SDGs CONFERENCE 2026

www.unga-conference.org 

PANEL 1: RENEWING MULTILATERAL SYSTEMS FOR A NEW GLOBAL FRAMEWORK

The global landscape is at a critical crossroads, calling for a comprehensive revitalization of multilateral institutions to effectively address today’s complex challenges in accordance with universal human rights and international law. As shifts in power dynamics and financial systems continue to unfold, the UN 2.0 initiative aims to reform core UN functions through a coordinated framework designed to improve efficiency, transparency, and accountability. This moment is especially pivotal as the UN prepares to elect its next Secretary-General, with a focus on fostering greater openness and inclusivity to rebuild trust in multilateral leadership.

In the face of widespread global issues—such as rising authoritarianism, diminishing civic freedoms, cybersecurity threats, misinformation, and societal polarization—geopolitical changes are eroding democratic institutions. Redefining multilateralism under these circumstances requires collective efforts to strengthen governance, uphold shared values, and adapt systems to the evolving technological and geopolitical landscape. Enhanced international cooperation and alignment of priorities are crucial to reinforcing rules-based global governance, promoting human rights, advancing gender equality, and fostering multilateral collaboration—especially as public confidence in international institutions continues to decline. Cultivating a shared sense of purpose and adhering to the principle of “leaving no one behind” has never been more essential.

Panel 1 will explore how reforms can create a more resilient, inclusive, and effective multilateral system capable of responding to today’s contested global environment and empowering future generations. It will identify factors contributing to fragmentation and propose inclusive policy actions to shape a renewed multilateral architecture suited for the future.  

Key topics to be discussed include:

• The Pillars of the UN 2.0 Initiative: A Coordinated Framework to Renovate the UN Operations with innovative skills and forward-thinking culture
• A Projection into the next UN Secretary-General Elections: Transparency and Reform of the Selection Process
• Reshaping the Future of Multilateralism: Global Challenges testing the Existing International Systems;
• Overarching priorities of the European Union at the UN for rules-based global governance agencies; 
• Emerging Trends shrinking Civic Spaces amid Rapid Geopolitical Changes. 

PANEL 2: BRIDGING DIVIDES: STRENGTHENING CIVIC TRUST AND REBUILDING SHARED VALUES

Political polarization is no longer just a domestic issue; it has evolved into a global barrier to sustainable development. When societies are unable to constructively engage with differences, trust in institutions diminishes, social cohesion deteriorates, and collective action becomes increasingly challenging. In such a climate, achieving progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—especially those related to peace, justice, strong institutions, and inclusive societies—encounters formidable obstacles.

However, polarization is not an unavoidable fate. Across the globe, citizens, civil society organizations, faith communities, and public leaders are implementing tangible strategies to rebuild trust, enhance civic relationships, and cultivate a renewed sense of shared purpose.

Panel 2 will explore how societies can bridge deepening divides and cultivate the habits of listening, humility, and collaboration necessary for democratic resilience and sustainable development. Special attention will be given to community-based depolarization efforts that equip ordinary citizens to engage across political, ideological, religious, and cultural differences.

Key topics to be discussed include:

• Main drivers of political polarization and social discontent today;
• Impacts of polarization towards the progress on sustainable development and social cohesion; 
• Reclaiming civic agency and strengthening participatory democracy;
• Practical approaches helping people to listen, disagree respectfully; and work together across differences;
• The role of education, media, technology and faith communities in either exacerbating or mitigating polarization.

PANEL 3: PRESS FREEDOM AND INDEPENDENT JOURNALISM AS A CROSS-CUTTING ENABLER OF PEACE

In an increasingly interconnected and digital world, press freedom and independent journalism remain fundamental pillars that foster positive peace, advance sustainable development, and support conflict resolution. However, the rapidly evolving information landscape presents significant challenges.

