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As the World Opens Its Ledger for 2030: Will the Sustainable Development Goals Be Achieved on Time?

Prof. Dr. Sayed Fathi Ahmed Al-Khouli

Publication Date: July 6, 2026 10:45 KSA

From July 7 to 15, 2026, the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development will convene in New York City. It is the most important international platform for monitoring the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The forum represents the annual checkpoint where the world takes stock, asking three fundamental questions: What have we actually achieved? Where are we still lagging? What must change before it is too late?

This year's forum holds exceptional significance, coming just four years before the deadline for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. International reports indicate that the world has made progress in some areas but still faces major challenges in achieving many goals. Therefore, the forum will focus on five pillars of modern development: clean water and sanitation, clean energy, industry, innovation and infrastructure, sustainable cities and communities, and partnerships for the goals. Saudi Arabia will participate in the forum with a delegation led by His Excellency the Minister of Economy and Planning. The Kingdom will present its third Voluntary National Review, following the 2018 and 2023 reports, showcasing progress in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals, key challenges, and priorities for the next phase, with the participation of over 140 entities from the public sector, private sector, universities, civil society organizations, and international partners.