Data and the SDGs: Conferences and Events to follow in 2023
At SDGCounting, we provide the most up-to-date information on the progress of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A significant part of that work is tracking data-related events worldwide to keep you informed of the international community’s progress towards the Global Goals. Check out our list of sessions to stay aware of in 2023.
SDG Data Specific Events
- International Forum on Migration Statistics (January)
- World Summit on Information Society (March)
- UN World Data Forum (April)
- High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (July)
- UN General Assembly (September)
- Global Goals Week (September)
- SDG Summit (September)
- Data for Development Festival (November)
Other Significant SDG Related Events
- World Economic Forum Annual Meeting (January)
- ECOSOC Partnership Forum (January)
- UN Water Conference (March)
- Multi-Stakeholder Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation for the SDGs (May)
- ECOSOC High Level Segment (July)
- UN Climate Change Conference — COP28 (November)
Additional Event Resources
SDG Data Specific Events
The following events have a primary focus on data and statistics related to the SDGs and will be among our highest priorities for the year.
International Forum on Migration Statistics
14–26 January | Santiago, Chile
The 3rd International Forum on Migration Statistics (IFMS 2023) is an event organized by the the Statistics and Population Divisions of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), theOrganization for Economix Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The focus is discussing ways to improve the collection, analysis, and use of migration data worldwide, to fill existing migration data gaps and to better inform policy making. It will bring together producers and users of migration statistics from national and international statistical offices, other government agencies, international organizations, academia, civil society, and the private sector.
World Summit on Information Society
13–17 March | Geneva, Switzerland
The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum is an annual global multi-stakeholder platform to facilitate the implementation of the WSIS Action Lines. It is organized by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), UNESCO, The UN Development Programme (UNDP) and the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) to facilitate discussion around information management. The 2023 theme is WSIS Action Lines for building back better and accelerating the achievement of the SDGs.
UN World Data Forum
24–27 April | Hangzhou, China
The UN World Data Forum is a series of events designed to promote data innovation, build partnerships, and foster financial and political support for data. It brings together interested stakeholders, including governments, civil society, private sector, donors, and international and regional agencies. Events generally culminate in a guiding document addressing how data can assist in achieving the SDGs.
High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development
10–20 July | New York, USA
The High-level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development in 2023 will focus on accelerating the recovery from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Participants will be able to discuss recovery measures and explore actionable policy guidance to implement the SDGs. The forum will also review Goals 6, 7, 9, 11, and 17 in-depth, and 41 presenters will carry out Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs). Other activities including Side Events, VNR Labs, Special Events, and Exhibition will be organized alongside the plenary sessions. This forum will be pivotal in helping to shape the mid-term review of the implementation of the SDGs and preparations for the 2023 SDG Summit in the General Assembly.
UN General Assembly / Global Goals Week / SDG Summit
12–30 September | New York, USA
The pinnacle of global cooperation gatherings is undoubtedly the UN General Assembly. While not exclusively a data related event, its importance in the annual cycle of evaluating progress on the Global Goals cannot be over stated. Within the normal proceedings, there are two specific events that deserve attention:
Global Goals Week
Likely 23–30 September
Global Goals Week is an opportunity for the global community to come together as one and commit to achieving the SDGs by 2030. It is a multi-sectoral effort with more than 150 partners from civil society, business, academia and the UN system. During the week, individuals and organizations can join the conversation in order to share ideas and solutions to build back better from global challenges. It is a shared commitment to accelerate action on the SDGs and make sure that no one is left behind.
SDG Summit
20–21 September
https://www.un.org/en/conferences/SDGSummit2023
The 2023 SDG Summit will bring together Heads of State and Government to review progress and provide high-level political guidance to accelerate action towards the achievement of the SDGs. The Summit aims to mark the beginning of a new phase of accelerated progress towards the SDGs, with a negotiated political declaration as its outcome.
Data for Development Festival
7–9 Nov | Punta del Este, Uruguay
This data event by Data4SDGs seeks to strengthen data communities and empower them to unlock the value of data in order to meet the SDGs. Through this event, people and communities in the data space can connect and collaborate to drive innovation and bring about meaningful change. It will also be a platform for announcing new impactful collaborations to unlock investment.
Other Significant SDG Related Events
The following events focus on topics broader than just data and the SDGs, but are sure to be relevant for those tracking progress around the Global Goals.
World Economic Forum Annual meeting
15–20 January | Davos, Switzerland
At the World Economic Forum’s 53rd Annual Meeting, leaders from around the world will come together to discuss the current economic, energy, food, investment, trade, industry, social and geopolitical challenges facing the world. Discussion will focus on solving the current crises while also setting them against the backdrop of system transformation imperatives. The four days will cover a wide spectrum of formats for interaction and learning, with addresses by key heads of state and government and various geo-economic and geopolitical deliberations. The meeting will be livestreamed with expert briefings available to the public.
ECOSOC Partnership Forum
31 January | New York, USA
The main theme of the 2023 UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Partnership Forum is “Accelerating the recovery from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at all levels”. The Forum brings together UN Member States, civil society, the private sector, scientists, women, youth, local governments and many other stakeholders to discuss innovative efforts that are driving action on the SDGs and to highlight the contributions that partnerships can make in this regard. An analytical summary will be prepared following the Forum to serve as input for the 2023 HLPF and SDG Summit, as well as other key inter-governmental processes.
UN Water Conference
22–24 March | New York, USA
The Water Conference 2023 is an international event that will bring together leading organizations, government representatives, and experts in the field of water and sustainability. This conference will provide a platform to discuss the challenges and opportunities related to water, climate change and sustainable development. Participants will be able to learn from global thought leaders, engage in interactive sessions and gain insights from a variety of perspectives.
Multi-Stakeholder Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation for the SDGs
3–4 May | New York, USA
This forum will explore the role of science, technology and innovation (STI) in mitigating the impacts of the pandemic and accelerating the recovery from it, while also providing an opportunity to focus on the role of STI in the achievement of the 2030 Agenda. Participants will focus on the key challenges facing the international community in making progress towards the SDGs, discuss the emerging opportunities and challenges in the field of STI, and consider the policy and financing needs for harnessing the potential of STI to achieve the SDGs.
ECOSOC High Level Segment
17–20 July | New York, USA
The High Level Segment (HLS) provides an opportunity for high-level representatives to discuss progress, challenges, and the way forward for achieving the SDGs. This year’s HLS is expected to include a review of the progress made towards achieving the SDGs, a discussion on opportunities and challenges in the implementation of the SDGs, and an exchange of ideas on how to accelerate progress. It will also feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, and interactive dialogues on topics such as building resilience, promoting decent work and economic growth, and creating an enabling environment for sustainable development.
UN Climate Change Conference — COP28
30 November — 12 December | Dubai, UAE
The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) 28th Conference of Parties (COP 28) is set to take place in the United Arab Emirates from November 4–6th, 2023 at Expo City Dubai. Many significant details of the conference have yet to be announced.
Additional Event Resources
You can find additional information on upcoming events at the links below:
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