The eight events you can’t miss in 2022

Mark your calendars, clean your webcams and pack your bags – these are the eight sustainable development events you cannot miss in 2022.

1. The state of our economy explained

On 13 January, UN DESA experts will reveal their latest estimates of the state and future of the global economy. See if the tenuous recovery from the pandemic is taking hold and if the promises of building back better and greener are being fulfilled.

2. Focus on Least Developed Countries

The world’s 47 least developed countries (LDCs) have been hit particularly hard by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and their recovery has been seriously hampered by unequal access to vaccines. The LDC 5 Conference will focus on the needs of countries most at risk of being left behind. The event was originally scheduled to take place from 23 to 27 January, but has been postponed due to the current rise in COVID-19 cases. The General Assembly is expected to decide on new dates in January.

3. Climate action is SDGs action

Limiting global warming to 1.5°C would require rapid, far-reaching and unprecedented changes in all aspects of society, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The Sustainable Development Goals can provide a pattern for a transition that is global, holistic and just. But the SDGs and climate communities must work together. The Climate-SDG synergies conference in Tokyo in March will aim to bring them even closer together.

4. How has COVID-19 changed the global population

The first global estimate of the world’s population since the global pandemic hit will be released in May. Stay tuned to see how COVID-19 has impacted the number and composition of our societies around the world. Follow the 2022 World Population Prospects launch.

5. Saving our Ocean

Producer of half of the world’s oxygen. A source of livelihoods for over 3 billion people. Home to up to 10 million species of living creatures. Our ocean is a critical part of the Earth’s life-support system. We cannot afford to destroy it. In June, the second UN Ocean Conference in Lisbon, Portugal, will spearhead action to #SaveOurOcean.

6. High-level Political Forum

HLPF – these four letters have become synonymous with the largest annual gathering of governments, activists, researchers and anyone who believes in working together for a greener, more just and more prosperous world. As every year, the world will come together in July to take stock of progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals and chart the way forward.

7. A world on the move

Urbanization, technology, climate change, economic opportunity, wars. There are many reasons why people around the world decide to leave their country. Later during the year, a new report from the UN DESA Population Division will explore the migration megatrends to explain how, why, and where people move.

8. Clean water and sanitation for all

The world is not on track to achieving safe water and sanitation for all. We need concrete and bold action to make sure nobody is hung out to dry. While the UN Water Conference is planned for 2023, the preparation begins already this year. Don’t miss the Preparatory Meeting for the UN 2023 Water Conference taking place in November in New York.

Don’t fall out of the loop! Stay abreast of these – and many more – events this year by following UN DESA on Facebook and Twitter. And don’t forget to sign up to our monthly newsletter UN DESA Voice.