digital transformation. The intervention emphasized the importance of investing in quality infrastructure, strengthening innovation ecosystems and skills development, particularly through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and leveraging Islamic finance instruments to support infrastructure development, industrialization, and SME growth across OIC member countries.

On the margins of the HLPF, the SESRIC delegation also participated in several side events. During the side event on “Preparing for the 2027 Review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Including the SDGs”, organized by the Stakeholder Forum for a Sustainable Future, discussions focused on building momentum toward the 2027 SDG Summit. Participants reviewed progress and challenges related to the SDGs under review at the 2026 HLPF and explored ways to strengthen stakeholder engagement in the upcoming review process. The event emphasized accelerating implementation of the 2030 Agenda, enhancing partnerships, and mobilizing a broad range of stakeholders to support sustainable development efforts through and beyond 2030.

The delegation also attended the side event “Celebrating Volunteer Impact: Youth Leadership and Advancing Sustainable Development Goals through Climate Action”, organized by the Saudi Green Building Forum. The event highlighted the growing contribution of youth-led volunteerism to climate action and sustainable development. Discussions underscored the role of young people in promoting environmental stewardship, advancing community-based solutions, and fostering innovation to address climate-related challenges while contributing to the achievement of the SDGs.

Furthermore, SESRIC participated in the side event “Powering Green Growth: Inclusive Solutions for Energy and Industry through Agro-Value Chains”, jointly organized by the Permanent Missions of Malaysia, Indonesia, and Bangladesh to the UN. The event explored the role of sustainable agro-value chains in promoting green industrialization, energy access, rural development, and economic resilience. Participants exchanged experiences and good practices on strengthening value addition, promoting sustainable production systems, and supporting inclusive economic transformation through enhanced cooperation among developing countries.

For more information on the progress recorded by the OIC member countries group concerning SDGs, please visit the “Towards the Achievement of Prioritised Sustainable Development Goals in OIC Countries” report series by SESRIC at: https://www.sesric.org/publications-sdgs.php

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