Background
The 2026 Partnership Forum of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) takes place on 27 January 2026 at the UN Headquarters in New York under the theme “Transformative, equitable, innovative and coordinated actions for the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs for a sustainable future for all”. The Forum places a special emphasis on the Sustainable Development Goals under in-depth review at the 2026 high-level political forum on sustainable development (HLPF), namely Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), Goal 9 (Industry Innovation and Infrastructure), Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
In accordance with resolution 75/290A, the Partnership Forum focuses on exchanging new ideas, expectations and priorities for the work ahead for the ECOSOC cycle and the HLPF under the auspices of the Council, highlighting and discussing forward-looking actions by governments and other stakeholders through innovative partnerships that aim to mobilize commitments and actions to advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and address new challenges. It is organized in consultation with stakeholders and allows interactive discussions among all stakeholders on the main theme of the Council and the HLPF.
| Forum Programme | Side Events |
Watch live
Trusteeship Council Chamber (Key insights from SDG Action Segments, Panel on SDG 17, Plenary session, Closing) - 3 - 6PM
Sponsor
The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) expresses its appreciation to the PVBLIC Foundation for providing financial support to the 2026 ECOSOC Partnership Forum.
To stay informed on Forum preparations and other intergovernmental updates related to sustainable development, subscribe to the SDG Stakeholder mailing list here.
Previous editions of the ECOSOC Partnership Forum:
- 2025 ECOSOC Partnership Forum
- 2024 ECOSOC Partnership Forum
- 2023 ECOSOC Partnership Forum
- 2022 ECOSOC Partnership Forum
- 2021 ECOSOC Partnership Forum
- 2020 ECOSOC Partnership Forum
- 2019 ECOSOC Partnership Forum
2008-2018 ECOSOC Partnership Forums can be accessed via the ECOSOC website here.
Background documents
Summaries
Guidelines
Member States
Stakeholders
Closing Session
Tuesday, 27 Jan
The 2026 ECOSOC Partnership Forum is a key opportunity to galvanize Member States, UN system and IGOs, representatives of Major Groups and Other Stakeholders early in the ECOSOC cycle and harness the power of partnerships to accelerate SDG implementation.
To inform the preparation for the 2026 ECOSOC Partnership Forum, the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) convened a global online stakeholder consultation from 15 September to 31 October 2025 to solicit written views, experiences and proposals from all relevant stakeholders, such as parliamentarians, local governments, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, civil society, scientists, academia, women, youth, and major groups and other stakeholders.
The Summary Report and Key Takeaways from the Global Online Stakeholder Consultation are now available to inform Forum preparations. An Extract has also been prepared with relevant recommendations to inform the ECOSOC/HLPF Review in 2026.
 |  |  |
| 39 pages | DOWNLOAD | | | 3 pages | DOWNLOAD | | | 5 pages | DOWNLOAD | |
Participation
The 2026 ECOSOC Partnership Forum is open to all those in possession of valid UN Grounds Passes for the UNHQ in New York, up to the capacity of the Conference rooms.
Registration for those not in possession of not in possession of valid UN Grounds passes is now closed.
Note: The Secretariat has contacted registered participants with details about how to pick up Special Events Tickets and access the UNHQ.
Please, note! Participants are responsible for all necessary arrangements related to their in-person participation, including travel, visa and others, as appropriate. The Secretariat will not follow up on individual requests for visa letters neither will liaise with the host country on visa issues.
Important: The United Nations does not charge any fees for participation in its conferences and events. Please remain vigilant if you are asked to make a payment to participate in the UN events or if you receive any communications that appear fraudulent. If you encounter such requests, kindly report them to dsdg@un.org.
Access to the UNHQ and Special Events Ticket (SET)
All in-person participants MUST be in possession of either a valid UN grounds pass or a Special Events Ticket issued by the United Nations to enter the United Nations Headquarters.
If you have a valid UN grounds pass: no action is needed. You can use your grounds pass to enter the UNHQ.
