Using governance perspectives to advance the Sustainable Development Goals

The Committee of Experts on Public Administration (CEPA) will hold its 24th session at UN Headquarters in New York from 7 to 11 April 2025. They will discuss governance and institutional perspectives on advancing sustainable, inclusive, science and evidence-based solutions for the SDGs. The session will cover a range of topics critical to meeting today's sustainable development challenges, including: 

Preparations underway for the UN Ocean Conference

The ocean is one of Earth's most vital ecosystems, essential for sustaining life and livelihoods. Its critical role in sustainable development has been widely recognized and increasingly mainstreamed in relevant global efforts. From climate regulation and food security to economic resilience and biodiversity conservation, the ocean is at the heart of achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

We live longer than ever, but many health-related SDG targets are off-track ahead of 2030 deadline

Global health has improved significantly over the past 30 years thanks to advances in disease control, public safety, nutrition, personal hygiene and medical therapies. Progress towards universal health coverage and emphasizing primary healthcare, has contributed to rising life expectancies worldwide. 

Global trade in flux: Navigating policy volatility and structural shifts

International trade is once again in the spotlight. A new Monthly Briefing from UN DESA examines the evolving dynamics, offering insights into both the risks and potential opportunities ahead.

Structural shifts in global trade

Advancing fair and inclusive tax cooperation for sustainable development

Tax policy is at the heart of sustainable development. From funding essential public services to tackling inequality, a fair and effective tax system is fundamental to a just and resilient global economy.

For two decades, the UN Committee of Experts on International Cooperation in Tax Matters has played a key role in shaping tax norms and providing practical solutions that address pressing global challenges—from digital economy taxation and environmental taxation to tax transparency and extractive industries taxation. 

Amplifying the voices of civil society

Established in 1946, the Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) is a standing committee of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). It is the main gateway for NGOs, as representatives of civil society, to have a voice at the United Nations. The Committee is composed of 19 Member States and operates in accordance with ECOSOC resolution 1996/31. 

New ‘Future in Focus’ review spotlights UN DESA’s foresight efforts

Our complicated modern era requires leaders to use foresight to make strategic choices to shape a resilient, inclusive and sustainable world.

A new report from UN DESA shows how its work provides policymakers with strategic foresight analysis and other tools to help them understand emerging trends, as well as leverage new opportunities for sustainable development. 

UN ECOSOC holds its 2025 Coordination Segment

The international community will come together on 6-7 February, at UN Headquarters in New York for the 2025 ECOSOC Coordination Segment. The Segment will address the main annual theme of this year's session of ECOSOC and the High-level Political Forum: “Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs for leaving no one behind”.

Applications open for the 2026 United Nations Public Service Awards

Applications are now open for the 2026 United Nations Public Service Awards (UNPSA). 

UNPSA recognizes excellence in public service at the national, sub-national and local level. It rewards the creative achievements and contributions of public institutions that lead to a more effective and responsive public administration worldwide. It promotes the role, professionalism and visibility of the public service.

Applications for the 2026 UNPSA are invited in four categories: 

Advancing sustainable development by 2030 and beyond

What has changed in the development landscape since 2015 that demands changes in how we approach the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?  What lessons have we learned from the implementation of the 2030 Agenda so far? And what is needed from the international community to accelerate progress to 2030 and beyond, taking into account the current context and lessons learned?