Science Day at HLPF 2025: International partnerships for sustainable development

Science Day at HLPF 2025: International partnerships for sustainable development | Photo: Artturi Jalli

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), remains a global blueprint for tackling poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation. On 23 July 2025, Science Day at the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF), convened by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), underscored the critical role of science in advancing these ambitions.

By uniting scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders, the event illuminated how multi-stakeholder partnerships, particularly under SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), can bridge the chasm between research and actionable policy. With only 35% of SDG targets on track, as reported in the 2025 Sustainable Development Goals Report, the urgency to harness science-policy interfaces for systemic change has never been greater. Addressing this gap promises to accelerate progress towards a sustainable, inclusive future, ensuring no one is left behind.

Science-policy solutions for global challenges

Science Day 2025, held in New York, showcased the transformative potential of academic networks in addressing global challenges. Experts like Dr. Marianne Beisheim, from Germany’s Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik, highlighted the need for institutionalised, cross-sectoral scientific advice. Germany’s model, where biannual dialogues unite 20 advisory councils across federal ministries, exemplifies how evidence-based policymaking can align fragmented efforts.

The Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), mobilising over 2,000 academic institutions globally, further amplifies this approach, fostering collaborations that translate research into practical solutions for sustainable development. For instance, SDSN’s initiatives, such as policy briefs on health and water in the Amazon, demonstrate how science can inform region-specific strategies, aligning with SDG 17’s call for revitalised global partnerships.

Yet, challenges persist. The implementation gap, the disconnect between scientific knowledge and policy action, remains a significant hurdle, particularly in regions with limited research infrastructure. The 2025 SDG Progress Report notes that the annual investment gap for SDGs stands at $4 trillion, with developing countries facing acute funding shortages for data systems and statistical capacities. Science Day addressed this through case studies, such as Sámi reindeer husbandry in the Arctic, illustrating how local knowledge can complement scientific research to drive sustainable outcomes. These examples underscore the need for inclusive partnerships that integrate diverse expertise to overcome systemic barriers.

Globally, the trend towards multi-stakeholder collaboration is gaining momentum. The HLPF’s focus on SDG 17 reflects a growing recognition that no single entity, government, academia, or civil society, can achieve the SDGs alone. In 2023, financial flows to developing countries increased, but debt servicing costs hit a record high, underscoring the need for innovative financing models. Science Day’s discussions, including insights from the International Science Council, emphasised that science must be made “usable” for policymakers, advocating for sustained political will and greater policy coherence across global processes.

Deepening global collaboration

The insights from Science Day 2025 highlight a pivotal truth: science-driven partnerships are indispensable for achieving the SDGs. Readers are encouraged to explore further resources to understand how global efforts are shaping a sustainable future.

Visit the UN Sustainable Development Knowledge Platform for comprehensive insights into the 2030 Agenda, or delve into the Sustainable Development Solutions Network for details on academic contributions to the SDGs. Engaging with these platforms fosters a deeper understanding of how collaborative innovation can address the world’s most pressing challenges, ensuring a resilient, equitable planet for future generations.