The High-level Political Forum 2026: The Power of Vision for a Sustainable Future
Join us! Friday 10 July | 6.15-7.45 BST | Zoom
Hybrid event: The Power of Vision: Advancing Integrated and Interconnected Development
written by Dr. May East
Every July, governments, United Nations agencies, civil society organisations, businesses and researchers gather in New York for the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) – the United Nations' principal platform for reviewing progress towards the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This year's Forum comes at a critical moment. With less than five years remaining until 2030, the focus is no longer simply on accelerating action, but on ensuring that action is transformative, equitable, innovative and coordinated. The question is not only how we achieve the Goals, but how we do so in ways that strengthen the relationships between people, communities and the living systems upon which all life depends.
The HLPF 2026 will review progress on SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Together, these goals remind us that sustainable development cannot be achieved through isolated actions.
Progress emerges when environmental stewardship, social well-being, economic development and meaningful partnerships are understood as interconnected dimensions of a single living system.
Join the hybrid event online
It is in this spirit that the Findhorn Foundation is pleased to co-host the online HLPF side event:
The Power of Vision: Advancing Integrated and Interconnected Development
UN headquarters in New York
A transformative vision allows development efforts to move beyond short-term solutions toward meaningful, long-term impact. At its core, development is about people. Lasting progress depends on human transformation – shifts in consciousness, values, attitudes and behaviours that support shared well-being. Equally important is integrating the natural world into all development efforts, ensuring flourishing is an embedded value rather than an afterthought. This approach is grounded in a unitive perspective, recognising the indivisibility of economic, social and environmental goals.
This interactive hybrid session will explore the power of shared vision, which fosters a sense of common destiny and provides a strong foundation for SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. By cultivating collaboration over competition, it invites participants to explore pathways towards more inclusive, equitable and interconnected forms of development that leave no one behind.
Event details
The session brings together Alfredo Sfeir Younis, former Director at the World Bank and environmental economist; Youssef Mahmoud, former United Nations Under-Secretary-General; and Audrey Kitagawa, founder of the International Academy for Multicultural Collaboration.
The event is organised by Brahma Kumaris, the Findhorn Foundation, Gaia Education, Pathways to Peace and the Unitive Cluster of the NGO Major Group.
The Power of Vision: Advancing Integrated and Interconnected Development
Date: 10 July
Time: 1:15–2:45 pm EDT (6.15-7.45 pm BST)
Location: Online via Zoom
We warmly invite the Findhorn Foundation community and friends around the world to join this conversation as we explore how shared vision, inner transformation and genuine partnership can help shape a flourishing future for all.
