New York, September 18, 2026:
The United Nations has begun its 2026 High-Level Week, bringing global attention to sustainable development, international cooperation and major challenges facing countries around the world.

The 81st session of the UN General Assembly opened on September 8, while the High-Level Week is scheduled from September 18 to 28. The annual General Debate, where heads of state, government leaders and senior representatives address the Assembly, will begin on September 22.

The programme began on September 18 with the SDG Moment, convened by UN Secretary-General António Guterres. This year’s event focuses on accelerating implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals under the theme “Together, We Can Get There.”

According to the UN, the latest Sustainable Development Goals Report shows that among 139 targets with available trend data, 36% are on track or showing moderate progress. However, the organization says progress remains too slow and uneven, with financing gaps, climate shocks, debt pressures, conflicts and inequality continuing to affect implementation.

The High-Level Week will also address climate action, sea-level rise, pandemic preparedness, the right to development, racism and nuclear disarmament. The UN General Assembly’s General Debate is scheduled for September 22–26 and September 28.

The gathering comes as the UN faces a wide range of geopolitical and economic challenges. Secretary-General Guterres has highlighted artificial intelligence, climate change and inequality among the major issues requiring international cooperation, while conflicts and global security will also feature prominently in discussions.