Forus is participating in the the 2026 United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) with a strong delegation of members and partners from across the globe, bringing national civil society experiences, and localised solutions to one of the most important global spaces for sustainable development dialogue. 

Elevating the voices of National Platforms 

At this year’s HLPF Forus members - national civil society platforms and regional coalitions - will show how through their work in more than 74 countries, they connect thousands of civil society organisations, facilitate dialogue between citizens and decision-makers, and strengthen collective action around shared & sustainable development priorities. Their experiences will once again provide evidence on what is working, where progress is slow, and what must change when it comes to the SDGs. 

Throughout HLPF 2026, Forus members will contribute to discussions on an enabling environment for civil society, civic space, accountability, sustainable development financing, the future of global cooperation, and the post-2030 agenda. 

Strengthening South-South and Triangular Cooperation 

A highlight of Forus' participation is the launch of a new global report on South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC). 

Drawing on more than twenty case studies from across the Forus network, the report explores how cooperation between countries and civil society actors can become more inclusive, accountable, and effective. It highlights that civil society is not merely a beneficiary or implementing partner of South-South and Triangular Cooperation, but an active driver of knowledge exchange, innovation, mutual learning and locally led development. It argues that recognising these contributions is essential if SSTC is to realise its transformative potential. 

Towards and beyond 2030 

A key focus of Forus' engagement this year is the emerging debate on what comes after Agenda 2030. 

Building on consultations with members and partners worldwide, Forus is using HLPF 2026 to amplify its Post-2030 Vision, a collective civil society contribution to discussions on the future development framework. 

The vision sets out our 3Ds, what civil society must defend, demand, and decline as governments begin shaping the next global agenda. It calls for stronger participation, greater accountability, more equitable financing, and development models that place people, rights, and planetary sustainability at their centre. Learn more about our Post-2030 vision here. 

Bringing national civil society evidence to the global stage 

This year, 14 Forus National Platforms are based in countries presenting their Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) at the HLPF—Brazil, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Estonia, Guinea, Kiribati, Mozambique, Norway, Rwanda, Senegal, Togo , Tanzania and Uruguay. As governments report on their progress towards the SDGs, Forus members will help bring complementary civil society perspectives to these national reviews, ensuring that local realities, community experiences and independent evidence contribute to the global conversation. 

To complement the official VNR process, Forus is launching a new season of its podcast series Beyond the Review, where civil society leaders from National Platforms across the network reflect on their countries' reviews, discuss progress and persistent challenges, and explore what meaningful accountability and civil society participation look like in practice. 

These conversations are further strengthened by evidence from the EU System for an Enabling Environment for Civil Society (EU SEE), a global monitoring initiative covering 86 countries. Drawing on data and analysis collected by national civil society partners, the project provides an independent picture of the conditions that enable—or constrain—civil society action, from civic freedoms and access to resources to public participation and digital rights. By combining official government reporting with civil society evidence, Forus will continue to promote a more complete understanding of sustainable development progress and the enabling conditions needed for civil society to contribute effectively to the achievement of the SDGs. 

Promoting participation and accountability 

Forus continues to advocate for meaningful civil society participation in global decision-making processes. Through its support for initiatives such as #UNMute and #1for8Billion ahead of the election of the next UN Secretary General, the network is contributing to broader efforts to make international governance more transparent, inclusive, and accountable.  

Learn more about our engagement with reports, events and podcasts in our online hub below! Will you be at the HLPF? Reach out to our colleagues and members on the ground by contacting [email protected] or for communications [email protected]