AMERICA - Held on July 9, 2026, as a special event of the United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), the 2026 Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI) Global Forum was organized under the theme “Reimagining Higher Education for Global Transformation toward a Sustainable Future.”

The forum brought together representatives from academia, international organizations, policymakers, students, and other stakeholders to examine how universities can contribute to global sustainable development through education, research, and partnerships.

The event focused on the role of higher education institutions in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with discussions centered on how universities can move beyond sustainability commitments and integrate sustainability principles into teaching, research, institutional practices, and engagement with society.

Universities as Drivers of Research and Innovation

HESI highlighted the role of universities as key actors in addressing global challenges by producing knowledge, supporting evidence-based policymaking, fostering innovation, and building partnerships with governments, communities, businesses, civil society, and international organizations.

Discussions explored how higher education institutions can strengthen their contribution to sustainable development through curriculum reform, research initiatives, innovation programs, and collaboration across sectors.

Participants emphasized that universities have a role beyond traditional education, serving as platforms for developing solutions to environmental, economic, and social challenges.

Integrating Sustainability Into Education

The forum examined ways in which institutions can embed sustainability into teaching and learning, ensuring students develop the knowledge and skills needed to address complex global challenges.

Participants also discussed the importance of incorporating sustainability into university strategies and operations, including institutional decision-making, research priorities, and engagement with local and global communities.

Equity and inclusion were identified as important considerations, with discussions focusing on the need to ensure sustainability efforts contribute to broader access and opportunities within higher education.

Higher Education Faces a Changing Global Landscape

The forum addressed challenges affecting universities worldwide, including rapid technological developments, demographic changes, evolving labor market needs, financial pressures, and inequalities in access to quality education.

These shifts have increased calls for higher education institutions to adapt their approaches and strengthen their role in supporting sustainable development.

Speakers highlighted the importance of collaboration between universities and wider society to respond to these challenges and create more resilient education systems.

HESI’s Role in Advancing Sustainable Education

The 2026 forum forms part of HESI’s broader efforts to support cooperation between United Nations entities and the higher education community on sustainability initiatives.

Through knowledge-sharing, partnerships, and global dialogue, HESI works to encourage universities to contribute to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The initiative also promotes engagement among students, educators, and institutions to advance sustainability practices and encourage participation in shaping the future of higher education.

Linking Higher Education With Sustainable Development

The forum took place during the UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, the main United Nations platform for reviewing progress on the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals.

By focusing on higher education’s contribution to sustainable development, the event highlighted the role universities can play in generating knowledge, supporting innovation, and helping societies address interconnected global challenges.

The discussions reinforced calls for stronger cooperation among academic institutions, governments, international organizations, and communities to support a more sustainable future.