From Berlin to New York: Our preparations for the HLPF 2026 – the national HLPF in Berlin

Exchange, consultation, preparation

This year’s HLPF will focus on SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation), SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy), SDG 9 (industry, innovation and infrastructure) and SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities). Through working groups, discussions and talks, ideas were gathered, challenges identified and potential solutions explored, so that Germany can speak with one strong voice in support of the 2030 Agenda and the 17 SDGs.

Our role as youth delegates

Our mission at the HLPF: to bring young people’s perspectives into the international sustainability dialogue – and to ensure that the interests of future generations are taken into account. Through various formats, we were able to share our views, discuss them with other participants and provide new impetus. We found it particularly fascinating to see just how diverse the perspectives of the various stakeholders are – ranging from government departments and local authorities to civil society. This is precisely where we see our role: building bridges and ensuring that the concerns of young people are not overlooked in these processes.

This year, Matilda, as rapporteur, was given the opportunity to summarise the findings of a working group and present them to the wider forum – directly to representatives from the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN).

Think globally, act locally

With this year’s focus on SDG 11, many local government representatives also took part in the national HLPF. Especially at a time when international cooperation is coming under increasing pressure, local partnerships are becoming ever more important. The numerous contributions from local government representatives have made it clear just how crucial the local level is for the implementation of the SDGs. For us, this has once again confirmed that sustainable development does not just happen on the global stage, but very specifically at a local level.

And now? Looking ahead to New York

Armed with many new ideas and contacts, we are now embarking on the next phase: the practical preparations for the HLPF in New York in July. For us, this is not just about our positions on the issues, but also about collaboration – for example, through joint initiatives such as side events surrounding the conference. At the same time, we want to share our impressions – for instance via social media – and continue our dialogue with you.

Our goal remains the same: to amplify the voices of young people – including at an international level.