The UN Regional Forums on Sustainable Development (RFSDs) are crucial platforms for driving progress on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by addressing region-specific challenges, fostering regional cooperation, and promoting inclusive dialogue among governments, civil society, the private sector, and other stakeholders. The chair’s summary will be submitted to the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and conveyed to the 2025 High-Level Political Forum (HLPF).
In 2025, the RFSDs will center on the theme: “Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals for leaving no one behind.”
Focus Areas
The 2025 RFSDs will conduct in-depth reviews of the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- SDG 3: Good health and well-being
- SDG 5: Gender equality
- SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth
- SDG 14: Life below water
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
These forums will also support countries preparing their Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) for the 2025 HLPF, providing an opportunity to showcase progress, share best practices, and identify gaps in implementation.
2025 RFSD Schedule
Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD)
- Dates: 25–28 February 2025
- Location: Bangkok, Thailand
- Facilitator: UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)
- For stakeholder engagement follow: Asia Pacific RCEM
- More Information: APFSD 2025
Arab Regional Forum on Sustainable Development
- Dates: 25–28 March 2025
- Location: TBC
- Facilitator: UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA)
- More Information: Arab RFSD 2025
Latin America and the Caribbean Regional Forum on Sustainable Development
- Dates: 31 March – 4 April 2025
- Location: Santiago, Chile
- Facilitator: UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC)
- For stakeholder engagement follow: here
- More Information: Latin America and the Caribbean RFSD 2025
UNECE Regional Forum on Sustainable Development
- Dates: 2–3 April 2025
- Location: Geneva, Switzerland
- Facilitator: UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)
- For stakeholder engagement follow: ECE RCEM
- More Information: UNECE RFSD 2025
Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (ARFSD)
- Dates: 9–11 April 2025
- Location: Kampala, Uganda
- Facilitator: UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA)
- For stakeholder engagement follow: ARMMGoS on Twitter
- More Information: ARFSD 2025
Why the RFSDs Matter
The RFSDs provide a unique opportunity to:
- Address regional priorities and challenges in implementing the SDGs.
- Foster collaboration across countries, sectors, and stakeholders to achieve sustainable development.
- Share innovative, science-based solutions and best practices to advance progress on the SDGs.
- Strengthen accountability and peer learning through VNR discussions.
By advancing evidence-based and inclusive approaches, the RFSDs continue to play a critical role in ensuring that no one is left behind in achieving the 2030 Agenda.
The forums create inclusive spaces for diverse stakeholders, including governments, civil society, the private sector, and academia, to engage in meaningful dialogue. This ensures that all voices, including those of marginalized groups, are heard and integrated into the sustainable development agenda. Stay tuned for updates from each RFSD as we work together to create a more sustainable and equitable future.