Social media platforms have accelerated the spread of content, creating new channels for information dissemination. Yet, this expansion has also facilitated the proliferation of disinformation, misinformation, and hate speech, undermining public trust and compromising the integrity of the information environment. Protecting journalistic credibility in this context requires strong safeguards, legal protections, and adherence to ethical standards to ensure accurate reporting and the safety of journalists.

Beyond misinformation, journalists face escalating threats, including transnational repression and digital attacks such as cyber harassment, surveillance, and targeted disinformation campaigns. These tactics are often employed to intimidate or silence media professionals, especially those exposing human rights violations or challenging authoritarian regimes. Such threats weaken press independence and threaten social cohesion and peace.

Women journalists are particularly vulnerable, experiencing a surge in violence and threats worldwide, often influenced by regional risks and cultural factors. Gender-based violence, harassment, and intimidation hinder their participation and limit their ability to report on critical issues, leading to increased self-censorship. Addressing these issues requires gender-responsive strategies that prioritize safety, equality, and empowerment within the media sector.

Furthermore, concerns surrounding artificial intelligence and automated content generation threaten to erode public confidence in media institutions. As AI-driven disinformation and deepfake technologies grow more sophisticated, tackling these challenges calls for renewed efforts to improve media literacy, transparency, and accountability.

Panel 3 will explore how protecting journalistic integrity, combating digital repression, safeguarding women journalists, and countering AI-driven disinformation are essential for building resilient, independent media ecosystems that underpin peace, democracy, and human rights worldwide.

Key topics to be discussed include:

• Protecting Journalistic Integrity and the Information Ecosystem in the era of Content Journalism on Social Media Platforms
• Combatting Transnational Repression and Digital Attacks on Journalists
• Addressing the Global Suge in Violence against Women Journalists: Regional Challenges and Gender-Responsive Solutions
• Strengthening Public Trust in Media against Artificial Intelligence and Disinformation Trends.

DAY 1: JWF High-Level Reception 2026 (Monday, Sept. 21, 2026)

On the opening day of the High-Level Week, this networking event gathers global partners from various countries to engage with UN Ambassadors, diplomats, journalists, academics, and human rights defenders. As advocates of sustainable peace and development, participants introduce their transformative actions towards a more prosperous world while establishing new networks to generate future multistakeholder collaborations. The High-Level Reception hosts over 150 delegates and global partners worldwide, including Ministers, UN diplomats, civil society members, journalists, academics, youth advocates, etc.

DAY 2: SDGs Roundtable Discussion 2026 (Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026)

SDGs Roundtable Discussion discussed critical issues to promote and protect sustainable peace and development globally. This side-event aimed to create a platform for the international delegations of interfaith leaders, civil society members, academics, and experts to share their expert opinions, exchange ideas on various development challenges and offer inclusive solutions to the contemporary challenges on social, economic, and environmental issues. Speakers explored the pivotal role of interfaith dialogue in achieving the SDGs while sharing civil society best practices and initiatives for the SDGs. SDGs Roundtable Discussions host distinguished speakers from around the world, including prominent interfaith leaders, civil society pioneers, peacemakers, academics, etc.

DAY 3: SDGs Conference 2026 (Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026)

This multi-stakeholder platform generated an opportunity to offer inclusive policy suggestions to address setbacks of the stagnating implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. The SDGs Conference also unfolded key thematic discussions aligned with broader global development frameworks, offering a once-in-a-generation opportunity to revive multilateralism with the mission of reflecting the realities of our day and address future challenges and opportunities. SDGs Conference 2026 hosts outstanding speakers across the globe, including UN Ambassadors, journalists, academics and human rights defenders, and prominent civil society leaders.

Additional Activities

Manhattan Cruise Tour: Our international guests will have the chance to embark on the Manhattan Cruise Tour on Sept. 22nd, offering a spectacular view of the NYC Skyline from the boat. 

Institutional Visits: Additionally, we will arrange institutional visits, meet-and-greet sessions with NGO leaders, and family dinners to foster meaningful connections and lasting friendships.