If you do not have a UN grounds pass AND you have registered for a Special Events Ticket, please bring your government-issued photo ID (must be issued by a UN Member State) and present a copy of your registration confirmation letter (printed or virtual) to collect your ticket at the following location/time:
When: Tuesday, 27 January, 9.00 am – 11:00 am
Note: Participants are strongly encouraged to arrive early, as multiple events will be taking place at the United Nations Headquarters on the same day and security lines may be lengthy. Early arrival is recommended to avoid delays.
Where: 333 E 45th St, New York, NY 10017 (45th Street, between 1st and 2nd avenue)
Please note: you can only collect your own SET during the above time window. The Secretariat will not be able to facilitate any latecomers/requests.
Please, be prepared for lines to collect SETs and for security screening.
Plenary Interventions
➢ Member states, observers and UN entities:
There is no pre-established list of speakers for the plenary session (3:50 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.). In order to request the floor, delegations are requested to press the button on the console when the floor is opened by the presiding officer. Given the limited time available, interventions in the plenary session should be limited to 3 minutes or less. The time limit will be strictly implemented, including through the muting of microphones once the time limit is reached, as needed.
Written copies of all statements delivered during the plenary sessions should be sent to estatements@un.org at least two hours in advance of delivery. The subject line of the email should clearly identify the date and time of the meeting at which the intervention will be delivered. Interpretation for statements not sent in advance may be impacted or suspended.
➢ Non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders:
Time permitting, representatives from non-governmental organizations in consultative status with ECOSOC will be invited to make short oral statements on the main theme of the Forum during the plenary session (3:50 - 5:45PM) in person at the UNHQ in New York.
Official representatives from non-governmental organizations in consultative status with ECOSOC were invited to indicate their interest in making short interventions during the plenary meetings, subject to the availability of time, by using a dedicated form.
The open call is now closed and submissions are under review. Only selected speakers will be contacted by the Secretariat.
For additional information on participation modalities and practical logistics for the 2026 ECOSOC Partnership Forum, please refer to the Information Note.
SIDE EVENTS
In parallel to the main programme, a limited number of high-level side events were organized by UN Member States, UN entities, relevant International Organizations and stakeholder networks. Side events served as platforms to showcase multi-stakeholder partnerships and forward-looking initiatives by governments, UN entities and IGOs, and other stakeholders, especially in connection with the theme and SDGs under review at the 2026 HLPF. They highlighted innovative partnerships that mobilize commitments and actions to advance the 2030 Agenda and address emerging challenges.
Please find all summaries here.
In-person Side Events
- Please find the in-person Side Events programme for 27 January here.
Virtual Side Events
- Please find the virtual Side Events programme for 26-27 January here.
Off-site Side Events
- Please find the off-site Side Events programme for 26-27 January here.
For further information regarding side events, please contact dsdg@un.org with [Side Events – 2026 ECOSOC Partnership Forum] in the subject.
Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Group
To ensure inclusive preparations, the President of ECOSOC, His Excellency Lok Bahadur Thapa, Permanent Representative of Nepal to the United Nations, has established a temporary, informal Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Group to assist in the preparations for the 2026 ECOSOC Partnership Forum.
On 13 November 2025, the inaugural meeting of the Advisory Group was convened. During the meeting, the President set out his vision for a Forum that strengthens the broader ECOSOC cycle and accelerates delivery on the SDGs. Members offered reflections on how the Forum can generate stronger momentum, broaden engagement, and scale transformative partnerships - particularly in relation to SDGs 6, 7, 9, 11 and 17. Summary of the meeting here.
As part of the preparations for the 2026 ECOSOC Partnership Forum and its SDG Action Segments, the 2026 Partnership Snapshot has been developed with the purpose to provide a concise and informative overview of various partnerships, with the aim of inspiring governments and stakeholders to actively engage in collaborations that advance the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Additionally, the Snapshot emphasizes key elements of building effective multi-stakeholder partnerships and fostering meaningful stakeholder engagement for the 2030 Agenda, drawing on DESA’s guidance materials.
"Delivering better through partnerships" - Interview with ECOSOC President (DESA Voice, January 2026)
Join us on social media using the hashtags #Partnership4SDGs #GlobalGoals
(Trello Board of 2026 ECOSOC Partnership Forum communication assets)
30 January 2026 | When partnerships deliver better, the SDGs advance faster
Flickr Album of 2026 ECOSOC Partnership Forum
