IAU at the UN HLPF 2025
HLPF 2025
The High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) was held from Monday, 14 July, to Wednesday, 23 July 2025 under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council. This included the three-day ministerial segment of the forum from Monday, 21 July, to Wednesday, 23 July 2025 as part of the High-level Segment of the Council. The 2025 theme was: “Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals for leaving no one behind”. SDGs under review were: SDG 3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages; SDG 5. Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls; SDG 8. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all; SDG 14. Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development; and SDG 17. Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development.
IAU Delegation and Report
IAU attended the 2025 HLPF with a small delegation, led by the IAU Secretary General. For details, please read the Report "Higher Education at the UN HLPF 2025 – Insights from the IAU " here.
Events with IAU and higher education involvement:
HLPF Side Event: Solving Real-World Water Challenges through Empowering Youth Innovation - 18 July, 09:30 AM - 12:00 PM Eastern time
Co-organizers: PRME Students, HESI Student Action Group, UNESCO IESALC
Location: PRME, UN Global Compact Office, 685 Third Avenue, 12th Floor & hybrid-online.
This session explored how students and young people can become active problem-solvers in tackling real-world water issues — from urban flooding and biodiversity loss to water equity and pollution. Grounded in the of SDG 6 (Clean Water & Sanitation), SDG 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth), and SDG 14 (Life Below Water), it brings together higher education, corporate professionals, and youth to co-develop pathways that link sustainability education with innovation, community impact, and green careers. More information here.
Global Higher Education Symposium - 18 July 2025, 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM EDT New York, USA (Invitation Only)
Partners: United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI), UNESCO, ISC, International Association of Universities (IAU), SDSN, German Center for Research, York University
Alongside HLPF, this Symposium aimed to address the critical role and potential of, as well as trust in, higher education institutions (HEIs). As globally networked actors in advancing livable futures across the globe, HEIs must aim to critically engage with current frameworks, such as the SDGs, as well as a post-2030 development agenda. Learn more here.
Participants at the Global Higher Education Symposium on 18 July
HESI Global Forum 2025 - 21 July, 07:00 AM - 09:30 AM EST NYC time (virtual)
Each year, HESI organizes a global forum as a special event for the HLPF to highlight the critical role of higher education in achieving sustainable development. This year’s event was held under the theme: Breaking Barriers in Sustainable Development Through Scientific, Inclusive and Equitable Solutions.
Side Event: Accelerating SDG 8 implementation: How academia can support policies and partnerships that provide decent work for all and sustainable economic growth
22 July, 1:15 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. NYC time (on site, UN HQ, room F)
Partners: University College Dublin (UCD), United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) SDG Hub 8, International Labour Organization (ILO), International Association of Universities (IAU), UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) – the SDG Academy, University of Gothenburg, University of Auckland, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Makerere University, University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City. Member State partners: Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda
Academia is uniquely positioned to be a driver of sustainable development through research, innovation, education, and collaboration. In support of SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth, universities have the opportunity and responsibility to shape an inclusive, equitable and resilient future. Learn more about the event here.
Speakers at the SDG 8 side event co-organised by IAU, GU, UCD and partners
Teaching the Change: Inclusive, Evidence-Based Learning for the SDGs
22 July 1:00 PM - 2:20 PM GMT+2 (online) Organised by Sulitest & PRME
In a rapidly shifting world shaped by misinformation, eco-anxiety, technological disruption, and polarized politics, education systems are at a critical crossroads. This side event, organized by Sulitest and Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME), explored how science-based, inclusive, and transformative education can support the 2030 Agenda and ensure all students develop sustainability literacy–knowledge, skills and mindset. Learn more here.
More about IAU at the HLPF: IAU has Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) which enables participation in this High-Level event since 2019. Read about current and previous IAU engagement at the HLPF here.
