High-level Political Forum 2021 Debrief
One year ago, the United Nations High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) was the first major global gathering to keep its full schedule when it pivoted to a virtual setting. The pandemic had only been declared four months previously. Disastrous waves of infections had yet to strike. Privileged governments were still in the early days of deploying massive stimulus packages.
As the 2021 HLPF approaches, there’s cause for hope and concern. Approved vaccines are blunting COVID case numbers in some parts of the world; in others, shots are a rare or non-existent treasure. Economic relief has flowed to some people and environmentally sustainable sectors, but dollars have also gone to high-polluting industries while missing marginalized groups.
With a world reeling from the health and economic impacts of COVID-19, how will the HLPF build momentum for the 2030 Agenda and bolster commitments to Leave No One Behind?
The International Institute for Sustainable Development invites you to a panel discussion and Q&A session the day after the Forum closes, answering:
- How did the second virtual HLPF go?
- What challenges were identified and what themes emerged for moving forward with SDG implementation as we “recover” from the global pandemic?
- Where does the 2030 Agenda go from here?
IISD’s team of experts will provide a brief snapshot of the HLPF’s proceedings and challenges in the coming year.
Upcoming events
2026 Investment Policy Forum
The 17th edition of IISD's Investment Policy Forum will take place from September 16 to 18, 2026, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Weathering the Waters: Building climate resilience that pays off
Join us to explore Canada’s adaptation progress, the rising costs of delay (water, floods, drought), and new ways to finance resilience.
Natural Solutions for Water Security: Canada's Policy Path Forward
This 2-day forum aims to advance strategic priorities and define practical next steps for accelerating the adoption of natural infrastructure as a new normal.
Unpacking National Investment Laws: Dispute settlement
Join IISD and UNCTAD for a webinar on May 7 as we explore key findings and recommendations from two recent publications on national investment laws and their investor–state dispute settlement provisions. A panel of experts will discuss the risks posed by dispute settlement provisions in investment laws, emerging good practices, and the urgent need for coherence between domestic legal frameworks and international treaty reform efforts.