High-Level Political Forum (HLFP) 2025: Powering global progress for all women and girls
Achieving the 2030 Agenda hinges on realizing gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls. UN Women calls on Member States, partners, and stakeholders at all levels to act collectively and with urgency.
A turning point for the 2030 Agenda
From 14 to 23 July 2025, world leaders will gather in New York for the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development – an essential moment to re-commit, invest and act for gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls. UN Women is leading a global push to put the rights and empowerment of all women and girls at the heart of sustainable development.
With only five years left to achieve the 2030 Agenda, HLPF 2025 is not just another summit. It’s a global checkpoint, and a call to urgent action. At the center of this year’s review is Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5): gender equality. As progress stalls and setbacks rise, now is the time to scale proven solutions and renew global solidarity for all women and girls. We must double our actions to ensure that no woman or girl is left behind.
Beijing+30 in focus: a transformative roadmap
HLPF 2025 places the Beijing+30 Action Agenda in the spotlight, offering a clear and practical blueprint to accelerate gender equality and the empowerment and rights of all women and girls. This includes action on care systems, climate justice, digital inclusion, political participation, and gender-responsive institutions. On 24 July, the multi-stakeholder hearing will elevate inclusive voices and showcase how feminist leadership and smart investments can drive real results for all women and girls.
Programme
Throughout HLPF 2025, UN Women will lead and support critical dialogues that bridge policy and practice. These spaces will highlight data-driven policies, inclusive partnerships, and resilient strategies to drive change for all women and girls across health, economy, education, environment and governance.
Achieving the 2030 Agenda hinges on realizing gender equality. UN Women calls on Member States, partners and stakeholders at all levels to act collectively and with urgency, invest decisively, and elevate the leadership, rights and voices of all women and girls as a driving force for inclusive, sustainable and transformative change.
Gender Equality Training and Practice Series: SDG 5 in Focus
15 July | 8a.m.–9:45a.m. EDT (Virtual)
In this hands-on session, participants will learn practical tools and strategies to implement gender-responsive policies. Designed for governments, civil society, and development practitioners, the training aims to empower all stakeholders with knowledge and networks. Click here for more information.
SDG 5 and Interlinkages with Other SDGs
15 July | 10a.m.–1p.m. EDT
Executive Director Sima Bahous joins global leaders to explore how gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls can expedite the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. Click here for more information.
Strengthening Alliances for SDG Implementation
17 July | 3p.m.–4:30p.m. EDT
Deputy Executive Director Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda highlights how partnerships with civil society, youth, and governments can accelerate change. This session will showcase best practices in multi-stakeholder collaboration for implementing the 2030 Agenda. Link forthcoming.
Empowered Women, Inclusive Economies: Catalyzing Sustainable Futures
22 July | 1:15p.m.–2:30p.m. EDT
Co-hosted with Finland, ILO, Brazil, and Ethiopia, this event will examine how inclusive economic models and robust care systems can unlock women’s potential. The dialogue will spotlight success stories and scalable solutions to drive economic empowerment for all women and girls. Click here for more information.
Accelerating Implementation Through Gender-Responsive VNRs: Lessons from a Decade of Practice
23 July | 2p.m.–3:30p.m. EDT
UN Women, in collaboration with the Permanent Missions of Colombia, the Permanent Mission of the Philippines, DESA, ESCAP and UNDCO, is organizing a VNR Lab on Gender-Responsive Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) as the HLPF marks a decade of practice. This VNR Lab provides a timely opportunity to reflect on national efforts and experiences in integrating gender equality, rights and the empowerment of women and girls across the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. Click here for more information.
Multi-Stakeholder Hearing on Beijing+30
24 July | 10a.m.–1p.m. EDT
This hearing will be one of UN Women’s most significant engagements on the margins of the HLPF. It will feature the participation of the President of the General Assembly, the UN Secretary General and UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous, and bring together Member States, UN entities, civil society, youth, the private sector, philanthropy and academia to renew commitment and catalyze transformative action towards the Beijing+30 Action Agenda ahead of the September high-level meeting.
