The United Nations General Assembly has approved a new framework that will guide global reviews of sustainable development progress and international cooperation through 2029. The decisions define future priorities for the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF).

The resolutions were adopted during the UNGA plenary meeting on July 24, 2026, after a five-month negotiation process involving UN member states. The decisions set the themes and review schedules for upcoming sessions linked to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

UN Sets Themes For Future Development Reviews

The approved resolutions establish the thematic focus for ECOSOC and HLPF sessions in 2028 and 2029.

The 2028 theme will focus on “Deliver, Turning Promises into Action” and will examine efforts to accelerate coordinated action for sustainable development. The 2029 theme will focus on “All In: Eradicating Poverty and Leaving No Goal Behind,” with attention on reducing poverty and advancing the full implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The UN conducts periodic reviews of ECOSOC and HLPF arrangements. The previous review in 2024 called for a comprehensive assessment during the UNGA’s 80th session.

The 2026 review process was led by co-facilitators François Jackman of Barbados and Natasha Meli of Malta. The negotiations included an elements paper, a zero draft, a revised draft, and three detailed readings of the proposed texts.

SDG Reviews Planned For 2028 And 2029

The HLPF resolution identified the SDGs that will receive detailed reviews in future sessions.

In 2028, the forum will review SDGs related to clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, industry and innovation, sustainable cities, responsible consumption, climate action, oceans, biodiversity, and partnerships. These include SDGs 6, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 17.

In 2029, the review will cover poverty, hunger, health, education, gender equality, economic growth, reduced inequalities, peace and institutions, along with partnerships. These include SDGs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, 16 and 17.

UN Development Agenda Moves Toward 2030 Review

The UN said ECOSOC will also review its subsidiary bodies in 2027. At the next SDG Summit in September 2027, the General Assembly is expected to assess progress across all 17 SDGs and begin discussions on a post-2030 sustainable development framework.

The latest resolutions provide a structured timeline for reviewing global development efforts as countries approach the final years of the 2030 Agenda.