A high-level discussion forum convened in Bonn today, February 26, 2026, to address the stalled progress toward the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The event, titled “Beyond 2030 – ein neues Momentum für die globale Nachhaltigkeits-Agenda” (Beyond 2030 – a new momentum for the global sustainability agenda), brought together representatives from Global Policy Forum Europe, the German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS), the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Germany, and the United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD).
The forum’s opening session focused on structural reasons for the insufficient implementation of the 2030 Agenda, questioning whether adequate resources and tools were ever effectively deployed. Participants examined systemic and geopolitical obstacles that hindered necessary transformations, and considered lessons for a potential “new social contract” beyond 2030. A central question debated was whether a fundamental course correction is needed in the sustainability agenda and its implementation methods to maintain progress amidst ongoing global challenges.
Recent setbacks in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have largely been attributed to global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical tensions, and a weakening of multilateralism, according to discussion points. However, organizers stated the forum aimed to broaden the scope of inquiry, examining additional factors complicating sustainable development.
Sarah Ganter of Global Policy Forum Europe delivered the opening remarks and moderated the discussion. She introduced the theme of the event, framing it as a search for “a new momentum for the global sustainability agenda.” Ganter also presented an initial impulse speech focusing on the future of the sustainability agenda in the context of global power asymmetries.
Philipp Bothe, representing the World Inequality Lab, offered a second impulse speech, examining the impact of the inequality crisis and the concentration of market power on global sustainability policy. The core of the event was a roundtable discussion featuring Dr. Axel Berger, Executive Director of IDOS and SDSN Germany, Bothe, and Dr. Katja Hujo of UNRISD. The panel addressed the question, “Kurskorrektur? Oder Kurshalten in stürmischen Zeiten!” (Course correction? Or holding course in stormy times?).
Global Policy Forum Europe, founded in New York in 1993 and with a European office established in Bonn in 2004, describes itself as an independent policy watchdog monitoring United Nations activities and promoting rights-based multilateralism. The organization, which has consultative status at the UN, scrutinizes global policymaking and advocates for accountability and civic participation in areas including social justice, sustainability, and human rights. The Bonn and New York teams cooperate closely, supported by a network of members, research fellows, and policy advisors worldwide.
UNRISD, a UN system entity yet operating independently, generates knowledge and insight on the social dimensions of contemporary development issues, co-creating research and policy analysis with global networks. The organization aims to center social equity, inclusion, and justice in development thinking and practice.
The event concluded without a publicly released statement or consensus on specific policy changes. Organizers indicated that further discussions in the “Beyond 2030” series are planned, with the next forum date yet to be announced.
