1 September 2026 - This month, world leaders will convene at United Nations Headquarters in New York for the largest annual gathering in global diplomacy—the high-level week of the UN General Assembly (UNGA), happening 21-25 September. Amid mounting global challenges, UN Member States will participate in the UNGA’s 81st session, debating a broad agenda and seeking solutions to keep the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in reach by 2030. Here are some of the key moments to look out for this month and beyond.
1. Latest data on gender equality to be revealed
On 17 September, UN Women and UN DESA will launch the latest edition of the Gender Snapshot, revealing the latest data on gender equality. The 2026 edition will focus on leadership and will provide evidence showing that progress towards women’s equal participation in political leadership has lost momentum. Stay tuned and follow the launch on 17 September live on . The report will be available online .
2. SDG Moment to highlight recent progress
On 18 September, the annual SDG Moment will showcase inspiring stories of transformation from communities, countries and regions around the world, demonstrating how people everywhere are driving change across various SDGs. Follow the event live on as it unfolds in the UN General Assembly Hall.
3. UN Global Advocate Joseph Gordon-Levitt to put AI in focus
This year’s UNGA will feature appearances by actor, entrepreneur and digital innovator Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who was recently appointed as the UN’s first Global Advocate for Human-centric Digital Governance. The role, designated by the UN Internet Governance Forum (IGF) and supported by UN DESA, reflects the UN’s commitment to ensure that rapid digital transformation remains firmly anchored in inclusion and the public interest. During the UNGA high-level week, you can catch Gordon-Levitt at several events, including on 21 September at Digital Cooperation Day and in the SDG Media Zone.
4. SDG Media Zone puts spotlight on solutions
The SDG Media Zone will once again serve as a dynamic platform for conversations, innovation and storytelling around sustainable development. This year, UN DESA is expected to be involved in sessions on gender data and human-centric digital governance. Visitors to the SDG Media Zone will also be able to test a pilot version of the SDG Chat, an AI tool created by Accenture, UN DESA and the UN Office for Information and Communications Technology that aims to make trusted SDG information more easily digestible to a broad audience. The SDG Media Zone is organized by the UN Department of Global Communications in collaboration with the PVBLIC Foundation.
5. Unlocking private capital for energy transition and sustainable development
On 22 September, UN DESA partner , along with the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Kenya and the Government of Kenya, will convene a high-level roundtable event between the government, global investors and development finance partners to scale up private investments aligned with Kenya’s national priorities, including the objectives of Mission 300 and Kenya’s Energy Compact, as well as infrastructure projects.
6. Catalyzing progress on affordable and clean energy
Advancing SDG 7, which focuses on ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all, remains a critical priority. The annual SDG 7 Action Forum is back and will take place on 24 September at the Lebanese American University with support from UN DESA.
7. Advancing sustainable finance in the Second Committee
Beyond the UNGA high-level week, Member States will participate in the General Assembly’s Second Committee meetings, engaging in intensive discussions on some of the world’s most pressing development challenges, including how to ensure essential SDG financing.
Behind these negotiations, UN DESA will provide the substantive expertise and analytical support that help ensure informed deliberations and effective multilateral outcomes. The 81st session aims to strengthen the Committee’s efficiency, effectiveness, and relevance. The Department is supporting these reforms by providing policy expertise, technical guidance, and institutional knowledge to promote more evidence-based decision-making and improve intergovernmental processes.
UN DESA will also support the Committee’s negotiations on financing for development, the international financial system, illicit financial flows, asset recovery, and international tax cooperation. Poverty eradication will remain a key priority as the third UN Decade for the Eradication of Poverty nears its conclusion, with discussions focusing on progress in reducing poverty and rural poverty and on the theme “Safe Homes for All” for the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.
UN DESA also will support deliberations on operational activities for development, including the UN80 initiative, aimed at creating a more coherent, efficient and impactful UN system.
8. Empowering youth and promoting inclusion in the Third Committee
UN DESA’s Programme on Youth will support Youth Delegates and help them engage in the Third Committee and the UN’s work with young people.
Disability inclusion will be a key focus, as an upcoming Secretary-General’s report will review progress on disability-inclusive development and recommend actions to address remaining barriers and accelerate implementation of international commitments.
Population ageing also will receive attention ahead of the 25th anniversary of the second World Assembly on Ageing in 2027. With the global population aged 60 and over projected to grow significantly in the coming years, the UN will mark the International Day of Older Persons on 8 October under the theme “The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives.”
Beyond public events, UN DESA provides critical behind-the-scenes support for UN meetings and negotiations, including the Secretary-General’s bilateral meetings with representatives from more than 90 countries. Discussions will cover priorities such as the SDGs, financing for development, social development, support for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), and more. Throughout the 81st session of UNGA and beyond, UN DESA will continue supporting negotiations, policy discussions and initiatives aimed at advancing a more sustainable, inclusive and resilient world.
For more information:
UNGA High-level Week 2026
UNGA Second Committee
UNGA Third Committee